Potential role of peripheral blood mononuclear cell' s mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction in heart failure severity prediction in patients with cardioverter-defibrillator implantation indications

Background It has been reported that the mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction(MRD)is important mechanisms affecting the heart failure(HF)pathogenesis.We sought to evaluate the potential role of MRD of peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC)in severity prediction in patients with cardioverter-defibrillator implantation indications.HF Methods In this single-center study patients with HF of New York Heart Association(NYHA)Ⅰ-Ⅲ functional class(FC)and ca-rdioverter-defibrillator implantation indications underwent transthoracic echocardiography(TTE)and MRD assessment using PB-MC.Mitochondrial respiration rate(MRR)indicators(pyruvate+malate+adenosine diphosphate;succinate+adenosine diphos-phate;pyruvate+malate–adenosine diphosphate[V_(4.1)];succinate–adenosine diphosphate)were calculated.Correlations betwe-en HF NYHA FC,TTE and MRR indicators were evaluated.Based on our data,we developed a risk model regarding HF severi-ty.Results Of 53(100.0%)HF patients,33(62.3%)had mild exercise intolerance(1^(st) group)and 20(37.7%)had moderate-to-severe ex-ercise intolerance(2^(nd) group).Patients with mild exercise intolerance were likely to have a higher V_(4.1)(P<0.001)values.V_(4.1) was ind-ependently associated with moderate-to-severe exercise intolerance in univariate and multivariate logistic regression(OR=0.932,CI:0.891–0.975,P<0.001).95%Conclusions The severity of HF is associated with PBMC mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction in patients with cardioverter-de-fibrillator implantation indications.Our HF severity risk model including V_(4.1) parameters is able to distinguish patients with mild and moderate-to-severe exercise intolerance.Further investigations of their predictive significance are warranted.

Splenectomy: Indications in the General Surgery Department of Ignace Deen Hospital

Introduction: Splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen. It can be performed during various pathologies, ranging from abdominal trauma to hemoglobinopathies. The progress made in the knowledge of the immune functions of the spleen and the fear of post-splenectomy infectious complications have favored the development of surgical or non-surgical splenic preservation techniques calling into question the dogma of splenectomy. The aim of this study was to determine the indications for splenectomy. Methodology: This was a retrospective, descriptive study lasting 5 years in the general surgery department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital. All files of splenectomized patients were included, our variables were clinical, therapeutic and progressive. Results: We collected 42 cases of splenectomies out of the 2478 surgical procedures performed, representing 1.7% of the department’s surgical activities. The average age was 44 years. The age group of 41 to 50 years was the most represented, i.e. 26% (n = 11) of cases. Sex ratio = 1. Abdominal pain was the reason for consultation in patients, i.e. 100% (n = 42) of cases. The antecedents were dominated by recurrent malaria with 52.3% (n = 22) of cases, then recurrent anemia in 21% (n = 9), and 16.7% (n = 7) had sickle cell disease. Splenomegaly was found in 31 patients, or 73.6%. Ultrasound was performed in all patients. The indications for splenectomy were: isolated splenomegaly with risk of rupture (38%, n = 16), hypersplenism (26%, n = 11) and trauma to the spleen (19.04%, n = 8). Total splenectomy was performed in all cases. The surgical consequences were favorable in 85.7%, (n = 36) with morbidity of 14% (n = 6) and mortality of 9.52% (n = 4). The average length of hospitalization was 10.4 days with extremes of 1 and 22 days. Conclusion: Splenectomy constitutes a relatively common surgical procedure in our context. The indications for splenectomy were isolated splenomegaly with risk of rupture, hypersplenism and trauma to the spleen and total splenectomy was the rule.

Vulvectomy: Indications and Results in the General Surgery Department of the Ignace Deen Chu Hospital in Conakry

Introduction: The aim of this study was to report the indications and evaluate the results of vulvectomy in the general surgery department of Ignace Deen Hospital, CHU Conakry. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study, conducted over a period of five (05) years from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022, in the general surgery department of Ignace Deen Hospital, CHU Conakry. We included in our study all patient records in whom vulvectomy was performed. Results: We recorded 15 cases of vulvectomy out of 453 perineal surgeries, i.e. 3.31%, with a mean age of 43.56 years and extremes of 35 and 69 years. Vulvar cancer was the most common diagnosis (46.67%), followed by Buschke-Lowenstein (33.33%) and anal canal cancer extending to the vulva (20%). Six patients had undergone biopsy (40%). Vulvectomy with lymph node dissection was performed in only 9 patients (60%), and all surgical specimens were sent to anatomical pathology (100%). Conclusion: Vulvectomy is a surgical technique most often indicated for the treatment of vulvar cancer.

