A randomised trial comparing transurethral to percutaneous cystolithotripsy in boys.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and morbidity of transurethral cystolithotripsy (TUCL) and percutaneous CL (PCCL) in the management of bladder stones in male children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 100 boys, aged <14 years with a single bladder or urethral stone of <30 mm, were randomised into two equal groups. Initial diagnostic urethro-cystoscopy and push back of urethral stones were done for patients in both groups. Patients in Group A had TUCL, while those in Group B had PCCL through a 20-F sheath using a 12-F nephroscope. The two groups were compared regarding preoperative criteria, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: The patients in this study had a median (range) age of 36 (4-144) months and stone size of 10 (5-26) mm. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups for preoperative criteria. The assigned procedure was successful in 48 (96%) patients in Group A and 49 (98%) in Group B (P = 1). Complications were encountered in 11 (22%) patients in Group A and five (10%) in Group B (P = 0.171). The median (range) operative time was 21.5 (4-90) min in Group A and 13 (5-70) min in Group B (P < 0.001). In all, 47 (94%) stones needed disintegration in Group A vs 22 (44%) in Group B (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both techniques have comparable success and complications rates. However, PCCL has a shorter operative time and less need for stone disintegration.

The Prevalence and Predictors of Post-Stroke Depression and Anxiety During COVID-19 Pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is associated with a rise in post-stroke depression (PSD) and anxiety (PSA). In this study, we evaluated the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the rates of PSD and PSA. METHODS: All stroke admissions to two hospitals in Saudi Arabia during two months were prospectively evaluated for PSD and PSA. NIHSS and serum TSH assessed on admission. PSD and PSA were evaluated using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Post-stroke disability was assessed by mRS, while social support assessed by Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). RESULTS: Among 50 participants (28 males), clinically significant PSD was found in 36%, while PSA in 32%. PSD associated with higher NIHSS (P < 0.001); lower MSPSS (P = 0.003); higher mRS (P = 0.001); and discontinuation of rehabilitation (P = 0.02). PSA was associated with higher TSH (P = 0.01); lower MSPSS (P = 0.03); while discontinuation of rehabilitation was related to less PSA (P = 0.034). Multivariate analysis showed that NIHSS (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 742-3.37; P = 0.01); and MSPSS score (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.47-0.94; P = 0.002) were associated with PSD; while PSA was related to TSH level (OR: 8.32, 95% CI:1.42-47.23; P = 0.02), and discontinuation of rehabilitation (OR: -0.96, 95% CI: -1.90-0.02; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Our research shows that the rise in PSD is related to stroke severity and this has not changed significantly during the pandemic; however, PSA showed a noticeable peak. Social deprivation and the lacking levels of rehabilitation related significantly to both.

A Prototype of an Electromagnetic Induction Sensor for Non-Destructive Estimation of the Presence of Corrosive Chemicals Ensuing Concrete Corrosion.

The corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete often leads to huge unbudgeted expenses for maintaining, monitoring and renovating an infrastructure. This is mainly due to the presence of salts or chemical chlorides that pose a danger to the concrete structures. The determination of the existence of these corrosive salts is vital for defining the service life of concrete. This research looked at developing an electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensor for the detection of corrosive salts. The first design adopted a single-loop coil (SLC) concept, and the second was based on a multiple-loop coil (MLC) one using copper wire. Tests were conducted on these two techniques, and with the results obtained, the latter seemed more promising; thus, a prototype sensor was developed using the MLC concept. As this new prototype sensor was able to detect the manifestation of chemical contents in a concrete structure, it could be used as a non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technique for the detection of corrosive chemicals in concrete and has the further possibility of detecting corrosion in concrete.

Frontal theta/beta ratio changes during TOVA in Egyptian ADHD children.

