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1.
J Appl Toxicol ; 2024 Jul 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39044430

ABSTRACT

The increasing use of industrial chemicals has raised concerns regarding exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which interfere with developmental, reproductive and metabolic processes. Of particular concern is their interaction with adipose tissue, a vital component of the endocrine system regulating metabolic and hormonal functions. The SGBS (Simpson Golabi Behmel Syndrome) cell line, a well-established human-relevant model for adipocyte research, closely mimics native adipocytes' properties. It responds to hormonal stimuli, undergoes adipogenesis and has been successfully used to study the impact of EDCs on adipose biology. In this study, we screened human exposure-relevant doses of various EDCs on the SGBS cell line to investigate their effects on viability, lipid accumulation and adipogenesis-related protein expression. Submicromolar doses were generally well tolerated; however, at higher doses, EDCs compromised cell viability, with cadmium chloride (CdCl2) showing the most pronounced effects. Intracellular lipid levels remained unaffected by EDCs, except for tributyltin (TBT), used as a positive control, which induced a significant increase. Analysis of adipogenesis-related protein expression revealed several effects, including downregulation of fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) by dibutyl phthalate, upregulation by CdCl2 and downregulation of perilipin 1 and FABP4 by perfluorooctanoic acid. Additionally, TBT induced dose-dependent upregulation of C/EBPα, perilipin 1 and FABP4 protein expression. These findings underscore the importance of employing appropriate models to study EDC-adipocyte interactions. Conclusions from this research could guide strategies to reduce the negative impacts of EDC exposure on adipose tissue.

2.
Cancers (Basel) ; 16(11)2024 May 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38893100

ABSTRACT

Maximal resection with the preservation of neurological function are the mainstays of the surgical management of high-grade meningiomas. Surgical morbidity is strongly associated with tumor size, location, and invasiveness, whereas patient survival is strongly associated with the extent of resection, tumor biology, and patient health. A versatile microsurgical skill set combined with a cogent multimodality treatment plan is critical in order to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Continued refinement in surgical techniques in conjunction with directed radiotherapeutic and medical therapies will define future treatment.

3.
Adv Exp Med Biol ; 1441: 505-534, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38884729

ABSTRACT

Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are recognized as one of the commonest congenital heart diseases (CHD), accounting for up to 40% of all cardiac malformations, and occur as isolated CHDs as well as together with other cardiac and extracardiac congenital malformations in individual patients and families. The genetic etiology of VSD is complex and extraordinarily heterogeneous. Chromosomal abnormalities such as aneuploidy and structural variations as well as rare point mutations in various genes have been reported to be associated with this cardiac defect. This includes both well-defined syndromes with known genetic cause (e.g., DiGeorge syndrome and Holt-Oram syndrome) and so far undefined syndromic forms characterized by unspecific symptoms. Mutations in genes encoding cardiac transcription factors (e.g., NKX2-5 and GATA4) and signaling molecules (e.g., CFC1) have been most frequently found in VSD cases. Moreover, new high-resolution methods such as comparative genomic hybridization enabled the discovery of a high number of different copy number variations, leading to gain or loss of chromosomal regions often containing multiple genes, in patients with VSD. In this chapter, we will describe the broad genetic heterogeneity observed in VSD patients considering recent advances in this field.


Subject(s)
Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular , Humans , Chromosome Aberrations , DNA Copy Number Variations/genetics , Genetic Predisposition to Disease/genetics , Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular/genetics , Mutation , Transcription Factors/genetics
4.
Ophthalmologie ; 121(7): 540-547, 2024 Jul.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38904720

ABSTRACT

Myasthenia gravis is a well-understood autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular synapse that is medicinally treatable with favorable results and therefore should not be overlooked in the differential diagnostic evaluation of vertical diplopia. Myasthenia is primarily a clinical diagnosis. Positive indications include double vision of fluctuating severity, diurnal variations, double vision after lengthy gaze fixation on a distant object and in the primary position as well as diplopia in various visual directions, often associated with a varying extent of ptosis. Clinical tests are the Simpson test, the ice on eyes test and the probatory administration of pyridostigmine. Positive results corroborate this diagnosis but negative results do not exclude myasthenia. The same applies for the determination of specific autoantibodies. In addition to ocular symptoms it is important to search for generalized symptoms and bulbopharyngeal symptoms in particular should prompt immediate neurological diagnostics. In addition to symptomatic treatment a wide range of immunotherapeutic agents are available. Thymectomy is also used for immunomodulatory indications according to the 2023 revised guidelines. Patient-centered treatment goals, patient education and comprehensive information, also via the self-help organization German Myasthenia Society, are essential components of successful treatment of myasthenia.