Caesarean Section in the Mother and Child University Hospital of N’Djamena: Indications and Prognosis

Introduction: Caesarean section is a surgical procedure which allows childbirth after opening the abdominal wall and the uterus. Objective: To study caesarean section in the N’Djamena Mother and Child University Hospital (NMCUH). Patients and Method: This was a cross-sectional, analytic descriptive study over a 5-month period from 10 January to 10 June 2023, focusing on caesarean sections section in the N’Djamena Mother and Child University Hospital (NMCUH). Studied variables were epidemiological, clinical and prognostic. Patients were divided according to the classification of Robson into 10 groups. Results: During the study period, we recorded 724 caesareans sections among 3,565 deliveries, giving a rate of 20.3%. The age group from 25 to 29 represented 39.2%. The average age was 31.2 ± 2.8 years, with extreme ranging from 14 to 44 years. Nulliparous women accounted for 42% and 26% had at least one previous caesarean section (n = 188). Patients with full-term pregnancies (37 - 40 gestational weeks + 6 days) represented 64.1%. Emergency caesareans accounted for 92.8% (n = 672). Robson’s group 1 was noted to be 40.3%. Hemorrhage was the main intraoperative complication, with 7.2%. In post-operatively, anemia was the main complication at 23.8%. We recorded 16 maternal deaths, giving a maternal death rate of 2.2%. Live newborns accounted for 81.1%. Conclusion: Caesarean section is a common procedure in the CHUME maternity unit. The main indications are those of Robson’s group I. Caesarean sections are associated with both maternal and fetal complications.

Indication and surgical approach for reconstruction with endoprosthesis in bone-associated soft tissue sarcomas:Appropriate case management is vital

It is important for surgeons performing sarcoma surgery to know that bone resection and tumor prosthesis applications in soft tissue sarcomas(STS)have unique features in terms of indication,surgical approach and follow-up,in terms of the management of these cases.Some STS are associated with bone and major neurovascular structures.Bone-associated STS are generally relatively large and relatively deep-seated.Additionally,the tendency for metastasis is high.In some cases,the decision about which structures to resect is difficult.These cases are often accompanied by poor oncological and surgical outcomes.Management of cases should be done by a multidisciplinary team in advanced centers specialized in this field.The surgical team must have sufficient knowledge and experience in the field of limb-sparing surgery.Preoperative evaluation and especially good planning of bone and soft tissue reconstruction are vital.

Thyroidectomy: Frequency and Indications in the General Surgery Department of the Hôpital National Ignace Deen/CHU de Conakry

Introduction: Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. The aim of this study was to report the results of thyroidectomy in the general surgery department of the Hôpital national Ignace Deen/CHU de Conakry. Methodology: This was a retrospective study, of seven (07) years (January 1, 2016 - August 31, 2023), in the General Surgery Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital-CHU in Conakry. We included all records of patients admitted and operated on for thyroidectomy and with up-to-date medical records. The variables were epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic. Results: During the study period, we recorded 3221 cases of surgery, including 40 thyroidectomies (1.24% of cases). The average age was 42.4 years. Women were the most represented, with a sex ratio of 0.16. The reason for consultation was anterior cervical swelling in 86% (n = 25) of cases, followed by signs of cervical compression 21% (n = 6) and signs of thyrotoxicosis 31% (n = 9). Indications for thyroidectomy were dominated by homogeneous goitres in 69% (n = 20) of cases, basedow’s disease in 20.7% (n = 6) and nodular goitres in 6.9% (n = 2) of cases. The surgical procedures were lobo-isthmectomies in 72.4% (n = 21), subtotal thyroidectomies 13.8% (n = 4), total thyroidectomies 10.3% (n = 3). Postoperative follow-up was straightforward in 69% (n = 20). Complications included haemorrhage in 20.7% (n = 6) and recurrence in 6.9% (n = 2). The average hospital stay was 7 days. Conclusion: Thyroidectomy is a relatively frequent surgical procedure in our department. Indications are dominated by homogeneous goitres. Morbidity is related to hemorrhage. Rigorous hemostasis could improve the quality of thyroidectomy.

