scholarly journals New mid-cervical vertebral morphotype of Spinosauridae from the Kem Kem Group of Morocco

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley McFeeters
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Vertebra ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Unique Combination ◽  
Neural Arch ◽  
Characteristic Morphology ◽  
Group A

An unusual mid-cervical vertebra belonging to a large spinosaurid from the Cenomanian Kem Kem Group of Morocco is described. It is compared to the characteristic morphology of each reconstructed cervical position in Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, based on a recent composite reconstruction that incorporates most previously referred material from this unit. Rather than conforming to any of the previously identified cervical positions in its morphology, the specimen displays a unique combination of mid-cervical characters, with the relatively compact centrum suggesting a position as C4, and the form of the neural arch laminae suggesting a position as C5 or C6. Furthermore, it displays two characters that are previously unknown in spinosaurid mid-cervicals from the Kem Kem Group: a rounded hypapophyseal tuberosity that is not continuous with a ventral keel, and a moderately developed, dorsally oriented epipophysis that does not overhang the postzygapophysis posteriorly. The diagnostic value of positionally variable cervical vertebral characters in spinosaurid systematics is discussed. Although limited, the new data could lend support to the controversial hypothesis that two spinosaurid taxa are represented in the Kem Kem Group.

scholarly journals Usefulness of procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) levels in the differential diagnosis of acute bacterial, viral, and mycoplasmal respiratory tract infections in children

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Li ◽  
Lanfang Min ◽  
Xin Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Bacterial Infection ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group A ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Background There is a lack of studies comparing PCT, CRP and WBC levels in the differential diagnosis of acute bacterial, viral, and mycoplasmal respiratory tract infections. It is necessary to explore the correlation between above markers and different types of ARTI. Methods 108 children with confirmed bacterial infection were regarded as group A, 116 children with virus infection were regarded as group B, and 122 children with mycoplasmal infection were regarded as group C. The levels of PCT, CRP and WBC of the three groups were detected and compared. Results The levels of PCT, CRP and WBC in group A were significantly higher than those in groups B and C (p < 0.05). The positive rate of combined detection of PCT, CRP and WBC was significant higher than that of single detection. There was no significant difference in PCT, CRP and WBC levels between the group of G+ bacterial infection and G− bacterial infection (p > 0.05). ROC curve results showed that the AUC of PCT, CRP and WBC for the diagnosis of bacterial respiratory infections were 0.65, 0.55, and 0.58, respectively. Conclusions PCT, CRP and WBC can be combined as effective indicators for the identification of acute bacterial or no-bacterial infections in children. The levels of PCT and CRP have higher differential diagnostic value than that of WBC in infection, and the combined examination of the three is more valuable in clinic.

scholarly journals Diagnostic Value of Imaging Combined With Tumor Markers in Early Detection of Lung Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Su-Ju Wei ◽  
Li-Ping Wang ◽  
Jun-Yan Wang ◽  
Jing-Xu Ma ◽  
Feng-Bin Chuan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Tumor Markers ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Lung Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Early Lung Cancer ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Objective: The objective of this research is to explore the diagnostic value of imaging plus tumor markers in the early detection of lung cancer.Methods: Sixty patients with lung cancer treated in our hospital from January 2018 to January 2019 were selected as group A. They were matched with 60 patients with benign lung disease as group B and 60 healthy subjects examined in our hospital as group C. The carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA), CYFRA21-1, and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were assessed, and the diagnostic value of tumor markers plus imaging in lung cancer diagnosis was explored.Results: The CEA, CYFRA21-1, and NSE in group A were evidently superior to those in groups B and C, and those in group B were superior to those in group C (all P &lt; 0.001). CEA had the highest sensitivity (56.7%), and NSE had the highest specificity (93.3%). The tumor markers plus imaging had the highest sensitivity for different types of lung cancer, and the sensitivity to early lung cancer (90%) was superior to other diagnostic methods (P &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: The tumor markers plus imaging is of great significance in early lung cancer diagnosis and provides a reference for judging the pathological classification.

