Articles Signifying Renogram Processing Practices-A Systematic Review

The renography represents time activity process detected when one measures the activity in the kidneys after the dose injection of radiolabeled radio tracer(e.g.99mTc- DTPA,99mTc-MAG3). Interpretation of this renal scan helps to diagnose whether the drainage function from the kidney is normal or abnormal. This renal tracer’s data is processed by mathematical models and data processing techniques like Rutland-Patlak and deconvolution methods to produce renograph. This research study is carried out to review previously published research articles incorporating various methods, their applications and image processing algorithms as well as techniques that were applied to process renal radiotracer’s transit time data. This review includes various types, advantages, gaps and possible scopes for existing renogram data processing techniques. After analysis process of 142 articles it is found that, maximum of the articles are associated with renal scan’s processing methods that are limited to renal patient’s related disease categories and having absence of quantifiable measurement and study of parenchymal radio tracer’s transit time counted from renal cortex to renal pelvis path while limited numbers of articles are purely related to applied algorithms for detecting obstruction level qualitatively.

Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines and Post-vaccination SARS-COV 2 Infection, Hospitalization, and Mortality: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies

Introduction & Objective: Vaccination is one of the most important and effective ways of preventing infectious diseases, and has recently been used in the COVID-19 epidemic and pandemic. The present meta-analysis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in reducing the incidence of infection, hospitalization, and mortality in observational studies. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was performed independently in Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, and Google Scholar electronic databases as well as Preprint servers using the keywords under study. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using I2 and χ2 statistics, according to which the I2 of > 50% and P-value <0.1 was reported as heterogeneity of the studies. In addition, the Pooled Vaccine Effectiveness (PVE) obtained from the studies was calculated by converting (1- Pooled estimate * 100%) based on the type of outcome. Results: A total of 54 records were included in this meta-analysis. The rate of PVE against SARS-COV 2 infection was about 71% (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.23-0.36) in the first dose and 87% (OR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.08-0.21) in the second, and the highest effectiveness in the first and second doses was that of BNT162b2 mRNA and combined studies. The PVE versus COVID-19-associated hospitalization was 73% (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.18-0.41) in the first dose and 89% (OR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.07-0.17) in the second. mRNA-1273 and combined studies in the first dose and ChAdOx1 and mRNA-1273 in the second dose had the highest effectiveness. Regarding the COVID-19-related mortality, PVE was about 28% (HR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.23-0.45) in the first dose and 89% (HR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.03-0.43) in the second. Conclusion: The evidence obtained from this study showed that the effectiveness of BNT162b2 mRNA, mRNA-1273, and ChAdOx1 in the first and second doses, and even combined studies were associated with increased effectiveness against SARS-COV2 infection, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. In addition, considering that the second dose was significantly more efficient than the first one, a booster dose injection could be effective in high-risk individuals. On the other hand, it was important to observe other prevention considerations in the first days after taking the first dose.

IIIG9 inhibition in adult ependymal cells changes adherens junctions structure and induces cellular detachment

Ependymal cells have multiple apical cilia that line the ventricular surfaces and the central canal of spinal cord. In cancer, the loss of ependymal cell polarity promotes the formation of different types of tumors, such as supratentorial anaplastic ependymomas, which are highly aggressive in children. IIIG9 (PPP1R32) is a protein restricted to adult ependymal cells located in cilia and in the apical cytoplasm and has unknown function. In this work, we studied the expression and localization of IIIG9 in the adherens junctions (cadherin/β-catenin-positive junctions) of adult brain ependymal cells using confocal and transmission electron microscopy. Through in vivo loss-of-function studies, ependymal denudation (single-dose injection experiments of inhibitory adenovirus) was observed, inducing the formation of ependymal cells with a “balloon-like” morphology. These cells had reduced cadherin expression (and/or delocalization) and cleavage of the cell death marker caspase-3, with “cilia rigidity” morphology (probably vibrational beating activity) and ventriculomegaly occurring prior to these events. Finally, after performing continuous infusions of adenovirus for 14 days, we observed total cell denudation and reactive parenchymal astrogliosis. Our data confirmed that IIIG9 is essential for the maintenance of adherens junctions of polarized ependymal cells. Eventually, altered levels of this protein in ependymal cell differentiation may increase ventricular pathologies, such as hydrocephalus or neoplastic transformation.

