Bioinformatic Methodologies in Assessing Gut Microbiota.

Bioinformatic methodologies play a crucial role in the assessment of gut microbiota, offering advanced tools for analyzing complex microbial communities. These methodologies involve high-throughput sequencing technologies, such as 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomics, which generate vast amounts of data on microbial diversity and functional potential, as well as whole-genome sequencing, which, while being more costly, has a more expansive potential. Bioinformatics tools and algorithms process these data to identify microbial taxa and quantify and elucidate their roles within the microbiome.

Oblique lateral interbody fusion at L5-S1: feasibility, surgical approach window, incision line, and influencing factors.

Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to describe the feasibility, surgical approach window (SAW), and incision line (IL) for oblique lateral interbody fusion at L5-S1 (OLIF51) using computed tomography (CT). A secondary aim was to identify associations among approach characteristics and demographic and anthropometric factors.

Methods: We performed a radiographic study of 50 male and 50 female subjects who received abdominal CT imaging.

Comparison of Nonneurological Structures at Risk During Anterior-to-Psoas Versus Transpsoas Surgical Approaches Using Abdominal CT Imaging From L1 to S1.

Background: The kidneys, ribs, liver, spleen, and iliac crests can pose access-related issues to the disc space during both anterior-to-psoas (ATP) and transpsoas (TP) surgical approaches. The aim of this study was to identify and compare the presence and degree of obstruction caused by these structures for the ATP and TP approaches bilaterally from L1 to S1 using abdominal computed tomography.

Methods: Presence of obstruction by a given structure was recorded if the structure was within ATP or TP borders.

Anterior-To-Psoas Approach Measurements, Feasibility, Non-Neurological Structures at Risk and Influencing Factors: A Bilateral Analysis From L1-L5 Using Computed Tomography Imaging.

Background And Objectives: Spinal fusion through the anterior-to-psoas (ATP) technique harbors several approach-related risks. We used abdominal computed tomography imaging to analyze the L1-L5 ATP fusion approach measurements, feasibility, degree of obstruction by non-neurological structures, and the influence of patient characteristics on ATP approach dimensions.

Methods: The vascular window, psoas window, safe window, and incision line anterior and posterior margins for the ATP approach were measured on abdominal computed tomography imaging.

An Analysis of Medical Malpractice Litigation due to Intravenous Steroid Treatment for Acute Spinal Cord Injury.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of litigation due to using or foregoing methylprednisolone (MP), naloxone, or tirilazad for treatment of acute spinal cord injury (ASCI) through querying the Westlaw and VerdictSearch databases.

Summary Of Background Data: There is historic controversy regarding the use of intravenous steroids for treatment of ASCI.

CT-based analysis of oblique lateral interbody fusion from L1 to L5: location of incision, feasibility of safe corridor approach, and influencing factors.

Purpose: The primary aim was to measure the safe corridor (SC), surgical incision anterior margin (AM), and posterior margin (PM) for OLIF bilaterally from L1 to L5. The secondary aim was to determine the feasibility of approach via the SC. The tertiary aim was to analyze the influence of demographic and anthropometric factors on OLIF parameters.

Organizing principles of astrocytic nanoarchitecture in the mouse cerebral cortex.

Astrocytes are increasingly understood to be important regulators of central nervous system (CNS) function in health and disease; yet, we have little quantitative understanding of their complex architecture. While broad categories of astrocytic structures are known, the discrete building blocks that compose them, along with their geometry and organizing principles, are poorly understood. Quantitative investigation of astrocytic complexity is impeded by the absence of high-resolution datasets and robust computational approaches to analyze these intricate cells.

Evaluation of Immature Granulocyte Count as the Earliest Biomarker for Sepsis.

Background: Diagnosing sepsis early is important for its successful management. Various biomarkers are being used currently, but mostly they are either expensive or not readily available. This study aims to evaluate usefulness of automated immature granulocyte count (IG#) and immature granulocyte percentage (IG%) as early diagnostic markers of sepsis and compares it to other established predictive markers.

Why is pre-exposure prophylaxis with hydroxychloroquine a safe and rationale approach against SARS-CoV-2 infection?

The potentiality of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for pre-exposure prophylaxis against SARS-CoV-2 has not been explored in randomized controlled trials. However, there is rationale behind this potentiality in terms of demonstrated in-vitro effect of HCQ against SARS-CoV-2, safety profile of HCQ in healthy individuals and a recent observational study demonstrating benefits of HCQ prophylaxis in terms of a significant reduction (>80%) in the odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the health-care workers (HCWs) with the intake of six or more doses of HCQ prophylaxis as per the guidelines of the National Task Force for COVID-19 in India. Hence, pre-exposure prophylaxis with HCQ in appears to be a reasonable strategy in the current scenario for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthy HCWs.

A Prospective, Randomized, Interventional Study of Oral Iron Supplementation Comparing Daily Dose with Alternate Day Regimen Using Hepcidin as a Biomarker in Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Aim: To assess effect of daily vis-a-vis alternate day oral iron therapy in terms of hemoglobin, reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (RET-He) and GI side effects using hepcidin as a biomarker.

Methods: A hospital based randomized interventional two-arm analytical study was done among patients of IDA (20 in each group). The study population was divided into two groups by randomisation.

Low Dose Prophylaxis vis-a-vis on-Demand Treatment Strategies for Hemophilia: A Cost Effective and Disability Attenuating Approach.

Aim: To assess effect of low dose prophylaxis in hemophilics in terms of bleeding, joint function, QoL and cost-effectiveness.

Methods: Analytic study done during one year among 70 adult hemophilics. In observation period (12 weeks), on-demand factor and during prophylaxis (12 weeks), low dose factor was given (Factor VIII 10 IU/KgBW biweekly for haemophilia A and Factor IX 20 IU/KgBW weekly for haemophilia B).

Assessment of Pituitary Gonadal Axis and Sperm Parameters in Anemic Eugonadal Males Before and After Correction of Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Abstract: :Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most common nutritional anemia worldwide. Anemia imposes a significant hypoxic environment in different organs and tissues including the testes. This study evaluated the effect of treatment of IDA on the pituitary gonadal axis (Serum FSH, LH, Testosterone) and sperm parameters in adult eugonadal males.