Subject(s)
Diplopia , Myasthenia Gravis , Humans , Diplopia/etiology , Diplopia/diagnosis , Myasthenia Gravis/diagnosis , Myasthenia Gravis/therapy , Myasthenia Gravis/complications , Aged , Diagnosis, Differential , Aged, 80 and over , Thymectomy , Female , Male
5.
World Neurosurg ; 186: e342-e352, 2024 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38570092

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Giant meningiomas may show special features in terms of biological behavior and management. We aimed to research recurrence and mortality of giant meningiomas. METHODS: Medical files of patients with meningioma with at least 1 dimension of ≥5 cm in any plane in radiological investigations between December 2012 and January 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Tumor dimensions were measured on magnetic resonance images except 1. All patients except two underwent clinical follow-up at a mean of 27.19 ± 29.87 (range, 4-112) months. RESULTS: There were 42 patients, 26 (61.9%) women and 16 (38.1%) men who ranged in age from 31 to 85 (mean, 60.31 ± 14.86) years. Headache (57.1%) was the most common symptom. The mean tumor size was 70.14 ± 19.03 (range, 50-152) mm. Tumors were most located at the frontal convexity (40.5%). Simpson grade I resection was achieved in 19% of the cases. The tumors were World Health Organization grade 1 in 74% and grade 2 in 26% of the cases. Major complications developed in 26.1% of the patients. Recurrence happened in 5 (11.9%) cases. The number of World Health Organization grade 2 tumors (P = 0.013; P < 0.05) and tumor size (P = 0.006; P < 0.01) were significantly higher in the recurrent cases. Mortality was % 11.9 and statistically significantly higher in the recurrence group (P = 0.025; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Giant intracranial meningiomas are challenging because of surgical experience, tumor size, peritumoral edema, blood supply, anatomical changes, and limited visibility. They have a high risk of recurrence and mortality.


Subject(s)
Meningeal Neoplasms , Meningioma , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Humans , Meningioma/mortality , Meningioma/surgery , Meningioma/diagnostic imaging , Meningioma/pathology , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Aged , Meningeal Neoplasms/mortality , Meningeal Neoplasms/surgery , Meningeal Neoplasms/pathology , Meningeal Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Adult , Aged, 80 and over , Retrospective Studies , Cohort Studies , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Follow-Up Studies
6.
World Neurosurg ; 187: e331-e339, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38649022

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Meningiomas are the most frequent primary intracranial tumor. While histological grade and grade of excision are established predictors of recurrence, the predictive ability of other clinical features, such as the role of radical excision of dural attachment and postoperative radiation therapy in intermediate-risk groups, remains unknown. METHODS: Clinical and radiological features and surgical details were analyzed in 451 World Health Organization (WHO) grade 1 intracranial meningiomas and 248 WHO grade 2 meningiomas operated on between 2010 and 2015. Outcomes were assessed in 352 WHO grade 1 and 208 WHO grade 2 meningiomas, studying the effect of extent of resection and use of radiation therapy. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine differences in survival by extent of resection and use of postoperative radiation therapy in the treatment of the meningiomas. RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort was 46.3 years, with a female predominance. On univariate analysis, sex, WHO grade, and Simpson grade were significant predictors of recurrence. On multivariate analysis, WHO grade and Simpson grade remained significant predictors of recurrence. Recurrence was significantly associated with poor performance status and mortality. Postoperative radiation significantly improved progression-free survival among patients with grade 2 meningiomas who underwent gross total resection, but not among patients with grade 1 and grade 2 meningiomas who underwent subtotal resection. CONCLUSIONS: WHO grade and Simpson grade are independent predictors of recurrence in meningiomas. Regardless of WHO grade, gross total resection must be performed when possible, and postoperative radiation therapy may be recommended in grade 2 meningiomas.


