Relationship between sonographically measured median nerve cross-sectional area and presence of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic subjects

BACKGROUND Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus resulting from direct damage by hyperglycemia to the nerves and/or ischemia by microvascular injury to the endoneurial vessels which supply the nerves. Median nerve is one of the peripheral nerves commonly affected in diabetic neuropathy. The median nerve size has been studied in non-Nigerian diabetic populations. In attempt to contribute to existing literature, a study in a Nigerian population is needed.AIM To evaluate the cross-sectional area(CSA) of the median nerve using B-mode ultrasonography(USS) and the presence of peripheral neuropathy(PN) in a cohort of adult diabetic Nigerians.METHODS Demographic and anthropometric data of 85 adult diabetes mellitus(DM) and 85 age-and sex-matched apparently healthy control(HC) subjects were taken. A complete physical examination was performed on all study subjects to determine the presence of PN and modified Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument(MNSI) was used to grade its severity. Venous blood was taken from the study subjects for fasting lipid profile(FLP), fasting blood glucose(FBG) and glycated haemoglobin(HbA1 c) while their MN CSA was evaluated at a point 5 cm proximal to(5 cmCATL) and at the carpal tunnel(CATL) by high-resolution Bmode USS. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22.RESULTS The mean MN CSA was significantly thicker in DM subjects compared to the HC at 5 cmCATL(P < 0.01) and at the CATL(P < 0.01) on both sides. The presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN) further increased the MN CSA at the CATL(P < 0.05) but not at 5 cmCATL(P > 0.05). However, the severity of DPN had no additional effect on MN CSA 5 cm proximal to and at the CATL. There was no significant association between MN CSA and duration of DM and glycemic control.CONCLUSION Thickening of the MN CSA at 5 cmCATL and CATL is seen in DM. Presence of DPN is associated with worse thickening of the MN CSA at the CATL but not at5 cmCATL. Severity of DPN, duration of DM, and glycemic control had no additional effect on the MN CSA.

Ultrasonographic measurement of median nerve cross-sectional area reference values in a healthy Han population from Guiyang,China

High-resolution ultrasonography was used to analyze the nerve cross-sectional area （CSA） of the median nerve at 7 sites： the wrist crease, pisiform bone, hamate bone, 6 cm proximal to the tip of the wrist crease, proximal forearm （where the nerve enters the pronator teres muscle）, 4 cm proximal to the tip of the medial epicondyle, and mid-humerus （mid-point between elbow crease and axilla） in 200 healthy volunteers from Guiyang, China. Results showed similar CSA values between the left and right sides, but the CSA 6 cm proximal to the tip of the wrist crease, proximal forearm, 4 cm proximal to tip of the medial epicondyle, and mid-humerus in males was greater than that of females. Moreover, CSA values at the wrist crease, pisiform bone, and hamate bone were greater in the middle-aged and old groups when compared to the young group, and correlated with body mass and height. Thus, reference values of median nerve CSA of the upper limbs can facilitate the analysis of abnormal nerve conditions.

Does the ratio of the carpal tunnel inlet and outlet cross-sectional areas in the median nerve reflect carpal tunnel syndrome severity?