OBJECTIVE: To spot the frontal theta/beta ratio alterations during Tests of Variance of Attention (TOVA) in Egyptian attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children. METHODS: This is a cross sectional study performed in Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, Cairo University, Egypt. It included 2 groups, each of 52 children (one of them with ADHD and the other were normal control). EEG was recorded for every subject during normal relaxing circumstance with eyes opened as well as during TOVA. RESULTS: Comparing both groups revealed statistically significant difference in the theta/beta ratio in both state (normal relaxing with eyes opened and during TOVA), also we found that the theta/beta ratio decreased in normal group (during concentration) while in the ADHD group it increased with a specific pattern. CONCLUSION: The theta/beta ratio can be of value in helping for differential diagnosis in patients presenting with mild ADHD.

Is Tamsulosin Effective after Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Pediatric Renal Stones? A Randomized, Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: We assessed the effect of tamsulosin as an adjunctive therapy after shock wave lithotripsy for pediatric single renal pelvic stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 children with a unilateral single renal pelvic stone were included in a prospective randomized, controlled study. All children were randomized to 2 equal groups. Group 1 received tamsulosin (0.01 mg/kg once daily) as adjunctive therapy after shock wave lithotripsy in addition to paracetamol while group 2 received paracetamol only. Stone clearance was defined as no renal stone fragments or fragments less than 3 mm and no pelvicalyceal system dilatation. RESULTS: Our study included 69 boys and 51 girls with a median age of 3.5 years and a median stone size of 1.2 cm. There was no statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2 in stone or patient criteria. Of the children 99 (82.5%) achieved stone clearance after the first session, including 50 in group 1 and 49 in group 2. All children in each group were cleared of stones after the second session. The overall complication rate was 14.2%. There was no statistically significant difference between single session stone clearance rates (p = 0.81) and complications rates (p = 0.432) in either group. On multivariate analysis using logistic regression smaller stone size (p = 0.016) and radiopaque stones (p = 0.019) were the only predictors of stone clearance at a single shock wave lithotripsy session. Tamsulosin therapy did not affect stone clearance (p = 0.649). CONCLUSIONS: Tamsulosin does not seem to improve renal stone clearance. Smaller and radiopaque renal stones have more chance of clearance after shock wave lithotripsy for pediatric single renal pelvic stones.

Profile of ocular trauma in the Solomon Islands.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to characterize the causes of ocular trauma and determine the risk factors for infection and vision loss following ocular trauma in the Solomon Islands. DESIGN: A prospective clinic-based study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 507 patients with ocular trauma who were reviewed at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara or one of five provincial eye clinics were included. METHODS: An interview-based questionnaire to determine the circumstances of ocular trauma, and an ocular examination to elicit the trauma sustained,infectious sequelae and the visual outcome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Visual acuity. RESULTS: Males were significantly more likely to have ocular trauma than females (P = 0.01). The major cause of ocular trauma in young boys and girls was being poked by a stick, followed by lime burns in young boys. For both genders, physical violence resulted in most injuries across all adult age groups. Microbial keratitis complicated 4.4% of ocular trauma. Monocular vision impairment (<6/18) occurred in 5.5% of participants and was more likely to occur if female (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Ocular trauma is a significant cause of visual morbidity in the Solomon Islands. The results from this prospective study provide a basis for planning blindness prevention programmes in the Western Pacific.

Current evidence for transurethral en bloc resection of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Despite today's standard procedure for staging and treating non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer by transurethral resection via a wire loop (TURBT), several other publications have dealt with a different concept of en bloc resection of bladder tumors using different energy sources. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MEDLINE and the Cochrane central register were searched for the following terms: en bloc, mucosectomy, laser, resection, ablation, Neodym, Holmium, Thulium, transitional cell carcinoma. RESULTS: Fourteen research articles dealing with en bloc resection of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer could be identified (modified resection loops: six, laser: six, waterjet hydrodissection: two). CONCLUSION: En bloc resection of bladder tumors >1 cm can be performed safely with very low complication rates independent of the power source. By using laser, complication rates might even be decreased, based on their good hemostatic effect and by avoiding the obturator nerve reflex. A further advantage seems to be accurate pathologic staging of en bloc tumors. Randomized controlled trials are still needed to support the assumed advantages of en bloc resection over the standard TURBT with regard to primary targets: First-time clearance of disease, accurate staging and recurrence rates.