Subject(s)
Meningeal Neoplasms , Meningioma , Neoplasm Grading , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , World Health Organization , Humans , Meningioma/surgery , Meningioma/pathology , Meningioma/mortality , Female , Male , Middle Aged , Meningeal Neoplasms/surgery , Meningeal Neoplasms/pathology , Meningeal Neoplasms/mortality , Prognosis , Adult , Aged , Treatment Outcome , Retrospective Studies , Young Adult , Adolescent , Neurosurgical Procedures/methods , Kaplan-Meier Estimate , Aged, 80 and over
7.
World Neurosurg ; 186: e683-e693, 2024 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38608810

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of parasagittal meningiomas (PMs) remains controversial in the literature. The need to pursue a resection as radical as possible and the high risk of venous injuries contribute to making the sinus opening a widely argued choice. This study aimed to analyze factors affecting the risk of recurrence and to assess clinical outcomes of patients who underwent surgical resection of PMs with conservative or aggressive management of the intrasinusal portion. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective review of all patients with PM surgically treated between January 2013 and March 2021 was conducted. RESULTS: Among 56 patients, the sinus was opened in 32 patients (57%), and a conservative approach was used in 24 patients (43%). The sinus opening was found to be a predictive factor of radical resection (Simpson grade [SG] I-II) (P = 0.007). SG was the only predictive factor of recurrence (P < 0.001). The radical resection group (SG I-II) showed recurrence-free survival at 72 months of about 90% versus 30% in the non-radical resection group (SG III-IV) (log-rank test = 14.21, P < 0.001). Aggressive management of the sinus and radical resection were not found to be related to permanent deficit (P = 0.214 and P = 0.254) or worsening of Karnofsky performance scale score (P = 0.822 and P = 0.933). CONCLUSIONS: Removal of the intrasinusal portion of the tumor using standard procedures is not associated with a higher risk of permanent deficit or worsening of Karnofsky performance scale and reduces the risk of recurrence.


Subject(s)
Cranial Sinuses , Meningeal Neoplasms , Meningioma , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Neurosurgical Procedures , Humans , Meningioma/surgery , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Meningeal Neoplasms/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Aged , Adult , Neurosurgical Procedures/methods , Cranial Sinuses/surgery , Treatment Outcome , Aged, 80 and over
8.
J Vet Cardiol ; 52: 43-60, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38428366

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Many canine cardiac diseases are associated with left atrial (LA) remodeling and decreased function. For accurate assessment of LA indices, large-scale and prospectively determined reference intervals are necessary. OBJECTIVES: To generate reference intervals of LA size and function using two-dimensional and three-dimensional echocardiography. ANIMALS: Two hundred and one healthy adult dogs. METHODS: Left atrial volume was assessed in right parasternal long-axis, left apical four-chamber and two-chamber views using monoplane Simpson's method, two-dimensional and three-dimensional speckle tracking. Additionally, LA diameter was measured in right parasternal short-axis and long-axis views. Furthermore, LA function was determined by measuring strain and calculating LA fractional shortening and ejection fraction. All variables were tested for correlation to heart rate, age, and body weight. For LA diameter and volume, scaling exponents and prediction intervals were generated using allometric scaling. Reference intervals for LA function parameters were calculated using nonparametric methods. RESULTS: Left atrial diameter and volume showed a strong correlation with body weight. The scaling exponent for LA diameter was approximately 1/3 (0.34-0.40) and approximately one for volume measurements (0.97-1.26). Parameters of LA function showed no clinically relevant correlation with body weight, except for two variables, which showed a mild negative correlation. No clinically relevant correlations with age or heart rate were found. CONCLUSIONS: Reference intervals for linear, two-dimensional and three-dimensional measurements of LA size and function were established. The wide range of measurement methods offers the opportunity to select the appropriate reference values for LA evaluation depending on the available technical possibilities.