Although ultrasound measurements have been used in previous studies on carpal tunnel syndrome to visualize injury to the median nerve, whether such ultrasound data can indicate the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome remains controversial. The cross-sectional areas of the median nerve at the tunnel inlet and outlet can show swelling and compression of the nerve at the carpal. We hypothesized that the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet to outlet accurately reflects the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome. To test this, high-resolution ultrasound with a linear array transducer at 5–17 MHz was used to assess 77 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The results showed that the cut-off point for the inlet-to-outlet ratio was 1.14. Significant differences in the inlet-to-outlet ratio were found among patients with mild, moderate, and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. The cut-off point in the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the median nerve was 1.29 between mild and more severe（moderate and severe） carpal tunnel syndrome patients with 64.7% sensitivity and 72.7% specificity. The cut-off point in the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the median nerve was 1.52 between the moderate and severe carpal tunnel syndrome patients with 80.0% sensitivity and 64.7% specificity. These results suggest that the inlet-to-outlet ratio reflected the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Usefulness of the acromioclavicular joint cross-sectional area as a diagnostic image parameter of acromioclavicular osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND Acromioclavicular joint(ACJ)space narrowing has been considered to be an important diagnostic image parameter of ACJ osteoarthritis(ACJO).However,the morphology of the ACJ space is irregular because of osteophyte formation,subchondral irregularity,capsular distention,sclerosis,and erosion.Therefore,we created the ACJ cross-sectional area(ACJCSA)as a new diagnostic image parameter to assess the irregular morphologic changes of the ACJ.AIM To hypothesize that the ACJCSA is a new diagnostic image parameter for ACJO.METHODS ACJ samples were obtained from 35 patients with ACJO and 30 healthy individuals who underwent shoulder magnetic resonance(S-MR)imaging that revealed no evidence of ACJO.Oblique coronal,T2-weighted,fat-suppressed SMR images were acquired at the ACJ level from the two groups.We measured the ACJCSA and the ACJ space width(ACJSW)at the ACJ on the S-MR images using our imaging analysis program.The ACJCSA was measured as the cross-sectional area of the ACJ.The ACJSW was measured as the narrowest point between the acromion and the clavicle.RESULTS The average ACJCSA was 39.88±10.60 mm;in the normal group and 18.80±5.13 mm;in the ACJO group.The mean ACJSW was 3.51±0.58 mm in the normal group and 2.02±0.48 mm in the ACJO group.ACJO individuals had significantly lower ACJCSA and ACJSW than the healthy individuals.Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses demonstrated that the most suitable ACJCSA cutoff score was 26.14 mm^(2),with 91.4%sensitivity and 90.0%specificity.CONCLUSION The optimal ACJSW cutoff score was 2.37 mm,with 88.6%sensitivity and 96.7%specificity.Even though both the ACJCSA and ACJSW were significantly associated with ACJO,the ACJCSA was a more sensitive diagnostic image parameter.

Correlation between current and cross-sectional area of parallel fixed-movable dual electrodes in ESC

Electroslag casting with parallel fixed-movable dual electrodes is a new method for achieving better quality of castings in complex mold cavities.In this work,a mathematical model,y=kx^2+(k+1)x,was established to describe the ideal correlation between the current ratio(y)and the cross-sectional area ratio(x)of the dual electrodes,where k is the filling ratio.Investigation was conducted on the electroslag casting process with dual electrodes of various cross-sectional areas,but at a constant k value.The experimental results indicated that the ideal correlation was obtained at the stable casting stage,and the fitting results were consistent with the experimental results at certain k values.The experimental findings show that better castings can be obtained when the current ratio is greater than 1.536 and the cross-sectional area ratio is greater than 0.5.

The Study on Innovation Model Characteristics and Function Enhancement of “Leading Grain Enterprises+Farmers” in New Circumstances——an Investigation and Analysis on Major Grainproducing Areas in Hubei Province

ln the context of comprehensively deepening the reform, and integration of three The first, second and third industry sectors in rural areas, the research took major grain-producing areas in Hubei as an example, analyzed dominant grain in-dustrialization models “leading grain enterprises＋farmers”, and revealed its character-istics, advantages, and approaches for function reinforcement. The research is so meaningful, practical y or in future.

