CT Score as a Mainstay of Tocilizumab Treatment in COVID-19

Background: After one year of numerous clinical trials, the position of tocilizumab in the treatment of COVOD-19 patients is not yet stable. Methods: In this small prospective observational study, we recruited patients with severe and critical COVID-19 with a rapid deterioration of their clinical status. Demographic, clinical, CT findings and laboratory data were collected prior to the decision to administer tocilizmab. Results: 33 patients were included between March 2020 and February 2021 11 (33.3%) of patients died, with the median of 22.5 (9-35) days (p<0.05). Compared with the survivors, the patients who died were significantly older, with the mean age of 72.5 years vs 61.3 years, respectively. Also, the mean CT scores in the patients who died were significantly higher than in the survivors, with the mean value of 22.7 vs 17.3 (p<0.05). In addition, there was also a difference in the mean values of inflammatory parameters, which were generally higher in non-survivors. Conclusion: In this small exploratory analysis of 33 patients with severe or critical COVID-19, treated with tocilizumab we did not obtain neither a significant reduction of ICU admission neither of mortality. The high CT grade of lung damage has shown to be the only independent prognostic factor of clinical outcome, regardless of administration time or criteria of tocilizumab use.

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STUDIES ON FOLIC ACID IN INFANCY

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.33.4.507 ◽

1964 ◽

Vol 33 (4) ◽

pp. 507-511

Author(s):

Yehuda Matoth ◽

Ariela Pinkas ◽

Rina Zamir ◽

Fouad Mooallem ◽

Nathan Grossowicz

Keyword(s):

Folic Acid ◽

Folinic Acid ◽

Economic Status ◽

Mean Value ◽

First Year ◽

Mean Values ◽

Healthy Infants ◽

Initial Drop ◽

The Mean ◽

One Year

The level of folic and folinic acid in whole blood was assayed in 373 healthy infants from birth to one year. Folic acid was high at birth and dropped gradually over the first 8 postnatal weeks. The mean value for the remainder of the first year was significantly below the adult mean. Folinic acid was likewise high at birth and dropped parallel with the folic acid. However, following the initial drop, folinic acid mean values remained well above the adult mean. Folic and folinic acid values were higher in breast-fed than in artificially fed infants and lower in infants whose economic status was poor than in babies belonging to families of higher income.

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PROTEIN-BOUND IODINE IN INFANTS FROM BIRTH TO ONE YEAR OF AGE

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.7.2.240 ◽

1951 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 240-244

Author(s):

T. S. DANOWSKI ◽

S. Y. JOHNSTON ◽

W. C. PRICE ◽

M. MCKELVY ◽

S. S. STEVENSON ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Thyroid Function ◽

Maternal Blood ◽

Mean Value ◽

Elevated Concentration ◽

Older Children ◽

Mean Values ◽

Order Of Magnitude ◽

The Mean ◽

One Year ◽

Relationship Of

Statistical comparisons indicate that within 12 hours of birth the serum protein-bound iodine of the infant is of the same order of magnitude, on the average, as that present in maternal blood during pregnancy or within a few hours of delivery. During the remainder of the first week of life there occurs a transient statistically significant increase in the mean value of this iodine fraction. During the sixth to twelfth week the concentrations fall below those present neonatally, but at this time or at any subsequent age up to 1 year, they are still on the average above those encountered in euthyroid nonpregnant adults or in older children. The possible relationship of these higher mean values in infancy to increased thyroid function in the rapidly growing infant have been mentioned with emphasis on the elevated concentration of circulating thyroxin.