Subject(s)
Atrial Function, Left , Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional , Echocardiography , Heart Atria , Animals , Dogs/anatomy & histology , Reference Values , Heart Atria/diagnostic imaging , Heart Atria/anatomy & histology , Female , Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional/veterinary , Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional/methods , Male , Echocardiography/veterinary , Atrial Function, Left/physiology
9.
Heliyon ; 10(5): e26509, 2024 Mar 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38434375

ABSTRACT

Policy advocates commonly use income diversification strategies worldwide to address economic disturbances such as poverty. Realizing the importance of poverty reduction and the raging debate on whether the household should specialize or diversify their income, this study attempts to investigate the poverty and income diversification nexus in a tea estate of Bangladesh. A multistage sampling procedure was applied to select 1 tea estate and 382 households. Primary data was collected through interview schedule. The Simpson diversification index and Alkire-Foster multidimensional poverty index were used to measure income diversification and multidimensional poverty respectively. Additionally, this paper used the propensity score matching method to assess the causal impact of income diversification on multidimensional poverty. The findings revealed that the research area has a 35% household level income diversity, a 43% household level multidimensional poverty rate, and income diversification has a positive impact on multidimensional poverty reduction. The multidimensional poverty was reduced by 0.095% on average for income diversified households. Therefore, from a policy perspective, income diversification can be a good solution for reducing household-level multidimensional poverty. Government and other stakeholders should redesign working guidelines for tea workers regarding working hour, days and wage in such a way that they can engage in several income-generating activities apart from tea production-related activities in the tea estates.

10.
J Neurol Surg B Skull Base ; 85(2): 145-155, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38449587

ABSTRACT

The Simpson grading scale for the classification of the extent of meningioma resection provided a tremendous movement forward in 1957 suggesting increasing the extent of resection improves recurrence rates. However, equal, if not greater, movements forward have been made in the neurosurgical community over the last half a century owing to improvements in neuroimaging capabilities, microsurgical techniques, and radiotherapeutic strategies. Sughrue et al proposed the idea that these advancements have altered what a "recurrence" and "subtotal resection" truly means in modern neurosurgery compared with Simpson's era, and that a mandated use of the Simpson Scale is likely less clinically relevant today. A subsequent period of debate ensued in the literature which sought to re-examine the clinical value of using the Simpson Scale in modern neurosurgery. While a large body of evidence has recently been provided, these data generally continue to support the clinical importance of gross tumor resection as well as the value of adjuvant radiation therapy and the importance of recently updated World Health Organization classifications. However, there remains a negligible interval benefit in performing overly aggressive surgery and heroic maneuvers to remove the last bit of tumor, dura, and/or bone just for the simple act of achieving a lower Simpson score. Ultimately, meningioma surgery may be better contextualized as a continuous set of weighted risk-benefit decisions throughout the entire operation.

11.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 121(7): e2308901121, 2024 Feb 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38315843

ABSTRACT

Global warming increases available sensible and latent heat energy, increasing the thermodynamic potential wind intensity of tropical cyclones (TCs). Supported by theory, observations, and modeling, this causes a shift in mean TC intensity, which tends to manifest most clearly at the greatest intensities. The Saffir-Simpson scale for categorizing damage based on the wind intensity of TCs was introduced in the early 1970s and remains the most commonly used metric for public communication of the level of wind hazard that a TC poses. Because the scale is open-ended and does not extend beyond category 5 (70 m/s windspeed or greater), the level of wind hazard conveyed by the scale remains constant regardless of how far the intensity extends beyond 70 m/s. This may be considered a weakness of the scale, particularly considering that the destructive potential of the wind increases exponentially. Here, we consider how this weakness becomes amplified in a warming world by elucidating the past and future increases of peak wind speeds in the most intense TCs. A simple extrapolation of the Saffir-Simpson scale is used to define a hypothetical category 6, and we describe the frequency of TCs, both past and projected under global warming, that would fall under this category. We find that a number of recent storms have already achieved this hypothetical category 6 intensity and based on multiple independent lines of evidence examining the highest simulated and potential peak wind speeds, more such storms are projected as the climate continues to warm.