The value of prednisolone acetate provocative test before intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injections

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 730-737
Author(s):  
Aya Mohammed Saady ◽  
Heba M Fouad ◽  
Abdussalam M Abdullatif ◽  
Youssef A H Helmy ◽  
Tamer A Macky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ocular Hypertension ◽  
Triamcinolone Acetonide ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Prednisolone Acetate ◽  
Intravitreal Triamcinolone ◽  
Provocative Test ◽  
Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of a topical prednisolone acetate 1% provocative test for steroid-induced ocular hypertension before intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection. Methods: This is a prospective, single-center, randomized controlled study at Kasr El Aini Hospital, Cairo University. Patients scheduled for intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide were enrolled and randomly allocated in a ratio 2:1 to either Group A: received prednisolone acetate provocative test and those who did not develop SIOH proceeded with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide or Group B: did not receive prednisolone acetate provocative test and proceeded directly to intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. Intraocular pressures were measured weekly for 4 weeks following intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. Steroid-induced ocular hypertension is defined as intraocular pressure increase of 5 mmHg or more from baseline after prednisolone acetate provocative test or intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. Results: A total of 66 eyes (66 patients) were included. Of which, 10 eyes (23.8%) showed prednisolone acetate provocative test steroid-induced ocular hypertension during the 4-week period. Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide steroid-induced ocular hypertension was less likely to develop in Group A (prednisolone acetate provocative test non-steroid-induced ocular hypertension, n = 32, 31.25%) than in group B (n = 24, 54.2%) (p = 0.006, odds ratio: 0.178, 95% CI: 0.53–0.596). Our test achieved a negative predictive value of 68.75%. Conclusion: The topical prednisolone acetate provocative test may be a useful method to predict a steroid-induced ocular hypertension following intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide.

Predictive value of hyoid cephalometrics for retroglossal obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnea syndrome

2019 ◽  
Vol 133 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-124
Author(s):  
R Y Hei ◽  
J Qin ◽  
S H Li
Keyword(s):  
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea ◽  
Horizontal Plane ◽  
Cervical Vertebra ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Sleep Apnoea ◽  
Coronal Plane ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Hypopnea Syndrome ◽  
Obstruction Severity

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the diagnostic value of hyoid cephalometrics in predicting retroglossal obstruction severity in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnea syndrome.MethodsNinety-six obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnea syndrome patients diagnosed by polysomnography were recruited. Polysomnography was repeated with a nasopharyngeal tube after eliminating rhinal and palatopharyngeal obstruction. Cervical vertebra lateral films and hyoid cephalometric measurements were obtained, including the distances of the hyoid to the: mental tubercle, prevertebral plane, mental tubercle coronal plane and mental tubercle horizontal plane.ResultsThe apnoea-hypopnoea index for nasopharyngeal tube polysomnography was significantly correlated with distances from the hyoid to: prevertebral plane (r = 0.350), coronal plane (r = 0.477), horizontal plane (r = 0.529) and mental tubercle (r = 0.560). It was strongly correlated with the hyoid to mental tubercle distance/hyoid to prevertebral plane distance value (r = 0.683), and (hyoid to coronal plane distance plus hyoid to horizontal plane distance)/hyoid to prevertebral plane distance value (r = 0.675).ConclusionObstructive sleep apnoea hypopnea syndrome patients with longer hyoid to mental tubercle distances, and/or more inferior and posterior hyoid bone position, are more prone to retroglossal stenosis and obstruction. Hyoid cephalometrics are valuable for predicting retroglossal obstruction severity.

scholarly journals Diagnostic Accuracy of Contrast Transthoracic Echocardiography, Contrast Transcranial Doppler and Transesophageal Echocardiography in Patients Undergoing Patent Foramen Ovale Closure

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaijing Wang ◽  
Xianda Ni ◽  
Yuxin Wu ◽  
Chen Chen
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Cardiac Catheterization ◽  
Patent Foramen Ovale ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Foramen Ovale ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Pfo Closure

Abstract Purpose: To compare diagnostic accuracy of cTTE, cTCD and TEE in patients undergoing patent foramen ovale closure (PFO) so as to provide evidence for clinical decision-making.Methods: The clinical data of 140 patients with cerebral infarction or migraine who successfully underwent PFO closure or whose right cardiac catheterization results showed no PFO in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively, including clinical baseline, data of cTTE, cTCD and TEE.Results: Patients who successfully underwent PFO closure or whose right cardiac catheterization results showed no PFO were divided into group A and group B, respectively. The differences of the shunt in cTTE and cTCD, the diameter of PFO in TEE and the appearance of bubbles in cTTE were compared. The results showed that the proportion of medium-large shunt in group A was significantly higher than group B in resting cTCD, post-Valsalva cTCD and total cTCD respectively (67.35% VS 42.86%，P=0.004；100% VS 71.42%，P=0.0003；81.63% VS 51.43%，P=0.002). The proportion of medium-large shunt in group A was higher than group B in cTCD (75.90% VS 19.35%，P＜0.001). The diameters of PFO of group A were larger than group B in TEE (2.18±0.78 VS 1.19±0.78，P＜0.001). Take the successful PFO closure as the state variable. The ROC curves of cTTE, cTCD and TEE were made, and the results showed that cTCD and TEE had better sensitivity and specificity. The proportion of appearance of bubbles within 5 cardiac cycles in cTTE in group A was significantly higher than group B (73.47% VS 42.86%，P=0.005).Conclusions: For the patients with PFO to be occluded, the success rate of operation could be improved by selecting patients with larger shunt, larger diameter of foramen ovale and shorter interval in the appearance of bubbles. Otherwise, there was perhaps no PFO. cTCD and TEE had better diagnostic value for PFO closure than that of cTTE.