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Follow up of Patients with Parathyroid Adenoma Detected by Parathyroid Scan

Bangladesh Journal of Nuclear Medicine ◽

10.3329/bjnm.v20i2.37395 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 119

Author(s):

Shahnaz Begum ◽

Fatima Begum ◽

Shamima Yeasmin ◽

Tania Sultana ◽

Afroza Begum ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Operative Treatment ◽

Clinical Status ◽

Mean Value ◽

Biochemical Profile ◽

Sestamibi Scan ◽

Male Patients ◽

The Mean ◽

One Year ◽

The One

Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is the third most endocrine disorder after diabetes and thyroid disease. The objective of this study was to observe the outcome of those patients who had positive parathyroid scan with Technetium-99m (99mTc) sestamibi scan referred to National Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (NINMAS) to perform parathyroid scan.Patients and Methods: This longitudinal observational type of study was carried out at NINMAS, from January 2016 to December 2016. A total number of 43 hyperparathyroid patients who had positive parathyroid scan were included in this study during one year follow up period. There clinical status, biochemical profile & treatment history were evaluated Chi-quire and paired t-test were used to analyze the variables.Results: Among 43 study patients, number of male patients was 26 (60.5%) and female patients were 17 (39.5%). The mean ± SD age was 42.44 ± 12.11 years and majority was in age group 41-50 years. It was observed that 40 (93.0%) patients were symptomatic and only 3 (7.0%) were asymptomatic. Regarding symptoms, majority (81.4%) patients had bone pain followed by renal stone (58.1%). More than half (55.8%) patient had abdominal pain or cramps. Twenty nine (67.4.0%) patients undergone operation and 14 (32.6%) patients did not receive operative treatment at the one year follow up period. Among 43 patients 29 (67.4%) were operated and all operated patients relieved their symptoms whereas patients 14 (32.6%) had not undergone operation and their symptoms persisted. There was strong statistical significant association (P<0.05) between operation and relief of symptoms. The biochemical profile of study patients showed that preoperative mean serum calcium level was 10.92±2.85 mg/dl which reduced after operation (7.53±2.75 mg/dl). The mean value of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level also reduced from 748±744.77 pg/ml to 171.61±168.23 pg/ml.Conclusion: Among all patients, 67.4% received operative treatment and were relieved from symptoms at one year follow up. Significant number of hyperparathyroid patients (32.6%) failed to receive operative treatment due to poor economic condition. More awareness is needed among physicians and patients about immediate operative treatment to alleviate their sufferings as well as to avoid crippling complications.Bangladesh J. Nuclear Med. 20(2): 119-123, July 2017

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Seasonal trends in the stable isotopic composition of snow and meltwater runoff in a subarctic catchment at Okstindan, Norway

Hydrology Research ◽

10.2166/nh.2004.0009 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 35 (2) ◽

pp. 119-137 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

S.D. Gurney ◽

D.S.L. Lawrence

Keyword(s):

Isotopic Composition ◽

Mean Value ◽

Mean Values ◽

Stable Isotopic Composition ◽

Meltwater Runoff ◽

Stable Isotopic ◽

The Mean ◽

The Difference ◽

Δ18o And Δd

Seasonal variations in the stable isotopic composition of snow and meltwater were investigated in a sub-arctic, mountainous, but non-glacial, catchment at Okstindan in northern Norway based on analyses of δ18O and δD. Samples were collected during four field periods (August 1998; April 1999; June 1999 and August 1999) at three sites lying on an altitudinal transect (740–970 m a.s.l.). Snowpack data display an increase in the mean values of δ18O (increasing from a mean value of −13.51 to −11.49‰ between April and August), as well as a decrease in variability through the melt period. Comparison with a regional meteoric water line indicates that the slope of the δ18O–δD line for the snowpacks decreases over the same period, dropping from 7.49 to approximately 6.2.This change points to the role of evaporation in snowpack ablation and is confirmed by the vertical profile of deuterium excess. Snowpack seepage data, although limited, also suggest reduced values of δD, as might be associated with local evaporation during meltwater generation. In general, meltwaters were depleted in δ18O relative to the source snowpack at the peak of the melt (June), but later in the year (August) the difference between the two was not statistically significant. The diurnal pattern of isotopic composition indicates that the most depleted meltwaters coincide with the peak in temperature and, hence, meltwater production.