"Satan has afflicted me!" Jinn-possession and mental illness in the Qur'an.

Mental health stigma in Muslim communities may be partly due to a commonly held belief among some Muslims about the supernatural causes of mental illness (i.e. jinn-possession brought on by one's sinful life). A thematic analysis was carried out on four English translations and the Arabic text of the Qur'an to explore whether the connection between jinn-possession and insanity exists within the Muslim holy book. No connection between spirit-possession and madness or mental illness was found. Pagans taunted and labelled people as jinn-possessed only to ostracize and scapegoat. Linking the labelling of people as jinn-possession to a pagan practice may be used to educate Muslims, so they can reassess their community's stigma towards the mentally ill.

Association of Serum Vitamin D level with Asthenozoospermic Male.

Although vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common health problems throughout the world, conflicting information exists on the potential association between serum vitamin D levels and semen quality. Currently available data identifies that vitamin D has a vital role in reproductive process as it affects sperm motility. This study was done with the rationality to evaluate the association between serum vitamin D levels with asthenozoospermic males. This cross-sectional analytic study was conducted on 314 men who attended the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh July 2018 to June 2019. Considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria all participants were categorized into two groups; Group I included 157 asthenozoospermic male and Group II included 157 normozoospermic male according to World Health Organization 'strict' criteria 2010. Participants completed the questionnaires after they had agreed on a informed consent. Blood and semen samples were obtained for assessment and all data were adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), total motility and progressive motility. Vitamin D levels were classified according to the Endocrine Society guideline. Statistical analyses were carried out by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA). The results showed that the mean vitamin D level was 16.63±5.54ng/ml in asthenozoospermic group and 19.83±5.33ng/ml in normozoospermic group. The mean vitamin D level was significantly (p<0.05) lower in asthenozoospermic group. It was noticed that 86.6% patients had vitamin D deficiency (≤20ng/ml) in asthenozoospermic group compared to 56.7% in the normozoospermic group. The study found that low vitamin D was associated with a fivefold increased risk of developing asthenozoospermia at 95% CI (2.74-8.99). Moreover, there was a positive significant correlation (r=0.285; p<0.001) between serum vitamin D level with total motility and progressive motility (r=0.232; p<0.001). Hence, the study suggests a significant association between asthenozoospermia and low vitamin D levels. However, clinical trials are warranted to further reinforce the findings.

Bark extract of Chaetocarpus castanocarpus (Roxb.) exhibits potent sedative, anxiolytic, and antidepressant effects through an in vivo approach in Swiss albino mice.

OBJECTIVE: Standard phytochemical investigations were performed to identify the secondary metabolites in the methanol extract of Chaetocarpus castanocarpus bark (MECC) and investigate the neuropharmacological potential of MECC in Swiss albino mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Swiss albino mice were used in the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) to evaluate the antidepressant effect of MECC. Also, the hole board test (HBT) and elevated plus maze (EPM) were conducted to examine anxiolytic activities. In contrast, the open field test (OFT) and hole cross test (HCT) were employed to evaluate sleeping disorders. RESULTS: Alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, coumarins, and tannins are only a few secondary metabolites identified in MECC by qualitative and quantitative phytochemical investigations. The oral administration of MECC considerably shortened the immobility duration during FST and TST. Encouraging dose-dependent anxiolytic effects were also observed in all relevant experiments compared to the control. Additionally, during the OFT and HCT assessment, a noteworthy decline in the locomotor activities of the experimental animals was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this investigation suggest that the Chaetocarpus castanocarpus bark is a possible source of therapeutic candidates for treating neurological disorders.