Breast Milk Lead and Cadmium Levels in Suburban Areas of Nanjing,China

Objective To evaluate levels of lead(Pb) and cadmium(Cd) in the breast milk in the second postpartum month,to investigate the relationship between Pb/Cd levels in breast milk and some sociodemographic parameters,and to explore whether these levels affect the infants' physical status or the mothers' psychological status(postpartum depression).Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2009 and December 2010.Altogether 170 healthy mothers were enrolled from Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital.The inclusion criteria were:voluntary to participate in this study,healthy,with no chronic disease,breastfeeding in the second postpartum month,living in a suburban but not non-industrial area of Nanjing,and not occupationally exposed to toxic metals.All the mothers completed a questionnaire and were evaluated based on the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale(EPDS) to identify the risk of postpartum depression.Pb and Cd levels in breast milk were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy.The infants of these mothers were examined for their z scores of weight for age,length for age,head circumference for age,and body mass index for age.Results The median breast milk levels of Pb and Cd were 40.6 μg/L and 0.67 μg/L,respectively.In 164(96.5%) of the 170 samples,Pb levels were higher than the limit reported by the World Health Organization(> 5 μg/L).Breast milk Cd level was > 1 μg/L in 54(31.8%) mothers.The mothers with a history of anemia had a higher breast milk Pb level than those without a history of anemia(41.1 μg/L vs.37.9 μg/L,P = 0.050).The median breast milk Cd level in those who were active and passive smokers during pregnancy was significantly higher than that in non-smokers(0.88 μg/L vs.0.00 μg/L,P = 0.025).The breast milk Cd level in the mothers not taking iron and vitamin supplements for 2 months postpartum was higher than in those taking the supplements(iron supplement:0.74 μg/L vs.0.00 μg/L,P = 0.025;vitamin supplement:0.78 μg/L vs.0.00 μg/L,P = 0.005).Breast milk Cd level at the second postpartum month was negatively correlated with the z scores of head circumference(r = 0.248,P = 0.042) and weight for age at birth(r = 0.241,P = 0.024) in girls.No correlation was found between the breast milk Pb/Cd levels and the EPDS scores.Conclusion Considering the high levels of Pb and Cd in breast milk in this study,breast milk monitoring programs are necessary.

The Background of Regional Lead Isotopic Compositions and Its Application in the Lower and Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River and Neighbouring Areas

The paper systematically deals with the background of regional isotopic compo-sitions in the lower and middle reaches of the Yangtze River and neighbouring areas. It isshown that the lead isotopic compositions of different geological formations and units are con-trolled by the primary mantle heterogeneity, dynamic process of crust-mantle interchange,abundances of uraninm, thorium and lead of various layers of the earth and timing. Studies onthe background of regional isotopic compositions may offer significant information forgeochemical regionalization, tracing of sources of ore-forming materials, and regionalprognosis of ore deposits.

Lead Isotope Studies of Massive Surphur-Iron-Gold Deposits in the Tongling Area, Anhui Province

Pb isotope ratios and their variation have been measured and explained on ores of massive S-Fe-Au depos-its hosted in the Middle-Upper Carboniferous, on feldspars from diorite bodies closely related tomineralization and on whole rocks from ore-hosting strata (carbonate rocks) in the Tongling area, Anhui Prov-ince. Through a comparison of Pb isotope features of these geological bodies, it has been suggested that oresubstances of the deposits were derived from ore-hosting strata. In the meanwhile, the measurement of ore Pbisotopes of different mineralization types of the same deposit indicates that different mineralization types havedistinct Pb isotope characteristics, showing the potentiality of the Pb isotopic method used in mineral explora-tion.

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit expression in memory-related brain areas of lead-exposed rats

Lead exposure induces decreased hippocampal N-methyI-D-aspartic acid （NMDA） receptor gene and protein expressions, which influences the molecular mechanisms of learning and memory. However, lead poisoning-induced differences in NMDA subunit expression, and the correlation of lead poisoning with learning and memory, remain poorly understood. The present study measured differences in expression of NMDA receptor subunits NR1, NR2A, and NR2B in memory-related brain regions of rats who underwent different doses of lead exposure. Results demonstrated decreased NR1, NR2A, and NR2B subunit expressions in some memory-related brain areas. The inhibitory effect of 4.8 mmol/L lead exposure on hippocampal NR2B was most significant, although NR2A expression also significantly decreased following 14.4 mmol/L lead exposure. There was no difference in NR1 expression following exposure to 〈 4.8 mmol/L lead, although the inhibitory effect of 19.6 mmol/L lead exposure was strongest for NR1 expression in the hippocampus. Inhibitory avoidance test results revealed that greater concentrations of lead exposure resulted in decreased learning and memory. Therefore, lead toxicity was dependent on NMDA receptor subunit composition, and NR1, NR2A, and NR2B expressions were associated with time and concentration of lead exposure.