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A new simpler approach to measure the strength of toe plantar flexion requiring no mechanical restraint with a light-weight device

Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part H Journal of Engineering in Medicine ◽

10.1177/09544119211002932 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 095441192110029

Author(s):

Yuko Komuro ◽

Yuji Ohta

Keyword(s):

Plantar Flexion ◽

Mean Value ◽

Simple Approach ◽

Light Weight ◽

New Approach ◽

Mean Values ◽

Mechanical Restraint ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Ankle Joints ◽

The Mean

Conventionally, the strength of toe plantar flexion (STPF) is measured in a seated position, in which not only the target toe joints but also the knee and particularly ankle joints, are usually restrained. We have developed an approach for the measurement of STPF which does not involve restraint and considers the interactions of adjacent joints of the lower extremities. This study aimed to evaluate this new approach and comparing with the seated approach. A thin, light-weight, rigid plate was attached to the sole of the foot in order to immobilize the toe area. Participants were 13 healthy young women (mean age: 24 ± 4 years). For measurement of STPF with the new approach, participants were instructed to stand, raise the device-wearing leg slightly, plantar flex the ankle, and push the sensor sheet with the toes to exert STPF. The sensor sheet of the F-scan II system was inserted between the foot sole and the plate. For measurement with the seated approach, participants were instructed to sit and push the sensor with the toes. They were required to maintain the hip, knee, and ankle joints at 90°. The mean values of maximum STPF of the 13 participants obtained with each approach were compared. There was no significant difference in mean value of maximum STPF when the two approaches were compared (new: 59 ± 23 N, seated: 47 ± 33 N). The coefficient of variation of maximum STPF was smaller for data obtained with the new approach (new: 39%, seated: 70%). Our simple approach enables measurement of STPF without the need for the restraints that are required for the conventional seated approach. These results suggest that the new approach is a valid method for measurement of STPF.

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AB0101 THE IMPACT OF TIME SPAN TO ACHIEVE BOOLEAN REMISSION FOR MAINTAINING DISEASE ACTIVITY AFTER ACQUISITION IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENT

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.297 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 1079.1-1079

Author(s):

I. Yoshii

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Disease Activity ◽

Disease Duration ◽

Remission Rate ◽

Mean Value ◽

Time Span ◽

Mean Values ◽

The Mean ◽

The Relationship

Background:Boolean remission criteria is one most popular and stringent criteria in treating patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), because it may guarantees a stable clinical course after attaining remission.Objectives:Impact of time span from initiation to achieving Boolean remission on maintaining disease activity, daily activities, and quality of life after attaining Boolean remission was investigated from daily clinical practice data.Methods:685 patients with RA since August 2010 under the T2T strategy were treated. They were monitored for their TJC, SJC, PGA, EGA, CRP, and disease activity indices such as CDAI, SDAI, DAS28, and Boolean criteria at every visit. HAQ-DI score, pain score using visual analog scale (PS-VAS), and EQ-5D were also monitored, and the quality of life score (QOLS) calculated from EQ-5D was determined at every visit from the time of diagnosis (baseline).Of 685 patients, 465 patients had achieved Boolean remission >1 times, and were consecutively followed up for >3 years. These patients were enrolled in the study. Time span from the first visit to first Boolean remission was calculated. The relationship between the time span and each of background parameters, and the relationship between the time span and each of the mean values of the SDAI score, HAQ score, PS-VAS, SHS, and QOLS at the first Boolean remission and thereafter was evaluated statistically.Patients were subsequently divided into the G ≤ 6 and G > 6 groups based on the achievement of first Boolean remission within two groups: time span G ≤ 6 months and G > 6 months. The two groups were compared with regard to the SDAI score, HAQ score, PS-VAS, SHS, and QOLS at first visit and at the time of first Boolean remission, and the mean values of these parameters after remission were evaluated statistically. Moreover, changes of these parameters and the mean Boolean remission rate after the first remission, and SDAI remission rate at the first Boolean remission to thereafter were compared between the two groups statistically.Results:Out of 465 patients, females comprised 343 (73.7%), and the mean age was 67.8 years (range, from 21–95 years). The mean disease duration at first visit was 6.1 years (range, from 1 months–45 years). The mean follow up length was 88.1 months (range: 36–122 months; median: 85 months) and mean time span from the first visit to the first Boolean remission was 8.1 months. The mean SDAI score, HAQ score, PS-VAS, and the QOLS at first visit were 13.3, 0.467, 33.2, and 0.834, respectively. Among the study parameters, PS-VAS and QOLS were significantly correlated with the time span. For parameters at the first Boolean remission, HAQ-DI score, PS-VAS, and QOLS demonstrated significant correlation with the time span, whereas SDAI, HAQ-DI score, PS-VAS, SHS, and QOLS after the Boolean remission demonstrated significant correlation with the time span.The comparison between the G ≤ 6 and the G > 6 groups revealed that the disease duration, HAQ score, and PS-VAS at baseline in the G > 6 were significantly higher than that in the G ≤ 6 group, and QOLS in the G ≤ 6 group was significantly higher than that in the G > 6 group at baseline. Similarly, the HAQ score and PS-VAS at the first Boolean remission in the G > 6 group were significantly higher than that in the G ≤ 6 group, whereas QOLS in the G ≤ 6 group demonstrated no significant difference compared with that in the G > 6 group.The mean value of the SDAI score after the first Boolean remission in the G > 6 group was significantly higher than that in the G ≤ 6 group. Similarly, the SDAI score, HAQ score, and PS-VAS after the first Boolean remission in the G > 6 group were also significantly higher than those in the G ≤ 6 group, and the mean value of the QOLS in the G ≤ 6 group were significantly higher than that in the G > 6 group. The Boolean remission rate and SDAI remission rate after the first Boolean remission were significantly higher in the G ≤ 6 group than those in the G > 6 group.Conclusion:Attaining Boolean remission ≤ 6 months for RA has significant benefit for more stable disease control, that leads good maintenance of ADL.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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Comparison of Emission Levels of Motor Cars, Motorcycles, and Tricycles Using Petrol Engines in Southwestern Nigeria