N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 can promote vasculogenic mimicry and angiogenesis in urothelial carcinoma.

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the bladder is a common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a process by which the malignant cells can generate vascular-like structures formed of periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) positive/CD31 negative extracellular matrix independent of angiogenesis and thus promotes tumor progression. N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is a protein that can modulate tumor angiogenesis; however, its role in regulating tumor angiogenesis and VM formation has not been previously investigated in UC. This study aims to evaluate the role of intra-tumor microvessel density (MVD) (as a surrogate measure of angiogenesis), VM, and NDRG1 in UC and their correlation with different clinicopathologic features, then assess the correlation between them in UC. Sixty specimens of UC of the bladder were included. PAS-CD31 immunohistochemical double staining method was used to evaluate the intra-tumor MVD and VM. Immunohistochemical expression of NDRG1 was also examined. VM and NDRG1 expression were detected in 41.7% and 83.3% of UC specimens respectively. The mean of intra-tumor MVD, VM area, and NDRG1 was significantly higher in tumors with higher grade, lymphovascular invasion, and higher T stage. NDRG1 expression was positively correlated with MVD and VM. We can suggest that MVD, VM, and NDRG1 may serve as poor prognostic markers for UC. The positive correlation between NDRG1 and both MVD and VM may provide the first evidence that NDRG1 can induce tumor angiogenesis and VM in UC which may offer a novel pathway for further therapeutic strategies.

The genome of Przewalski's horse (Equus ferus przewalskii).

The Przewalski's horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) is an endangered equid native to the steppes of central Asia. After becoming extinct in the wild, multiple conservation efforts convened to preserve the species including captive breeding programs, reintroduction and monitoring systems, protected lands, and cloning. Availability of a highly contiguous reference genome is essential to support these continued efforts. We used Oxford Nanopore sequencing to produce a scaffold-level 2.5 Gb nuclear assembly and 16,002 bp mitogenome from a captive Przewalski's mare. All assembly drafts were generated from 111 Gb of sequence from a single PromethION R10.4.1 flow cell. The mitogenome contained 37 genes in the standard mammalian configuration and was 99.63% identical to the domestic horse (Equus caballus). The nuclear assembly, EquPr2, contained 2,146 scaffolds with an N50 of 85.1 Mb, 43X mean depth, and BUSCO quality score of 98.92%. EquPr2 successfully improves upon the existing Przewalski's horse reference genome (Burgud), with 25-fold fewer scaffolds, a 166-fold larger N50, and phased pseudohaplotypes. Modified basecalls revealed 79.5% DNA methylation and 2.1% hydroxymethylation globally. Allele-specific methylation analysis between pseudohaplotypes revealed 226 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in known imprinted genes and loci not previously reported as imprinted. The heterozygosity rate of 0.165% matches previous estimates for the species and compares favorably to other endangered animals. This improved Przewalski's horse assembly will serve as a valuable resource for conservation efforts and comparative genomics investigations.

The genome of Przewalski's horse (Equus ferus przewalskii).

The Przewalski's horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) is an endangered equid native to the steppes of central Asia. After becoming extinct in the wild multiple conservation efforts convened to preserve the species, including captive breeding programs, reintroduction and monitoring systems, protected lands, and cloning. Availability of a highly contiguous reference genome is essential to support these continued efforts. We used Oxford Nanopore sequencing to produce a scaffold-level 2.5 Gb nuclear assembly and 16,002 bp mitogenome from a captive Przewalski's mare. All assembly drafts were generated from 111 Gb of sequence from a single PromethION R10.4.1 flow cell. The mitogenome contained 37 genes in the standard mammalian configuration and was 99.63% identical to the domestic horse (Equus caballus). The nuclear assembly, EquPr2, contained 2,146 scaffolds with an N50 of 85.1 Mb, 43X mean depth, and BUSCO quality score of 98.92%. EquPr2 successfully improves upon the existing Przewalski's horse reference genome (Burgud), with 25-fold fewer scaffolds, a 166-fold larger N50, and phased pseudohaplotypes. Modified basecalls revealed 79.5% DNA methylation and 2.1% hydroxymethylation globally. Allele-specific methylation analysis between pseudohaplotypes revealed 226 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in known imprinted genes and loci not previously reported as imprinted. The heterozygosity rate of 0.165% matches previous estimates for the species and compares favorably to other endangered animals. This improved Przewalski's horse assembly will serve as a valuable resource for conservation efforts and comparative genomics investigations.