scholarly journals Diagnostic value of virtual autopsy using pm-MRI at 3T on malformed second trimester fetuses vs classic autopsy

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0260357
Author(s):  
Adelina Staicu ◽  
Camelia Albu ◽  
Roxana Popa-Stanila ◽  
Cosmina Ioana Bondor ◽  
Ioana Cristina Rotar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Kappa Coefficient ◽  
Termination Of Pregnancy ◽  
Diagnostic Utility ◽  
Second Trimester ◽  
Virtual Autopsy ◽  
Group A ◽  
Cardiac Group

Objective To determine the diagnostic value of virtual autopsy using post mortem-MRI (pm-MRI) at 3Tesla (T) compared to classic autopsy for the confirmation of fetal structural anomalies and secondly to establish which cases of termination of pregnancy would benefit mostly from a virtual autopsy. Methods In each of 32 fetuses included in the study, 32 anatomical structures were assessed, after termination of pregnancy in the second trimester. All cases were evaluated by prenatal ultrasonography, virtual autopsy and classic autopsy, and then divided into four groups: Cerebral Group, Cardiac Group, Renal Group and Other Group (miscellaneous group). The concordance of virtual autopsy with classic autopsy was calculated overall and for each group and each structural item. Also, the concordance between the two methods was assessed using a diagnostic error score (DgE_score), calculated as the absolute value of the difference between the number of malformations detected by classic autopsy per case (CA score) and the number of malformations detected at virtual autopsy per case (VA score). Results Overall virtual autopsy demonstrated a diagnostic sensitivity (Se) compared to classic autopsy of 67.33% [95% CI 57.28–76.33], with a specificity (Sp) of 98.37% [95% CI 97.33–99.09], a positive predictive value (PPV) of 81.93% [95% CI 71.95–89.52], a negative predictive value (NPV) of 96.49% [95% CI 95.11–97.57] achieving a diagnostic accuracy of 95.31% [95% CI 93.83–96.52]. Overall, no statistic significant correlation was demonstrated between DgE_score and the gestational age of the fetuses or between DgE_score and the weight of the fetuses, but a significant correlation was revealed between the virtual autopsy and classic autopsy score. The diagnostic utility of virtual autopsy using pm-MRI at 3 T as compared to classic autopsy for each category of termination of pregnancy revealed in the Cerebral Group a Se of 80.00% [95% CI 28.36–99.49], with a 96.30% [95% CI 81.03–99.91], a PPV of 80.00% [95% CI 35.75–96.64] a NPV of 96.30% [95% CI 81.81–99.34], with a diagnostic accuracy of 93.75% [95% CI 79.19% to 99.23] and a Cohen’s Kappa coefficient of 0.76 [95% CI 0.4494–1.0765]; in the Renal Group a Se and Sp of 100%, but in the Cardiac Group the Se was only 60.00% [95% CI 26.24–87.84], Sp 75% [95% CI 34.91–96.81], the PPV 75.00% [95% CI 44.92–91.69], NPV 60% [95% CI 38.87–77.96], with a diagnostic accuracy of 66.67% [95% CI 40.99–86.66] and a Cohen’s Kappa coefficient of 0.32 [95% CI -0.07–0.76]. Conclusions The results support virtual autopsy using pm-MRI at 3T as a reliable alternative to classic autopsy for the non-forensic analysis of second trimester fetuses. Analyzing the diagnostic utility of virtual autopsy using pm-MRI at 3 T for the confirmation of prenatal ultrasound findings in second trimester fetuses as compared to classic autopsy, the best results were obtained in the Cerebral and Renal Group. Reserved results were found in the Cardiac Group. Therefore, for the pregnancies with termination of pregnancy for cerebral or renal abnormalities, virtual autopsy by pm-MRI at 3T can be taken into consideration as a first-line investigation to confirm the prenatal findings.