Key Engineering Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/kem.900.183 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 900 ◽

pp. 183-187

Author(s):

Odunlami Olayemi Abosede ◽

Akeredolu Funso Alaba

Keyword(s):

Carbon Dioxide ◽

Carbon Monoxide ◽

Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽

Mean Value ◽

Southwestern Nigeria ◽

Mean Values ◽

Mobile Sources ◽

Southwest Nigeria ◽

The Mean ◽

European Standards

The emissions of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbon from four stroke-powered motorcars and two stroke-powered motorcycles and tricycles in Southwest Nigeria were examined using an automotive 4-gas analyer. Results show that tricycles produced more hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions than motorcycles, while motorcycles emitted more of these pollutants than the gasoline fueled motor cars. (The gasoline fueled motorcars produced lowest hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide while the tricycles produced the highest hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions). On the contrary, motor cars had the highest mean value of carbon dioxide followed by the motorcycles, while tricycles had the least. This could be attributed to the presence of the catalytic converters in some of the motor cars oxidizing carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. The mean values of hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide emissions from motorcars are 630ppm, 10200ppm and 59900ppm. This is much higher than the NESREA (National Environmental standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency) standards as well as Euro II and Euro III (European standards) for vehicular emission. The mean values for hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide emissions from motorcycles and tricycles are (2150ppm, 21530ppm and 31200ppm) and (2820ppm, 24880ppm and 38710ppm) respectively. These results do not comply with Nigeria and European emission standards for hydrocarbon, and carbon monoxide. Tricycles and motorcycles account for higher concentrations of hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide pollutants from mobile sources, while they emit carbon dioxide minimally.

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Lateral Antebrachial Cutaneous Nerve as a Donor Source for Digital Nerve Grafting: A Concept Revisited

The Open Orthopaedics Journal ◽

10.2174/1874325001711011041 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 1041-1048 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Mehmet Bekir Unal ◽

Kemal Gokkus ◽

Evrim Sirin ◽

Eren Cansü

Keyword(s):