Four novel Loci (19q13, 6q24, 12q24, and 5q14) influence the microcirculation in vivo.

There is increasing evidence that the microcirculation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Changes in retinal vascular caliber reflect early microvascular disease and predict incident cardiovascular events. We performed a genome-wide association study to identify genetic variants associated with retinal vascular caliber. We analyzed data from four population-based discovery cohorts with 15,358 unrelated Caucasian individuals, who are members of the Cohort for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE) consortium, and replicated findings in four independent Caucasian cohorts (n  =  6,652). All participants had retinal photography and retinal arteriolar and venular caliber measured from computer software. In the discovery cohorts, 179 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) spread across five loci were significantly associated (p<5.0×10(-8)) with retinal venular caliber, but none showed association with arteriolar caliber. Collectively, these five loci explain 1.0%-3.2% of the variation in retinal venular caliber. Four out of these five loci were confirmed in independent replication samples. In the combined analyses, the top SNPs at each locus were: rs2287921 (19q13; p  =  1.61×10(-25), within the RASIP1 locus), rs225717 (6q24; p = 1.25×10(-16), adjacent to the VTA1 and NMBR loci), rs10774625 (12q24; p  =  2.15×10(-13), in the region of ATXN2,SH2B3 and PTPN11 loci), and rs17421627 (5q14; p = 7.32×10(-16), adjacent to the MEF2C locus). In two independent samples, locus 12q24 was also associated with coronary heart disease and hypertension. Our population-based genome-wide association study demonstrates four novel loci associated with retinal venular caliber, an endophenotype of the microcirculation associated with clinical cardiovascular disease. These data provide further insights into the contribution and biological mechanisms of microcirculatory changes that underlie cardiovascular disease.

Association between Serum Vitamin D and Metabolic Syndrome in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is common in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and may be associated with metabolic and endocrine disorders in PCOS. Aim of the study was to evaluate the association between serum vitamin D level and metabolic syndrome (MS) in PCOS. This cross-sectional study was conducted in PCOS clinic of infertility outpatient department of the department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2018 to June 2019. A total of 170 diagnosed patients with PCOS of aging 20 to 40 years were included in this study. Out of which 85 patients with PCOS MS and rest 85 patients without PCOS MS were considered as Group I and Group II respectively. Serum vitamin D was measured using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). Almost two third (72.9%) populations had vitamin D moderate deficiency (10-20ng/ml) in Group I and 46(54.1%) in Group II. The mean vitamin D was 13.97±4.53ng/ml in Group I 16.02±6.62ng/ml in Group II. There were significant negative correlation found between vitamin D level with weight (r = -0.169; p=0.028), waist circumference (r = -0.208; p=0.007), Waist/Hip ratio (r = -0.205; p=0.007) and diastolic blood pressure (r = -0.187; p=0.014). In binary logistic regression analysis diastolic blood pressure (OR=1.04, 95% CI 0.89-1.29), fasting Glucose (OR=1.09, 95% CI 0.89 - 1.42), HDL (OR=1.11, 95% CI 1.05 - 1.17) and Vitamin D (OR=1.37, 95% CI 1.01 - 1.82) were significant risk factors of metabolic syndrome of the study patients. Vitamin D level was lower in PCOS subjects having MS and higher frequency of body weight, vitamin D deficiency was observed in them compared to the non-MS group. Waist: hip ratio, waist circumference and diastolic blood pressure were the negatively correlated with of vitamin D in the study subjects.