Metallogeny of the Baiyangping Lead-Zinc Polymetallic Ore Concentration Area, Northern Lanping Basin of Yunnan Province, China

The Lanping Basin in the Nujiang-Lancangjiang-Jinshajiang （the Sanjiang） area of northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau is an important part of eastern Tethyan metallogenic domain. This basin hosts a number of large unique sediment-hosted Pb-Zn polymetallic deposits or ore districts, such as the Baiyangping ore concentration area which is one of the representative ore district. The Baiyangping ore concentration area can be divided into the east and west ore belts, which were formed in a folded tectogene of the India-Asia continental coUisional setting and was controlled by a large reverse fault. Field observations reveal that the Mesozoic and Cenozoic sedimentary strata were outcropped in the mining area, and that the orebodies are obviously controlled by faults and hosted in sandstone and carbonate rocks. However, the oreforming elements in the east ore belt are mainly Pb-Zn -Sr-Ag, while Pb-Zn-Ag-Cu-Co elements are dominant in the west ore belt. Comparative analysis of the C-O-Sr-S-Pb isotopic compositions suggest that both ore belts had a homogeneous carbon source, and the carbon in hydrothermal calcite is derived from the dissolution of carbonate rock strata; the ore- forming fluids were originated from formation water and precipitate water, which belonged to basin brine fluid system; sulfur was from organic thermal chemical sulfate reduction and biological sulfate reduction; the metal mineralization material was from sedimentary strata and basement, but the difference of the material source of the basement and the strata and the superimposed mineralization of the west ore belt resulted in the difference of metallogenic elements between the eastern and western metallogenic belts. The Pb-Zn mineralization age of both ore belts was contemporary and formed in the same metaliogenetic event. Both thrust formed at the same time and occurred at the Early Oligocene, which is consistent with the age constrained by field geological relationship.

Lead Accumulation in Tidal Swamps:Case Study at Transmigration Area of South Sumatra Indonesia after 40 Years Cultivation

Lead(Pb)is a heavy metal that poses a major hazard to animals and humans when consumed.The content of this metal is significantly high in paddy soil due to the residual effect of phosphate fertilizer.Therefore,this study aims to determine the Pb content in the tidal swamp that has been used for agriculture for 40 years.It was carried out from October 2021 to January 2022 on tidal soils representing land typology of A,B,C,and D distributed in the Transmigration area of Mulia Sari,Tanjung Lago District,Banyuasin Regency of South Sumatra,Indonesia.A detailed survey was used and soil samples were taken from up to 12 soil sampling points.The variables observed were soil Pb,pH,CEC(Cation Exchange Capacity),pyrite,and C-organic.The results showed that the Pb content in tidal soils obtained was varied,namely 22.52 mg/kg,14.84 mg/kg,16.84 mg/kg,and 16.68 mg/kg for A,B,C,and D type of land typologies,respectively.Based on these values,the Pb accumulation has exceeded the threshold,which is 12.75 mg/kg.

Highly reversible lead-carbon battery anode with lead grafting on thecarbon surface

A novel C/Pb composite has been successfully prepared by electmless plating to reduce the hydrogenevolution and achieve the high reversibility of the anode of lead-carbon battery （LCB）. The depositedlead on the surface of C/Pb composite was found to be uniform and adherent to carbon surface. Becauselead has been stuck on the surface of C/Pb composite, the embedded structure suppresses the hydrogenevolution of lead-carbon anode and strengthens the connection between carbon additive and sponge lead.Compared with the blank anode, the lead-carbon anode with C/Pb composite displays excellent charge-discharge reversibility, which is attributed to the good connection between carbon additives and leadthat has been stuck on the surface of C/Pb composite during the preparation process. The addition of CIPb composite maintains a solid anode structure with high specific surface area and power volume, andthereby, it plays a significant role in the highly reversible lead-carbon anode.