Pearson Correlation ◽

Mean Value ◽

Cutaneous Nerve ◽

Digital Nerve ◽

Mean Values ◽

Nerve Grafts ◽

The Mean ◽

The Difference ◽

Mean Time

Objective: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the availability of lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LACN) autograft for acute or delayed repair of segmented digital nerve injuries. Patients and Methods: 13 digital nerve defects of 11 patients; treated with interposition of LACN graft that harvested from ipsilateral extremity were included in the study. Mean follow up period was 35, 7 months. The mean time from injury to grafting is 53, 3 days. The results of the mean 2PDT and SWMT values of injured /uninjured finger at the end of follow up period were evaluated with Paired T test. The correlation between the defect length and the difference of 2PDT, SWMT values between the uninjured and injured finger at the end of follow up period; were evaluated with Pearson - correlation analysis. Results: The mean value of our 2PDT and SWMT results are ~5,923, ~3, 52, respectively in which can be interpreted between the normal and diminished light touch. The defect length and difference percentage of SWMT values is positively and significantly correlated statistically. Mean length of interposed nerve grafts was 18.5 mm. The age of the patient and the mean values of 2PDT and SWMT with the difference % of 2PDT and % of SWMT are not statistically correlated. Conclusion: Based on results regarding sensory regaining at recipient side and negligible sensory deficit at harvesting side, we suggest that lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve might be a valuable graft option for digital nerve defects.

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Isotopic and Elemental Determination in Some Romanian Apple Fruit Juices

The Scientific World JOURNAL ◽

10.1100/2012/878242 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Dana Alina Magdas ◽

Adriana Dehelean ◽

Romulus Puscas

Keyword(s):

Drinking Water ◽

Apple Fruit ◽

Mean Value ◽

Heavy Elements ◽

Stable Isotope Ratios ◽

Mean Values ◽

Ni Content ◽

Elemental Determination ◽

Us Epa ◽

The Mean

H, C, O stable isotope ratios and the content of some heavy elements of 31 Romanian single-strength organic apple juices collected from four Transylvanian areas are discussed in this study. The aim of this study was to measure the2H/1H,18O/16O,13C/12C ratios of these juices and their elemental profile and to establish a database of authentic values to be used for adulteration and authenticity testing. Our results have shown mean values ofδ18O=-4.2‰andδDδ-46.5‰, respectively, for apples from Transylvania and at the same time the mean value ofδ13C=-28.2‰. The content of Cd, Pb, U, Zn, As was below the acceptable limits stipulated in US-EPA standard for drinking water. Cu and Cr limits exceeded for one single juice; Ni content for some apple juices from Maramures, Alba, and Cluj was higher than the acceptable value.

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Evaluation of Physicochemical Characteristics of Surface Water from Orashi River, Rivers State, Southern Nigeria

Athens Journal of Sciences ◽

10.30958/ajs.8-2-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 105-122

Author(s):

Onisogen Simeon Edori ◽

Enize Simeon Edori

Keyword(s):

Suspended Solids ◽

Oxygen Demand ◽

Physicochemical Characteristics ◽

Total Dissolved Solids ◽

Standard Laboratory ◽

Mean Values ◽

Drinking Purposes ◽

The Mean ◽

One Year ◽

Rivers State

Water samples were collected from four different stations bimonthly from the Orashi River for a period of one year. The samples were collected from the shores of selected communities along the Engenni axis of the river. The samples were treated and analyzed according to standard laboratory and analytical procedures for water physicochemical parameters. The parameters examined were pH, Salinity, chlorides (Cl-), Conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS) turbidity, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrates (NO3-), sulphate (SO42-) and phosphates (PO43-). The results showed that the mean values of the evaluated parameters were; pH (6.91±0.11), salinity (9.79±0.27 mg/L), Cl (6.25±0.25 mg/L), conductivity (29.66±1.20 µS/cm), TDS (17.66±2.08 mg/L), TSS (16.83±1.15 mg/L), turbidity (11.84±1.50 mg/L), temperature (28.16±0.12 oC), DO (5.91±0.18 mg/L), BOD (7.30±0.60 mg/L), COD (9.41±0.70 mg/L), NO3- (3.42±0.27 mg/L), SO42- (1.15±0.56 mg/L) and PO43- (15.65±5.76 mg/L). The results of the different parameters showed that all of them fall within the WHO acceptable limit except turbidity, DO and BOD that were not within the recommended range, then COD and phosphates that were either within or above the recommended values at different instances. Based on the findings of this work, the water may not be particularly suitable for drinking purposes, but can be used for other household functions that do not require consumption and also for irrigation. Keywords: water, physicochemical property, human activity, environment, contamination

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