scholarly journals Application of PCT, CRP and WBC levels in the differential diagnosis of acute bacterial, viral, and mycoplasmal respiratory tract infections

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Yang ◽  
Min Lanfang ◽  
Zhang Xin
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group A ◽  
Tract Infections

Objective There is a lack of studies comparing Procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) levels in the differential diagnosis of acute bacterial, viral, and mycoplasmal respiratory infections. It is necessary to explore the correlation between above markers and different types of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI). Methods 108 children with confirmed bacterial infection were regarded as group A, 116 children with virus infection were regarded as group B, and 122 children with mycoplasma infection were regarded as group C. The levels of PCT, CRP and WBC of the three groups were detected and compared. Results The levels of PCT, CRP and WBC in group A were significantly higher than those in groups B and C (P <0.05). The positive rate of combined detection of PCT, CRP and WBC was significantly higher than that of single detection. There was no significant difference of PCT, CRP and WBC levels between the group of Gram-positive (G+) bacteria infection and Gram-negative (G-) bacteria infection (P >0.05). ROC curve results showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of PCT, CRP and WBC for the diagnosis of bacterial respiratory infections were 0.65, 0.55, and 0.58, respectively. Conclusions PCT, CRP and WBC can be used as effective indicators for the identification of acute bacterial or no-bacterial infections in children. The levels of PCT and CRP have higher differential diagnostic value than that of WBC in infection, and the combined examination of the three is more valuable in clinic.

Radiographic findings and anatomical variations of the caudal cervical area in horses with neck pain and ataxia: case–control study on 116 horses

2020 ◽  
Vol 187 (9) ◽  
pp. e79-e79
Author(s):  
Francesca Beccati ◽  
Marco Pepe ◽  
Isabella Santinelli ◽  
Rodolfo Gialletti ◽  
Antonio Di Meo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Cervical Vertebra ◽  
Anatomical Variations ◽  
Radiographic Findings ◽  
Articular Process ◽  
Group A ◽  
Osteochondral Fragment ◽  
Cervical Area

BackgroundAbnormalities of the ventral lamina of the sixth cervical vertebra (AVL-C6) are thought to exert abnormal stress on the articular process joints (APJs) of the cervicothoracic junction. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between AVL-C6 and radiographic findings in the caudal cervical area and between clinical signs of neck pain and ataxia and radiographic findings.MethodsMedical records of horses subjected to cervical radiography were reviewed. Horses were classified into those with neck pain (group C), those with ataxia (group A) and healthy horses (group H). Presence of AVL-C6 and increased size, dysplasia, remodelling, fragmentation and osteochondral fragment at the APJs (C5–T1) were recorded. Univariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the associations between explanatory and dependent variables. Variables with P<0.2 were included in the multivariable analysis.ResultsOne hundred and sixteen horses were included (44 in group C, 29 in group A, 66 in group H); 24 of 116 horses had radiographic AVL-C6. Age, AVL-C6 and overall/C6–C7 increase in size remained in the final models.ConclusionsThe presence of AVL-C6 and moderate/severe increase in size of the caudal cervical APJs increase the odds of showing neck pain and, if severe, ataxia.

Written Discourse Task Helps to Identify Progression from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Dementia

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Hana Kim ◽  
Alex Walker ◽  
Jennifer Shea ◽  
Argye E. Hillis
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Written Discourse ◽  
Trail Making ◽  
Group A ◽  
Multivariable Regression ◽  
Description Task ◽  
The Relationship

<b><i>Purpose:</i></b> We aimed to investigate: (1) the clinical, diagnostic value of a written discourse task, and (2) the relationship between executive functions and written discourse within the spectrum of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). <b><i>Method:</i></b> To determine whether written discourse performance predicts clinical course among individuals with MCI, we retrospectively classified individuals with MCI as converters (<i>N</i> = 26) who were later diagnosed with dementia or as a stable MCI group (<i>N</i> = 45). We quantified core word measures from written discourse samples obtained from the Cookie Theft picture description task. <b><i>Result:</i></b> Written discourse measures differentiated converters from the stable MCI group. Converters produced a fewer number of core words than the stable MCI group. A measure of executive function significantly predicted performance on the production of core words in written discourse for the converters. In a multivariable regression, production of core words remained the only explanatory variable closely associated with the progression to dementia in MCI. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Written discourse tasks can predict the likelihood of MCI progressing to dementia, independently of recall and an executive function measure. Correlational results suggest that written discourse performance was associated with executive function as measured by the Trail Making Test. Our findings emphasize the usefulness of including written discourse tasks in language assessment batteries targeting preclinical dementia populations.

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