Hydrocarbon indication in Rio Bonito Formation sandstone:Implication for CO_(2)storage in São Paulo,Brazil

São Paulo State has witnessed CO_(2)storage-based investigations considering the availability of suitable geologic structures and proximity to primary CO_(2)source sinks related to bioenergy and carbon capture and storage(BECCS)activities.The current study presents the hydrocarbon viability evaluations and CO_(2)storage prospects,focusing on the sandstone units of the Rio Bonito Formation.The objective is to apply petrophysical evaluations with geochemical inputs in predicting future hydrocarbon(gas)production to boost CO_(2)storage within the study location.The study used data from eleven wells with associated wireline logs(gamma ray,resistivity,density,neutron,and sonic)to predict potential hydrocarbon accumulation and fluid mobility in the investigated area.Rock samples(shale and carbonate)obtained from depths>200 m within the study location have shown bitumen presence.Organic geochemistry data of the Rio Bonito Formation shale beds suggest they are potential hydrocarbon source rocks and could have contributed to the gas accumulations within the sandstone units.Some drilled well data,e.g.,CB-1-SP and TI-1-SP,show hydrocarbon(gas)presence based on the typical resistivity and the combined neutron-density responses at depths up to 3400 m,indicating the possibility of other hydrocarbon members apart from the heavy oil(bitumen)observed from the near-surface rocks samples.From the three-dimensional(3-D)model,the free fluid indicator(FFI)is more significant towards the southwest and southeast of the area with deeper depths of occurrence,indicating portions with reasonable hydrocarbon recovery rates and good prospects for CO_(2)injection,circulation and permanent storage.However,future studies based on contemporary datasets are required to establish the hydrocarbon viability further,foster gas production events,and enhance CO_(2)storage possibilities within the region.

Geographical Indication Intellectual Property Protection and Regional Public Brand Construction of Rape Industry in China

As China s largest oil crop,rape occupies a central position in ensuring the safety of China s cooking oil supply.This paper introduced China s rapeseed industry from the rape type,rapeseed production,planting area,national rapeseed production protected area,rape national dominant characteristic industrial clusters,and rapeseed industry,etc.Besides,from the aspects of geographical indication products,geographical indication trademarks,and geographical indications of agricultural products,this paper discussed the intellectual property protection of geographical indications of rape,rapeseed,and rapeseed oil in China.It analyzed the main problems such as the lag in the formulation of relevant standards for geographical indications and the low use of special signs for geographical indications,and finally came up with recommendations including building a public brand of geographical indications and expanding foreign exchanges of geographical indications.

Evaluation and Relevance of Indications for Primary Caesarean Section: A Five-Year Experience Report from Nevers Hospital Center

Context: The caesarean section rate continues to increase in our different health structures specially for women who have not had a scar in the uterus. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the key factors and main indications for primary caesarean sections and to find ways to reduce the increasing rates. Patients and Method: This is a longitudinal and retrospective study carried out from June 1, 2018 to July 31, 2022. The study included all patients who had a cesarean-section for the first time (primary caesarean). An anterior uterine scar was a non-inclusion criterion. Data were collected prospectively using Synfonievre and Agopra software via patients’ files and information collection sheet. Data were analyzed with SPSS 21 software, Mac version. Averages were calculated for quantitative data and percentages for qualitative data. The statistical tests used were the Pearson Chi2 test. The observed differences were considered significant when the p-value was less than 0.05. Results: During the study period, we recorded 8832 deliveries and 3148 caesarean sections (35.6%). Primary CS concerned 70% of overall C-section rate. The main indications were FHR Fetal Heart Rate abnormalities (FHRA) (27%), followed by the other indications (including preterm delivery, umbilical cord dystocia, malpresentation of fetus, foetal abnormalities, elective CS, triple gestation, mother abnormalities);dystocia or prolonged labor (18.7%), breech presentation in a twin pregnancy with 11.3% and 9.6% respectively. We recorded more vaginal deliveries with labor induction: 81.4% against 75.2%. An obstetrical audit led to better labor management and a reduction in the cesarean section rate. Conclusion: We need to focus on diagnosis of fetal distress, management of breech presentation during of a twin birth and a singleton. Induction of labor can be an effective alternative in certain indications. An obstetrical audit is needed to reverse the caesarean section rate.