Evaluation of Fecal Pancreatic Elastase-1 as a Measure of Pancreatic Exocrine Function in Children with Pancreatitis.

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency occurs as a clinical consequence of chronic pancreatitis leading to fat maldigestion, malabsorption and malnutrition. Fecal elastase-1 is a laboratory-based test used for the diagnosis or exclusion of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. The aim of the study was to observe the value of fecal elastase-1 in children with pancreatitis as an indicator of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted from January 2017 through June 2018. Thirty children with pain abdomen as control and 36 patients with pancreatitis as cases were included. An ELISA technique which recognizes human pancreatic elastase-1 from spot stool sample was employed for the test. Fecal elastase-1 activity in spot stool samples in acute pancreatitis (AP) ranged from 198.2-500µg/g with a mean of 342.1±136.4µg/g, acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) ranged from 15-500µg/g with a mean of 332.8±194.5µg/g and chronic pancreatitis (CP) ranged from 15-492.8µg/g with a mean of 222.2±197.1µg/g was obtained. In controls, fecal elastase-1 ranged from 28.4-500µg/g with a mean of 398.8±114.9µg/g. Disease severity was classified as mild to moderate pancreatic insufficiency (fecal elastase-1 100 to 200µg/g stool) was found in AP (14.3%) and CP (6.7%) cases. The severe pancreatic insufficiency (fecal elastase-1<100µg/g stool) was observed in ARP (28.6%) and CP (46.7%) cases. Malnutrition was observed in severe pancreatic insufficiency cases. This study result showed that fecal elastase-1 can be used as a measure of pancreatic exocrine function in children with pancreatitis.

Isolated ventral congenital penile curvature treated by incisionless plication of tunica albuginea in adults: A prospective case series.

Background: Numerous surgical techniques are available for the correction of isolated ventral congenital penile curvature (IVCPC). This study aimed to assess the outcomes and predictors of IVCPC treatment in adults using an incisionless plication technique. Materials and methods: This prospective case series examined patients with IVCPC who were treated in our hospital between October 2017 and February 2020 using incisionless plication of the tunica albuginea (Essed-Schroeder technique) with a covering pair of absorbable sutures. The primary outcomes were successful correction (defined as a residual curvature ≤15 degrees) and patient satisfaction. Postoperative follow-ups were performed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: A total of 23 patients were treated for IVCPC with a mean (range) age of 25.3 (18-31) years. Eighteen patients (78.3%) were single with cosmetic complaints, whereas the other 5 patients (21.7%) were married and presented with a difficult vaginal intromission. The mean (range) curvature, length, and operative time were 40 (30-50) degrees, 15 (10-19) cm, and 82 (65-100) minutes, respectively. Postoperative penile pain and numbness occurred in 13 patients (56.5 %) and 7 patients (30.4%) only within the first month, respectively. Palpable suture knots were reported in 15 patients (65.5%) without being bothersome up to 12 months. The postoperative means (ranges) of penile curvature and length were significantly different from that of the preoperative values at 3 (5 [0-20] degrees and 14.5 [9-18.5] cm), 6 (5 [0-20] degrees and 14.5 [9-18.5] cm), and 12 months (5 [0-30] degrees and 14.5 [9-18.5] cm; all p < 0.001). Age, preoperative penile curvature, penile length, postoperative pain, wound infections, and knot palpation insignificantly affected curvature recurrence. Seventeen patients (73.9%) were very satisfied with their surgical outcomes. Conclusions: Incisionless plication of the tunica albuginea is effective and safe for the correction of IVCPC in adults with high success and patient satisfaction rates.