Environmental contamination and health hazard of lead and cadmium around Chatian mercury mining deposit in western Hunan Province,China

A field survey concerning lead and cadmium pollution in environment mediums and hair samples around the Chatian mercury mining deposit in western Hunan Province,China,was conducted to preliminarily evaluate their health hazard to local inhabitants.The results show that mining wastes,especially tailing,contain high cadmium level with the maximum of 79.92μg/g. High levels of lead and cadmium are accumulated in surface water and paddy soil,respectively,and both metals pollution occurs in brown rice.The average daily intake dose(ADD)of lead for local adults via three routes reaches up to 7.7μg/(kg·d),exceeding the provision tolerable daily intake by JECFA of 3.5μg/(kg·d),and drinking water exposure route contributes the highest daily intake.As an indicator for heavy metal exposure,the hair of local population contains Pb(5.06±3.02)μg/g.The average daily intake dose of cadmium for adults is 0.119μg/(kg·d).More attention must be paid on health risk from lead pollution compared with cadmium.

Experimental Studies of Heat Transfer Characteristics and Properties of the Cross-Flow Pipe Flow Melt Lead

The process of heat transfer in a HLMC cross-flow around heat-transfer tubes is not yet thoroughly studied. Therefore, it is of great interest to carry out experimental studies for determining the heat transfer characteristics in a lead coolant cross-flow around tubes. It is also interesting to explore the velocity and temperature fields in a HLMC flow. To achieve this goal, experts of the NNSTU performed the work aimed at the experimental determination of the temperature and velocity fields in high-temperature lead coolant cross-flows around a tube bundle. The experimental studies were carried out in a specially designed high-temperature liquid-metal facility. The experimental facility is a combination of two high-temperature liquid-metal setups, i.e., FT-2 with a lead coolant and FT-1 with a lead-bismuth coolant, united by an experimental site. The experimental site is a model of the steam generator of the BREST-300 reactor facility. The heat-transfer surface is an in-line tube bank of a diameter of 17 × 3.5 mm, which is made of 10H9NSMFB ferritic-martensitic steel. The temperature of the heat-transfer surface is measured with thermocouples of a diameter of 1 mm being installed in the walls of heat-transfer tubes. The velocity and temperature fields in a high-temperature HLMC flow are measured with special sensors installed in the flow cross section between the rows of heat-transfer tubes. The characteristics of heat transfer and velocity fields in a lead coolant flow were studied in different directions of the coolant flow: The vertical (“top-down” and “bottom-up”) and the horizontal ones. The studies were conducted under the following operating conditions: The temperature of lead was t = 450°C - 5000°C, the thermodynamic activity of oxygen was a = 10-5 - 100, and the lead flow through the experimental site was Q = 3 - 6 m3/h, which corresponds to coolant velocities of V = 0.4 - 0.8 m/s. Comprehensive experimental studies of the characteristics of heat transfer in a lead coolant cross-flow around tubes have been carried out for the first time and the dependences for a controlled and regulated content of the thermodynamically active oxygen impurity and sediments of impurities have been obtained. The effect of the oxygen impurity content in the coolant and characteristics of protective oxide coatings on the temperature and velocity fields in a lead coolant flow is revealed. This is because the presence of oxygen in the coolant and oxide coatings on the surface, which restrict the liquid-metal flow, leads to a change in the characteristics of the wall-adjacent region. The obtained experimental data on the distribution of the velocity and temperature fields in a HLMC flow permit studying the heat-transfer processes and, on this basis, creating program codes for engineering calculations of HLMC flows around heat-transfer surfaces.