Cardiac Echography in Pediatrics at the Regional Hospital of Diourbel: Indication and Result

Childhood heart disease is a real public health problem. In our contexts, care remains a major challenge. Doppler echocardiography remains the essential examination for diagnosis. The objective of our study was to describe the different clinical indications for cardiac ultrasound in children and the main pediatric heart diseases at the Diourbel Heinrich Lübke Regional Hospital. This was a descriptive and analytical retrospective study spanning from 2020 to 2022;covering a series of 140 cases. The study was carried out using patient clinical observation sheets and consultation sheets. We identified 140 ultrasounds. The average age of patients was 35.96 months with extremes of 0.03 months and 192 months. The female sex was predominant, with an M/F sex ratio of 0.72. Ultrasound was systematically requested in 67.14% of the study population. The indications found were mainly: heart murmur, polymalformative syndrome, respiratory failure, bronchiolitis, cardiomegaly, suspicion of heart disease, cardiomegaly, pre-therapeutic and pre-operative assessment. A total of 71 cardiac abnormalities were found in 65 patients, i.e. a prevalence of 46.42%. Congenital heart disease was more frequent (found in 49 patients, a prevalence of 35%) and was dominated by the CIA. There was a female predominance in almost all heart diseases except in the case of endocarditis where codominance is found. Our study has made it possible, through echocardiography, to evaluate the indications for echocardiography in children, to determine the prevalence of heart disease in children and also to assess the relevance of requests for echocardiography.

Vaginal Caesarean Section: A Review of Indications in Mali

Introduction: The vaginal caesarean described since the 19th century remains unknown to many practitioners. The publications available on the subject are rare. The objective of this review is to report the experience of our team in Mali on vaginal cesarean section. Materials and Methods: This is a documentary review of a series of 5 cases on the practice of vaginal caesarean section at the Sominé Dolo Hospital and Reference Health Center of the Sanitary District of Bla in Mali between 2005 and 2022. Results: We performed a vaginal caesarean section on 5 patients in this series. The indications were retroplacental hematoma in 2/5 cases including 1 with a live fetus, eclampsia crisis in 1/5 cases, dystocia on uterine prolapse in 1/5 cases and beating cord prolapse in 1/5 cases. In the 5 cases, the pregnancy was not at term. In 3/5 cases, cesarean section was indicated to save the non-term fetus with a very low possibility of success by classic cesarean section and in 2/5 cases for maternal rescue with fetal death in utero. 2 live newborns were released in satisfactory condition, 1 died after 6 hours of life. Antibiotic therapy was not necessary in the majority of cases. The average length of hospitalization was 3 days. Conclusion: The circumstances of the realization of the vaginal cesarean section in our series of studies remain frequent in the practice of modern obstetrics. The short duration of hospitalization and the low use of antibiotics can contribute to the reduction of the medical cost of caesarean section in low-income countries, such as Mali.

Comparison of different preoperative objective nutritional indices for evaluating 30-d mortality and complications after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND The nutritional status is closely related to the prognosis of liver transplant re-cipients,but few studies have reported the role of preoperative objective nutri-tional indices in predicting liver transplant outcomes.AIM To compare the predictive value of various preoperative objective nutritional indicators for determining 30-d mortality and complications following liver transplantation(LT).METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 162 recipients who underwent LT at our institution from December 2019 to June 2022.RESULTS This study identified several independent risk factors associated with 30-d mor-tality,including blood loss,the prognostic nutritional index(PNI),the nutritional risk index(NRI),and the control nutritional status.The 30-d mortality rate was 8.6%.Blood loss,the NRI,and the PNI were found to be independent risk factors for the occurrence of severe postoperative complications.The NRI achieved the highest prediction values for 30-d mortality[area under the curve(AUC)=0.861,P<0.001]and severe complications(AUC=0.643,P=0.011).Compared to those in the high NRI group,the low patients in the NRI group had lower preoperative body mass index and prealbumin and albumin levels,as well as higher alanine aminotransferase and total bilirubin levels,Model for End-stage Liver Disease scores and prothrombin time(P<0.05).Furthermore,the group with a low NRI exhibited significantly greater incidences of intraabdominal bleeding,primary graft nonfunction,and mortality.CONCLUSION The NRI has good predictive value for 30-d mortality and severe complications following LT.The NRI could be an effective tool for transplant surgeons to evaluate perioperative nutritional risk and develop relevant nutritional therapy.