12.
Sci Total Environ ; 914: 169769, 2024 Mar 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38181964

ABSTRACT

The vigorous development of marine fisheries carbon sinks (MFCS) has become a momentous pathway to mitigate global warming and effectively cope with the climate crisis. Deservedly, based on clarifying mechanism of carbon sequestration, this paper designs a research paradigm for predicting and evaluating the potential of MFCS. Specifically, a novel nonlinear grey Bernoulli model, namely MFCSNGBM(1,1), is proposed by innovatively mining the original data law through adaptive cumulative series and introducing the compound Simpson formula to optimize background values. More precisely, we utilize a heuristic Grey Wolf Optimization algorithm to find the best power index, which enhances the adaptability. To prove usefulness and robustness of MFCSNGBM(1,1) model, yields of seven common shellfishes (oyster, clam, mussel, scallop, razor clam, bloody clam, and snail) and three main algae (kelp, pinnatifid undaria, and laver) are predicted and compared with six competing models. Based on prediction results, new model has the most accurate predictions, with all prediction errors being <10 %, and thus can achieve effective prediction of shellfish and algae production from 2022 to 2025. Further, the capacity and potential of MFCS in China are scientifically evaluated using a removable carbon sink model, considering various yield levels and biological parameters of shellfish and algae. The assessment results show that during the sample period, China's marine fisheries carbon sinks steadily increased with an annual growth rate of 57,000 tons. From 2022 to 2025, with support of policy of MFCS and improvement of disaster prevention and mitigation capacity, the potential of MFCS will be further released. The growth rate of MFCS will be increased to 94,000 tons per year, and its overall scale is expected to reach 2,198,245 tons by 2025, equivalent to fixing 8.06 million tons of CO2. The carbon sink's economic value is significantly estimated to be over 400 billion yuan.


Subject(s)
Carbon Sequestration , Edible Seaweeds , Fisheries , Porphyra , Global Warming , China , Carbon Dioxide/analysis , Carbon/analysis
13.
Acta Neurochir (Wien) ; 166(1): 28, 2024 Jan 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38261164

ABSTRACT

Technological (and also methodological) advances in neurosurgery and neuroimaging have prompted a reappraisal of Simpson's grading of the extent of meningioma resections. To the authors, the published evidence supports the tenets of this classification. Meningioma is an often surgically curable dura-based disease. An extent of meningioma resection classification needs to account for a clinically meaningful variation of the risk of recurrence depending on the aggressiveness of the management of the (dural) tumor origin.Nevertheless, the 1957 Simpson classification undoubtedly suffers from many limitations. Important issues include substantial problems with the applicability of the grading paradigm in different locations. Most notably, tumor location and growth pattern often determine the eventual extent of resection, i.e., the Simpson grading does not reflect what is surgically achievable. Another very significant problem is the inherent subjectivity of relying on individual intraoperative assessments. Neuroimaging advances such as the use of somatostatin receptor PET scanning may help to overcome this central problem. Tumor malignancy and biology in general certainly influence the role of the extent of resection but may not need to be incorporated in an actual extent of resection grading scheme as long as one does not aim at developing a prognostic score. Finally, all attempts at grading meningioma resections use tumor recurrence as the endpoint. However, especially in view of radiosurgery/radiotherapy options, the clinical significance of recurrent tumor growth varies greatly between cases.In summary, while the extent of resection certainly matters in meningioma surgery, grading resections remains controversial. Given the everyday clinical relevance of this issue, a multicenter prospective register or study effort is probably warranted (including a prominent focus on advanced neuroimaging).


Subject(s)
Meningeal Neoplasms , Meningioma , Humans , Meningioma/diagnostic imaging , Meningioma/surgery , Neurosurgical Procedures , Dura Mater , Neuroimaging , Meningeal Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Meningeal Neoplasms/surgery , Multicenter Studies as Topic
14.
J Med Case Rep ; 18(1): 4, 2024 Jan 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38178270