Effect of Calcium Dobesilate (CaD) on Diabetic Macular Edema Treated by Intravitreal Ranibizumab

Background: Calcium dobesilate (CaD) had been used in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR) due to its potential in protecting against retinal vascular damage. However, it did not reduce the risk of development of diabetic macular edema (DME). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CaD plus intravitreal ranibizumab in the treatment of DME.Methods: This retrospective, observational, consecutive case control study enrolled patients newly diagnosed with DME who received intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) administration with 3-monthly loading dose injection followed by pro re nata (3+PRN) regimen with or without CaD orally daily for at least 12-month follow-up. Medical records and optical coherence tomography (OCT) results were reviewed and compared at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months after injection.Results: A total of 102 eyes from 102 patients were enrolled in this study. Fifty-four patients received IVR combined with CaD orally (IVR+CaD group), while forty-eight patients received IVR solely (IVR group). No statistically significant differences were found in the general condition of patients between the two groups at baseline (P > 0.05). At every follow-up, 3, 6 and 12 months after injection, the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved and the central macular thickness (CMT) decreased in both groups when compared with those at baseline (P < 0.05), while there were no significant differences in BCVA improvement and CMT reduction between the two groups (P > 0.05). The mean number of ranibizumab injections in R+C group was significantly lower than that in R group (5.4 ± 1.1 injections versus 6.7 ± 1.6 injections, P<0.05) within 1-year treatment. No adverse events were found in neither groups.Conclusions: Adding oral CaD to intravitreal ranibizumab was demonstrated to have similar effectiveness and safety for improving visual function and restoring the anatomy of the retina in macular with fewer injections in DME patients.

Upper vs. lower extremity: Does the site of steroid injection have a different effect on blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes?

A clinical decision report appraising Twu J, Patel N, Wolf JM, Conti Mica M. Impact of variation of corticosteroid dose, injection site, and multiple injections on blood glucose measurement in diabetic patients. J Hand Surg Am. 2018;43(8):738-744. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.06.005 for a patient with diabetes and osteoarthritis.

Effect of Evolocumab on Lipoprotein(a) and PCSK9 in Healthy Individuals with Elevated Lipoprotein(a) Level

Background and aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a single injection of Evolocumab on the dynamics of Lp(a), fractions of apoB100-containing lipoproteins, PCSK9, and their complexes in healthy individuals with elevated Lp(a) levels. Methods: This open-label, 4-week clinical study involved 10 statin-naive volunteers with Lp(a) >30 mg/dL, LDL-C < 4.9 mmol/L, and a moderate risk of cardiovascular events. The concentrations of Lp(a), lipids, PCSK9, circulating immune complexes (CIC), and plasma complexes of PCSK9 with apoB100-containing lipoproteins (Lp(a)–PCSK9 and LDL–PCSK9) were measured before and each week after Evolocumab (MABs) administration. Results: After a single dose injection of 140 mg of MABs, the median concentration of PCSK9 in serum increased from 496 to 3944 ng/mL; however, the entire pool of circulating PCSK9 remained bound with MABs for 2–3 weeks. LDL-C level decreased significantly from 3.36 mmol/L to 2.27 mmol/L during the first two weeks after the injection. Lp(a) concentrations demonstrated multidirectional changes in different patients with the maximal decrease on the second week. There were no positive correlations between the changes in levels of Lp(a), LDL-C, and TC. The change in the amount of circulating complex of PCSK9–Lp(a) was significantly less than of PCSK9–apoB100 (−5% and −47% after 1 week, respectively). Conclusions: A single administration of monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9 (Evolocumab) in healthy individuals with hyperlipoproteinemia(a) resulted in a decrease of Lp(a) of 14%, a 5% decrease in PCSK9–Lp(a), a 36% reduction of LDL-C, a 47% decrease in PCSK9–apoB100 and a tenfold increase in total serum PCSK9 concentration.