Practice of Obstetrical Hysterectomy at the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital Center: Indications and Maternal Prognosis

Obstetric hysterectomy is a surgical procedure most often performed in a context of extreme emergency in an obstetric environment. The incidence of obstetric hysterectomy is differently expressed around the world. In the CHU-SO maternity ward, hemorrhagic obstetric emergencies are common. The extreme urgency in which patients are admitted, the insufficiency of the technical platform, associated with the challenge of the availability of blood products, often leads to performing an obstetric hysterectomy for hemostasis. It is responsible for high maternal morbidity and mortality. Since 2000 no study has been carried out on this practice in the service. Objective was to describe the practice of obstetric hysterectomy at the CHU-SO and specifically to determine the prevalence, the prognostic factors to be able to act to reduce maternal mortality. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional, and analytical study was carried out at the Gynecology-Obstetrics clinic of the CHU-SO;from January 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. All hysterectomies performed in an obstetric emergency context (during pregnancy, perpartum or postpartum) in the department were included in our study. We did not include cases of obstetric hysterectomies outside the SO hospital or planned non-obstetric hysterectomies. Results: We recorded 75 cases of obstetric hysterectomy and 15,625 deliveries (0.48%). The average age was 32.89 ± 5.93. The age group between 30 and 35 years old was the most affected with a rate of 37.33%. Labor and third trimester hemorrhage were the main reasons for admission, patients were referred in 80% of cases. The average parity was 3.25 ± 1.92 with utmost of 0 and 11. The pauciparous (41.67%) and multiparous (32%) were the most affected. The indications frequently found were uterine atony (44%);uterine rupture (33.33%). Subtotal inter adnexal hysterectomy was performed in 94.67%. General anesthesia practiced in 69%. They were all polytransfuses. Three poor prognostic factors were observed during our study, namely: uterine atony;the state of hemodynamic shock before the operation;lack of blood transfusion. The maternal death rate was 21.33%. Conclusion: Obstetric hysterectomy is a very mutilating and complicated surgical procedure and is still common practice in Africa. The maternal prognosis is still reserved with a very high mortality rate in Togo.

Prediction of Success Rates of Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Delivery According to the Previous Indication for Cesarean Delivery

Background: Trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) has long been accepted as a safe option for women with previous cesarean delivery. Previous efforts have been exerted in trials to predict the success rates of TOLAC according to specific parameters related to previous cesarean section and before TOLAC. We aimed to investigate the different indications of previous cesarean delivery as independent predictors for successful vaginal birth. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in Armed Forces Hospitals of the Southern Region between December 15, 2019, and July 1, 2020. The included 566 patients with previous cesarean section who were willing to undergo a trial of labor were divided into two groups according to the success of vaginal birth (VBAC). Results: The nonrecurring indications for previous cesarean delivery were higher in the successful group (fetal distress 54.7% vs 41.1%, malpresentation 26% vs 21.4%, multifetal pregnancy 3.8% vs 2.7%). Additionally, the successful VBAC group had a significantly higher percentage of previous successful VBAC (47.7% vs 21.9%) and prior vaginal deliveries (58.5% vs 44.2%) and less coincidence of medical disorders and meconium-stained liquor (18.1% vs 26.3% and 3.2% vs 8.2%, respectively) than the unsuccessful group. Conclusion: During counseling regarding trial of labor after cesarean section, indications for previous cesarean section not related to arrest of labor can predict higher success of VBAC. Moreover, previous successful vaginal delivery or VBAC improves the success rates.