Hormonal Parameters in Diverse Phenotypes of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a polygenic and multifactorial condition, regarded as the most common endocrine abnormality of women in reproductive period. It is commonly assumed that insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism and obesity significantly influence the pathophysiological process of PCOS. This study was designed to estimate hormonal parameters in different phenotypes of PCOS. The cross sectional descriptive type of observational study was carried out at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2018 to June 2019. Data were collected from purposively selected 107 patients with PCOS by interview, clinical examination and laboratory investigations using a pretested case record form. Data were analyzed by computer software, SPSS-version 22.0. Hormonal parameters in different phenotypes of PCOS were compared with ANOVA test. Phenotype A was found in highest number (59.8%) followed by phenotype B (14.9%), phenotype D (14.0%) and phenotype C (11.2%). Biochemical hyperandrogenism was observed highest in phenotype A (57.8%) followed by phenotype B (36.4%) and phenotype C (6.1%). Biochemical or clinical hyperandrogenism was not observed among patients of phenotype D. Altered LH:FSH ratio was high in phenotype A (14.1%) and Phenotype B (2.8%). Increased serum prolactin level was found highest in phenotype A (10.3%) and increased serum TSH was found highest in phenotype D (4.7%). Statistically significant difference was observed among levels of serum testosterone of different phenotypes (p<0.001). Hormonal derangements among different phenotypes reflect the severity of reproductive dysfunction and metabolic aberrations. Screening for metabolic risks of diverse phenotypes is important to detect and prevent long term health consequences of PCOS.

Ovarian reserve in adolescent girls with autoimmune thyroiditis.

Objective: To assess serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels as an ovarian reserve marker in adolescent girls with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and explore the relationship of this marker with autoimmunity and thyroid function biomarkers. Subjects and methods: This study included 96 adolescent girls with newly diagnosed AIT and 96 healthy, age- and sex-matched controls. All participants were evaluated with detailed history taking and physical examination, thyroid ultrasound, and measurement of levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxin (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), antithyroglobulin antibody (TGAb), estradiol, total testosterone, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. The LH/FSH ratio was also calculated. Among 96 patients evaluated, 78 were overtly hypothyroid and 18 were euthyroid. AMH levels were significantly lower in participants with overt hypothyroidism and euthyroidism compared with controls. Results: Serum levels of AMH correlated negatively with age, body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS), and TPOAb, TGAb, and TSH levels but positively with FT4 levels. In multivariate analysis, AMH levels correlated significantly with age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-2.32, p = 0.05), BMI SDS (OR = 2.3, 95% CI, 2.23-3.50, p = 0.01), TSH (OR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.5-2.8, p = 0.01), and TPOAb (OR = 4.1, 95% CI 3.26-8.75, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Ovarian reserve of adolescent girls with AIT, as measured by serum AMH levels, is affected by thyroid autoimmunity and hypothyroidism, indicating a possible need for ovarian reserve monitoring in these patients.

Cinematic reflectometry using QIKR, the quite intense kinetics reflectometer.

The Quite Intense Kinetics Reflectometer (QIKR) will be a general-purpose, horizontal-sample-surface neutron reflectometer. Reflectometers measure the proportion of an incident probe beam reflected from a surface as a function of wavevector (momentum) transfer to infer the distribution and composition of matter near an interface. The unique scattering properties of neutrons make this technique especially useful in the study of soft matter, biomaterials, and materials used in energy storage. Exploiting the increased brilliance of the Spallation Neutron Source Second Target Station, QIKR will collect specular and off-specular reflectivity data faster than the best existing such machines. It will often be possible to collect complete specular reflectivity curves using a single instrument setting, enabling "cinematic" operation, wherein the user turns on the instrument and "films" the sample. Samples in time-dependent environments (e.g., temperature, electrochemical, or undergoing chemical alteration) will be observed in real time, in favorable cases with frame rates as fast as 1 Hz. Cinematic data acquisition promises to make time-dependent measurements routine, with time resolution specified during post-experiment data analysis. This capability will be deployed to observe such processes as in situ polymer diffusion, battery electrode charge-discharge cycles, hysteresis loops, and membrane protein insertion into lipid layers.