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Say-Barber-Biesecker-Young-Simpson (SBBYS) (OMIM #603736, Ohdo syndrome variant) is a rare type of severe blepharophimosis intellectual disability syndrome, which is generally characterized by a global developmental delay, distinctive facial features, and intellectual disability with multiple congenital anomalies, including skeletal involvement, missing, or underdeveloped kneecaps, and genital anomalies, in affected males. It has been shown that mutations in the KAT6B gene, which is a lysine acetyltransferase-encoding gene, have been associated with SBBYS syndrome. All the known variants are dominant de novo mutations that result in protein truncation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 14-year-old Iranian Azeri boy with an intellectual disability, distinct dysmorphic facial features such as open-mouth expression, sparse medial eyebrows, widely spaced upward-slanted eyes, epicanthal folds, broad nasal bridge, low-set ears, anteverted ears, short philtrum, hypertelorism, microphthalmia is presented in this case study. Cryptorchidism was reported. Neurologically, the patient presented with poor eye contact, hypotonia, and speech difficulties. In the skeletal X-ray, underdeveloped kneecaps with some new features were observed. CONCLUSION: We present the first case of SBBYS syndrome in association with some new anomaly features in the Iranian population. Based on this diagnosis, we could provide the patient with a suitable plan of management as well as appropriate genetic counseling for his family.


Subject(s)
Blepharophimosis , Intellectual Disability , Male , Humans , Adolescent , Intellectual Disability/diagnosis , Blepharophimosis/genetics , Blepharophimosis/diagnosis , Iran , Mutation , Phenotype , Histone Acetyltransferases/genetics
15.
Brief Bioinform ; 25(1)2023 11 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38113079

ABSTRACT

Millions of RNA sequencing samples have been deposited into public databases, providing a rich resource for biological research. These datasets encompass tens of thousands of experiments and offer comprehensive insights into human cellular regulation. However, a major challenge is how to integrate these experiments that acquired at different conditions. We propose a new statistical tool based on beta-binomial distributions that can construct robust gene co-regulation network (CoRegNet) across tens of thousands of experiments. Our analysis of over 12 000 experiments involving human tissues and cells shows that CoRegNet significantly outperforms existing gene co-expression-based methods. Although the majority of the genes are linearly co-regulated, we did discover an interesting set of genes that are non-linearly co-regulated; half of the time they change in the same direction and the other half they change in the opposite direction. Additionally, we identified a set of gene pairs that follows the Simpson's paradox. By utilizing public domain data, CoRegNet offers a powerful approach for identifying functionally related gene pairs, thereby revealing new biological insights.


Subject(s)
Gene Regulatory Networks , Models, Statistical , Humans , RNA-Seq , Sequence Analysis, RNA/methods , Gene Expression Profiling/methods
16.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int ; 30(58): 122219-122229, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37966644

ABSTRACT

The objective of this work was to develop a polymeric structure for a biofiltration unit of domestic effluents through microbiological immobilization, capable of promoting the efficient removal of pollutants, meeting local/national Brazilian standards and/or legislation while providing low environmental impact on their production. Four different structures were tested, namely, polypropylene casings without filling material (TF1); polypropylene casings filled with expanded polystyrene grains (TF2); polypropylene casings, filled with polyurethane foam (TF3); and polypropylene casings, filled with polyvinyl chloride pellets (TF4). A flow of 0.216 m3 d-1 was applied to the system, and the biofilters operated in sequential batches with a hydraulic retention time of 6 h. The efficiency potential of the four immobilization structures was verified regarding biochemical and chemical oxygen demand, total ammoniacal nitrogen and total phosphorus. Microbiological analysis of the formed biofilm, performed with the 16S library sequencing method, with amplification of the 16S rRNA V3 and V3-V4 genomic regions, showed a high diversity of microbiological colonization in the four immobilization structures, with better results and consequently greater community stability in TF2. It is recommended using the filter bed made up of unfilled casings, followed by the one filled with expanded polystyrene grains.


Subject(s)
Sewage , Waste Disposal, Fluid , Sewage/chemistry , Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods , Brazil , Polystyrenes , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S , Polypropylenes , Bioreactors , Biofilms , Nitrogen/chemistry
17.
Acad Radiol ; 2023 Nov 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37993304