Cesarean Sections according to the Robson’s Classification in Two University Hospitals of Yaoundé: Indications and Maternofetal Outcome

Introduction: Cesarean section is a surgical intervention which consists in the extraction of a fetus from the uterus after its incision. The rate of cesarean section varies depending on the country and the health facility. For this reason, in 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of Robson’s classification to evaluate the practice of cesarean sections in order to identify the groups of women who had abnormally high rates. The objective of our study was to evaluate cesarean sections using the Robson’s classification in CHRACERH and in the Yaoundé Central Hospital (YCH). Methodology: We carried out a retrospective cross sectional and descriptive study in two (02) university hospitals in Yaoundé which took place from December 2017 to May 2018. We included in our study all women who gave birth over a period of two (02) years from January 2016 to December 2017 in these two health facilities. Our sampling was exhaustive over the study period. The parturients’ information was collected using an anonymous and pretested questionnaire. The Robson’s group of every parturient was determined. Descriptive parameters like mean and proportions were calculated. We compared the rates and indications of cesarean sections between the both hospitals using Chi2 test. Results: Out of 330 deliveries realized in CHRACERH, we had 90 cesarean sections;hence, a rate of 27.2%. Out of 1863 deliveries carried out at the YCH, 462 were by cesarean section, hence a rate of 24.8%. The women who belonged to groups 1, 3 and 5 contributed to the highest rates of cesarean sections in both hospitals: in CHRACERH, group 5 (31.1%), group 3 (20%) and group 1 (15.6%), at YCH: group 3 (22.5%), group 1 (21.6%) and group 5 (17.3%). The indications of the cesarean sections varied depending on the Robson’s group and the hospital, the principal indication in group 1 was acute fetal distress (28.6%) in CHRACERH and cephalopelvic disproportion (36.7%) at YCH. Cephalopelvic disproportion was the predominant indication in groups 3 of CHRACERH (44.4%) and YCH (39.2%). In groups 5, CHRACERH and of YCH, a scarred uterus was the principal indication for the cesarean section at 82.4% and 78.4% respectively. At CHRACERH, the maternofetal complications were more frequent in groups 1 and 2 at the YCH, this was the case mostly in groups 1 and 3. Conclusion: The Robson’s classification is an adequate tool for the evaluation and comparison of the rates of cesarean sections. The rates of cesarean section in CHRACERH (27.2%) and at YCH (24.8%) were higher than the rates recommended by WHO. Robson’s groups 1, 3 and 5 were identified as the groups most at risk for cesarean sections in the both hospitals.

Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: Indications and Results, a Preliminary Senegalese Experience from the Neurosurgery Department of the CHNU of Fann

Introduction: Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are percutaneous techniques that consist in injecting an acrylic cement into the body of a pathological vertebra. This work aims to report the experience the of Fann’s neurosurgery department in treating certain spinal pathologies by vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Methods: During a 3-year period from July 1, 2019 to July 31, 2022, we conducted a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study, including patients who underwent vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty for dorsolumbar spinal pathology. Results: The mean age of the 13 patients in our study was 51.61 years. Female gender was predominant in 62% (n = 8). The context of spontaneous onset was found in six patients. Nine patients had a VAS (visual analogue scale) ≥ 8 (69.23%). On clinical examination, all patients had a syndrome without neurological deficits. 84.61% of patients had a CT scan (n = 11). The dorsolumbar hinge was most affected with 53.85% of cases. Seven patients had a vertebral compression of between 25% and. The average degree of kyphosis was 8˚ and seven patients had a degree of kyphosis ≥ 10˚. Tumour aetiology accounted for 46.15% of cases. Kyphoplasty was performed in 61.53% (n = 9) of the cases and vertebroplasty was performed in 38.47% (n = 4) of the patients. Kyphoplasty was associated with biopsy in two cases and with osteosynthesis in one patient. Vertebroplasty was always associated with a biopsy. The evolution was favourable with a significant reduction in pain and vertebral kyphosis. The mean VAS decreased from 8.15 to 0.69 three months after treatment and the mean kyphosis decreased from 8˚ to 2˚. Conclusion: Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty as percutaneous techniques allow consolidation of the vertebral body and pain relief. Kyphoplasty alone not only reduces pain but also restores the height of the compacted vertebral body.