A Comparison of the Effect of Fractionated and Bolus Dose Injection on Spinal Anesthesia for Lower Limb Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: In previous clinical trials and a small number of studies, the fractional injection of anesthetics led to reduced physiological complications and hemodynamic stability and increased duration of anesthesia. Objectives: The present study intended to compare the effect of fractionated and bolus dose injection of bupivacaine and fentanyl on spinal anesthesia for lower limb fracture surgeries. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind clinical trial, 70 patients with lower limb fractures were divided into groups of bolus spinal anesthesia (Group A) and fractional spinal anesthesia (Group B). Group A received a bolus dose of 25 μg fentanyl plus 15 mg bupivacaine 0.5% intrathecally at a rate of 0.2 mL/sec and were laid down in supine position after 45 seconds. In Group B, a half dose of the mixture, i.e., 25 μg fentanyl plus 15 mg bupivacaine 0.5% mixture, was injected intrathecally, and then, the other half was injected after 45 seconds while the needle was still in place. Afterward, the patients were immediately laid down in the supine position. Hemodynamic changes in the sensory and motor blockage parameters were recorded in both groups. Results: The motor blockage onset time was shorter in Group B compared to Group A (P = 0.026). Moreover, the sensory blockage duration was longer (P = 0.035), and the highest level of sensory blockage was lower (P = 0.008) in Group B compared to Group A. Conclusions: Fractional spinal anesthesia led to a longer duration and more favorable levels of sensory blockage compared to the bolus method. In addition, hemodynamic changes and complications occurred less frequently following this procedure.

Abstract 450: The Role of CD38 as a Therapeutic Target for Protection Against Doxorubicin-induced Cardiotoxicity Through Nad+ Boosting

Background: Doxorubicin is a chemotherapy medication used to treat several types of cancer. Its major adverse effect is cardiotoxicity, which may limit its use. Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC), once developed, carries a poor prognosis. Therefore strategies to prevent or treat DIC are of paramount importance but have not yet been fully developed. Being NAD + a critical nucleotide which is involved in oxy-reduction reactions and CD38 the main NAD + -consuming enzyme responsible for NAD levels regulation and homeostasis, we aim to investigate the link of CD38 and NAD + metabolism in DIC and its potential role as a therapeutic target. Methods: We compared Wild-type (WT) control mice with WT mice treated with a single dose injection of 15 mg/kg of doxorubicin who received vehicle or an antibody that blocksCD38 ecto-enzymatic activity. We also compared genetically CD38 catalytic inactive (CI) mice treated or not with the same single dose injection. Results: Doxorubicin caused a decrease in Ejection Fraction (EF) in WT mice. We also observed that CD38 CI mice treated with doxorubicin did not have changes in EF compared to their control. When compared to WT receiving just doxorubicin, WT mice treated also with the antibody had a trend to improve EF. As for exercise performance, our results show a decrease in exercise capacity induced by doxorubicin that was reversed in the antibody group and did not happen in the CD38 CI mice treated with doxorubicin. Doxorubicin caused a decrease in heart rate variability (HRV) which was improved in the antibody treated group. Moreover, our results show a survival rate that is similar to what has been previously shown, with 50% mortality associated with doxorubicin. Blockage of CD38 activity with antibody reduced mortality in this model to approximately 20%. Mechanistically, we did not observe decreases in NAD+ levels induced by Doxorubicin. However, boost of NAD induced by blocking CD38 was related to protection against DIC. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the damage mechanism of DIC may not be related directly with NAD decrease, but NAD boosting induced by CD38 blockage seems to have a positive effect in protection against cardiac dysfunction related to this chemotherapeutic treatment.

EFEK PEMBERIAN EKSTRAK RUMPUT KEBAR (Biophytum petersianum Klotzsch) TERHADAP JUMLAH SEL LEYDIG MENCIT (Mus musculus) JANTAN YANG DIPAPAR 2,3,7,8-TETRACHLORODIBENZO-P-DIOXIN

This study was aim to examine the effect of kebar grass extract (Biophytum petersianum Klotzsch) to against number leydig cells of mice (Mus musculus) by exposed 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Twenty five male mice (Mus musculus) 4 months with avarage body weight 20 g were used. These animals were divided into five groups (K(-), K(+), P1, P2 and P3). K(-) was treated with placebo, K(+) was treated by exposed TCCD single dose injection intaperitoneal 7µg/KgBw, P1 was treated by exposed TCCD single dose injection intaperitoneal 7µg/KgBw and kebar grass extract 0,045 mg/g Bw/day P2 was treated by exposed TCCD single dose injection intaperitoneal 7µg/KgBw and kebar grass extract 0,080 mg/g Bw/day, P3 was treated by exposed TCCD single dose injection intaperitoneal 7µg/KgBw and kebar grass extract 1,350 mg/g Bw/day. This research has been conducted for 53 days. The data were compared using ANOVA and Duncan test by SPSS 22.4 for windows. The result showed that Kebar Grass Extract in all of groups can prevent the damage of leydig cells in testis that exposed by TCCD significantly (p<0,05) and kebar grass extract 0,135 mg/kgBw/day can increase amount of leydig cells maximaly.