Exposed Cross-section of the Archaean Lower Crustin the Shanxi-Hebei-Inner Mongolia Border Region:Problems and Prospects

The Archaean lower crust represented by granulite facies rocks, which is rare in China, is found to be exposed in the Shanxi-Hebei-Inner Mongolia border region. Studies of the regional structure and deformation and metamorphism of the region indicate that there occurred at least two phases of deformation and metamorphism in the region. Early-phase nearly E-W-directed deformational structure is well preserved in the Zhangjiakou-Xuanhua area. Observations of the features of the geological structure from north to south (in the Hengshan metamorphic terrain) have revealed a possible exposed cross-section through the Archaean lower crust. The structure was superimposed by a NE-SW-trending high-temperature ductile shear zone in the Datong area in the late phase, thus reworking the Archaean sequence.

Optimal Minimum Number of CT Slices Required to Measure Cross Sectional Areas of Small Pulmonary Vessels

The cross-sectional area (CSA) of small pulmonary vessels can be quantified by CT, which is a reliable method of evaluating vascular alterations in such vessels. However, the optimal number of slices required for accurate quantitation remains unknown. We evaluated relationships among all slices at 10-mm interval and all slices at 3-cm interval, 6-cm interval, and 3-slices and found the closest correlation (0.939) between all slices at 10-mm intervals and 3-cm intervals. Thus, all slices at 3-cm intervals are suitable for accurately measuring CSA.

Recovery of some valuable elements from lamprophyre dykes in the Abu Rusheid area, Southeastern Desert, Egypt

In the Abu Rusheid area, Southeastern Desert of Egypt, polymineralized (HREEs, U, Zn and Pb) lam-prophyre dykes are recently recorded. The lamprophyre dykes cut cataclastic rocks along share zones in NNW-SSE trends. The secondary U-minerals are essentially represented by uranophane, kasolite, torbernite and autunite. Ex-perimental work was carried out on the lamprophyre dykes for the recovery of uranium and other valuable elements (e.g. Zn, Pb and Al) from 50 kg of technological sample. The optimum conditions were: 100 g/L sulfuric acid con-centration, 1:5 S/L (solid/liquid) and soaking for 15 days at room temperature. The leaching efficiencies for the re-covery of uranium and other elements like Al, Zn and Pb were 40, 33.6, 98.8 and 78, respectively.

典型铅锌矿区周边土壤-稻米重金属污染特征及健康风险评价

为了掌握黔西北典型铅锌矿区周边稻田土壤重金属污染状况,分别采集98个土壤样品和稻米样品,运用单因子污染指数法、内梅罗综合污染指数法和潜在生态危害指数法对研究区稻田土壤中八种重金属(Cr、Ni、Cu、Zn、Cd、Pb、Hg、As)进行污染特征分析和风险评价,并采用健康风险评估模型对研究区稻米进行健康风险评价。结果表明:研究区稻田土壤受到重金属不同程度污染,整体处于中度污染水平(P_(N)=2.61),但Cu为重度污染(P_(Cu)=3.13);土壤生态风险总体处于中等水平(RI=279),最主要生态风险因子为Hg,其生态风险危害程度为很强(E_(Hg)=179);研究区稻米中重金属平均含量未超标,但有部分点位样品重金属含量超标;食用研究区种植的稻米不会对成人和儿童引起单一重金属健康风险,但长期食用,多种重金属复合污染会对成人和儿童健康产生负面影响(THQ_(成人)=2.41,THQ_(儿童)=2.48)。

全球海洋中心城市的湾区实践——以粤港澳大湾区为例

粤港澳大湾区是加快实施海洋强国战略的重要支点,全球海洋中心城市建设则是进一步推动粤港澳大湾区建设的关键抓手。全球海洋中心城市作为当前海洋城市建设与评价最具影响力的目标对象,需要分别在全球与湾区视角下考察粤港澳大湾区的优势与挑战。本研究通过解读全球海洋中心城市的概念与内涵,剖析了典型全球海洋中心城市的显著特征,以及与国际一流湾区发展的关系。研究发现,粤港澳大湾区在全球海洋中心城市数量和航运物流方面具有优势,但是在海事技术、竞争力与吸引力等方面面临巨大的竞争挑战。粤港澳大湾区推进全球海洋中心城市建设,着重要加快提升国际航运能力、加强海洋科技创新、参与全球海洋治理、强化海洋战略规划等。