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Tumor progression and recurrence(P/R)after surgical resection are common in meningioma patients and can indicate poor prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the values of clinicopathological information and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics in predicting P/R and progression-free survival (PFS) in meningioma patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 169 patients with pathologically confirmed meningioma were included in this study, 54 of whom experienced P/R. Clinicopathological information, including age, gender, Simpson grading, World Health Organization (WHO) grading, Ki-67 index, and radiotherapy history, as well as preoperative traditional radiographic findings and radiomics features for each MRI modality (T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and enhanced T1-weighted images) were initially extracted. After feature selection, the optimal performance was estimated among the models established using different feature sets. Finally, Cox survival analysis was further used to predict PFS. RESULTS: Ki-67 index, Simpson grading, WHO grading, and radiotherapy history were found to be independent predictors for P/R in the multivariate regression analysis. This clinicopathological model had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.865 and 0.817 in the training and testing sets, respectively. The performance of the combined radiomics model reached 0.85 and 0.84, respectively. A clinicopathological-radiomics model was then established, which significantly improved the prediction of meningioma P/R (AUC = 0.93 and 0.88, respectively). Finally, the risk ratio was estimated for each selected feature, and the C-index of 0.749 was obtained. CONCLUSION: Radiomics signatures of preoperative MRI have the ability to predict meningioma at the risk of P/R. By integrating clinicopathological information, the best performance was achieved.

18.
Surg Neurol Int ; 14: 380, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37941614

ABSTRACT

Background: Falcine meningiomas account for 5% of intracranial meningiomas. They may involve the eloquent cortex as well as vascular structures. Gross-total resection with additional margins has been shown to be beneficial to patients and has been associated with a reduction in disease recurrence. Case Description: A 57-year-old patient presented with recurrent frontal headaches that worsened when lying down. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large lesion with homogeneous enhancement attached to the anterior third of the falx cerebri at the right frontal lobe, causing significant compression, and suggesting a meningioma. Conclusion: This operative video highlights the application of 1st-time, exposure, bone removal, arachnoid, irrigation, and reconstruction principles for safely and effectively removing a large falcine meningioma using the "grade zero" concept for maximal resection.

19.
Environ Monit Assess ; 195(12): 1555, 2023 Dec 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38036716

ABSTRACT

This research quantitatively evaluated the diversity of plants to protect vulnerable species. To measure vegetation information, the appropriate sampling plot size was determined based on the canopy cover of the dominant species of the study area (1 m2). Then, in each unit, sampling was done along 3 transects of 100 m. Along each transect, 10 plots with dimensions of one square meter were placed at a distance of 10 m from each other. In each plot, the type, life forms, frequency of plant species, and species density were recorded. Species diversity indices were calculated using Ecological Methodology software. The values obtained from these indicators were analyzed in SPSS 24 statistical software and using the F test. The results of the Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the highest values of the species diversity indices are in the middle altitudes (ecotone) class. ANOVA of the richness, evenness, and heterogeneity indices in different altitude classes showed that the values of the richness indices were not significant, but among the indices related to the heterogeneity, the Hill index and all the evenness indices were significant. Comparing the numerical indices of our communities enables us to determine the impact of environmental stress in a single community to choose the best habitat among a similar group for conservation. A community that has high diversity and richness is important for conservation. Therefore, the authorities must prevent the destruction of the vegetation of the study area in connection with the implementation of principled and correct management by the potential of the region, but also to reduce the pressure of livestock grazing and carry out corrective and restoration operations, to turn these rangelands towards rich diversity.


Subject(s)
Biodiversity , Ecosystem , Iran , Environmental Monitoring , Plants
20.
Perspect Psychol Sci ; : 17456916231190824, 2023 Sep 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37669013

ABSTRACT

Humans now understand the world as multilevel in nature. For example, societies emerge from individuals, and general experiences of life consist of specific aspects and momentary episodes. A critical feature of multilevel phenomena is between-level incongruences. Applied to human positivity, this means that positive higher-level units are not simply composed of positive lower-level units and that what is good for lower-level units may not be good for higher-level units (and vice versa). For example, killjoys may improve societal well-being, personal achievement may require giving up on certain goals, and a happy life may not arise from simply happy moments. In this article, I provide examples (organized by the positive outcome of well-being and performance and by the social, structural, and temporal forms of multilevel phenomena) to show that such between-level incongruences are ubiquitous. Next, I analyze a few mechanisms that may govern the diverse instantiations of between-level incongruences in positivity. Finally, I discuss implications of this perspective, such as why positivity claims should always qualify their level of analysis; how psychological science may benefit from a multilevel, dynamical, and computational perspective; and how to improve human positivity in light of between-level incongruences.

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