Evaluation of Ear and Facial Indices of Ibibio and Efik Female Children of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, Nigeria

Background: The ear and face are indispensable and distinctive features for hearing and identification. Objectives: This study was designed to generate anthropometric data of the ear and facial indices of females of Efik and Ibibio children in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, show morphological and aesthetic differences and ethnicity. Methods: A total of 600 female children (300 Efiks and 300 Ibibios) aged 2 to 10 years that met the inclusion criteria were chosen from selected primary schools in Calabar Municipality, Calabar South of Cross River State and from Uyo, Itu of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Standardized measurements of face length, face width, ear length, and ear width were taken with a spreading caliper;the facial (proscopic) and ear (auricular) indices were determined. Results: Efik subjects presented a mean face length of 8.36 ± 0.06 cm, face width of 11.04 ± 0.04 cm, ear length of 4.92 ± 0.02 cm, and ear width of 3.06 ± 0.01 cm. Ibibio subjects had mean values for face length, face width, ear length, and ear width as 8.17 ± 0.05 cm, 10.75 ± 0.05 cm, 4.77 ± 0.03 cm, and 2.94 ± 0.02 cm respectively. The mean facial index and ear index for Efik subjects were 75.68 ± 0.31 and 62.16 ± 0.27 respectively;while the mean facial and ear indices for Ibibio subjects were 74.79 ± 0.36 and 61.80 ± 0.34 respectively. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences in face length, ear length, ear width and facial index, with the Efik subjects having higher values than Ibibio subjects (p Conclusion: The results showed hypereuryproscopic face as the prevalent face type among females of both ethnic groups, therefore can be of importance in sex, ethnic, and racial differentiation, and in clinical practice, aesthetics and forensic medicine.

Progress in the Study of Laboratory Indicators Related to Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the more common gastrointestinal diseases in clinics and is characterized by rapid progression, many complications, and high mortality. When it develops into severe pancreatitis, its prognosis is poor. Therefore, early assessment of the degree of inflammatory response plays a crucial role in the treatment plan and prognosis of patients. More and more studies have shown that the levels of D-dimer (D-D), angiotensin-2 (Ang-2), phosphate, heparin-binding protein (HBP), retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4), and osteoblastic protein (OPN) are closely related to the severity of acute pan-creatitis and can be used as effective indicators for early assessment of AP. In this paper, the research progress of the above indicators in assessing the severity of AP is summarized.

Citation distributions and research evaluations:The impossibility of formulating a universal indicator

Purpose:To analyze the diversity of citation distributions to publications in different research topics to investigate the accuracy of size-independent,rank-based indicators.The top percentile-based indicators are the most common indicators of this type,and the evaluations of Japan are the most evident misjudgments.Design/methodology/approach:The distributions of citations to publications from countries and journals in several research topics were analyzed along with the corresponding global publications using histograms with logarithmic binning,double rank plots,and normal probability plots of log-transformed numbers of citations.Findings:Size-independent,top percentile-based indicators are accurate when the global ranks of local publications fit a power law,but deviations in the least cited papers are frequent in countries and occur in all journals with high impact factors.In these cases,a single indicator is misleading.Comparisons of the proportions of uncited papers are the best way to predict these deviations.Research limitations:This study is fundamentally analytical,and its results describe mathematical facts that are self-evident.Practical implications:Respectable institutions,such as the OECD,the European Commission,and the U.S.National Science Board,produce research country rankings and individual evaluations using size-independent percentile indicators that are misleading in many countries.These misleading evaluations should be discontinued because they can cause confusion among research policymakers and lead to incorrect research policies.Originality/value:Studies linking the lower tail of citation distribution,including uncited papers,to percentile research indicators have not been performed previously.The present results demonstrate that studies of this type are necessary to find reliable procedures for research assessments.

Overweight/Obesity in University Students from Mexico: Comparison Using Different Indices

The goal was to compare body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist to height ratio (WHtR), and relative fat mas (RFM), to identify the best predictor of overweight and obesity in university students from Mexico. This is a cross-sectional survey with 697 university students from northern and central Mexico (448 women, and 249 men aged 18 - 19 years). Data was collected during 2018. Overweight and obesity were calculated from those indices and for both, female and male students, the order of correlation between a pair of indices were WHtR vs. RFM > WHtR vs. WC > RFM vs. WC > WHtR vs. BMI > BMI vs. WC > RFM vs. BMI. It is concluded to use the WHtR and the RFM to better predict overweight and obesity in young Mexican university students.