The finite element model for the propagation of light in scattering media: a direct method for domains with nonscattering regions

We present a method for handling nonscattering regions within diffusing domains. The method develops from an iterative radiosity-diffusion approach using Green's functions that was computationally slow. Here we present an improved implementation using a finite element method (FEM) that is direct. The fundamental idea is to introduce extra equations into the standard diffusion FEM to represent nondiffusive light propagation across a nonscattering region. By appropriate mesh node ordering the computational time is not much greater than for diffusion alone. We compare results from this method with those from a discrete ordinate transport code, and with Monte Carlo calculations. The agreement is very good, and, in addition, our scheme allows us to easily model time-dependent and frequency domain problems.     

The impact of COVID-19 on liver injury in various age

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease was first detected in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. This disease is currently one of the most important global health problems. The novel coronavirus COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, that has caused a deadly pandemic that is spreading rapidly around the world. It is not only a respiratory system virus that causes severe lung disease, but also a systemic disease agent that can affect all systems. People with COVID-19 disease usually have respiratory signs, however, the liver disorder is not an uncommon presentation. In addition, many studies around the world have revealed that the liver is injured to various degrees in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 disease. This review mainly focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on Liver Injury at various ages.     

Women’s Self-Care in the Reproductive Age: An Essential Agenda

Archives of Sexual Behavior -     

Elucidating chromatin and nuclear domain architecture with electron spectroscopic imaging

Electron microscopy has been the ‘gold standard’ of spatial resolution for studying the structure of the cell nucleus. Electron spectroscopic imaging (ESI) offers advantages over conventional transmission electron microscopy by eliminating the need for heavy-atom contrast agents. ESI also provides mass-dependent and element-specific information at high resolution, permitting the distinguishing of structures that are primarily composed of protein, DNA, or RNA. The technique can be applied to understand the structural consequences of epigenetic modifications, such as modified histones, on chromatin fiber morphology. ESI can also be applied to elucidate the multifunctional behavior of subnuclear ‘organelles’ such as the nucleolus and promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies. The authors dedicate this paper to the memory of Ying Ren (1961–2007). We all benefited from knowing her. Our research advanced through the technical creativity she provided.     

Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia of the breast: A case report

Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) is a rare benign breast entity scarcely reported in the medical literature. Its pathogenesis, etiology, and optimal treatment are still unknown. PASH tumors have a broad spectrum of clinical presentations and might be mistaken for malignancies. The authors present six patients diagnosed with PASH.     

The effect of sodium valproate on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic recurrent disease with incomplete treatment options. The current article evaluated the effect of sodium valproate on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Rats were randomly distributed into six groups including Sham group, colitis control group, sodium valproate treatment groups (50, 100 and 300 mg/kg, i.p.) and dexamethasone-treatment group. Dexamethasone was used as a reference drug. Colitis was induced by intracolonic instillation of 2 mL of 3% acetic acid solution. The efficacy of sodium valproate was evaluated by macroscopical and histopathological scoring systems, hematocrit measurement as well as biochemical analysis including myeloperoxidase (MPO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines assessment. Sodium valproate, particularly with doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg significantly improved weight loss, and macroscopic damage, reduced ulcer area, colon weight, microscopic colitis index and elevated hematocrit level. Biochemical experiments showed elevated levels of colonic MPO activity, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in colitis control group. Treatment with sodium valproate at the doses of 100 and 300 mg/Kg) decreased the MPO activity and colonic concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. The results provide evidence that sodium valproate has a protective effect in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis which might be due to its anti-inflammatory activities, and it may be useful in patients with ulcerative colitis.     

Utilisation des antagonistes de la GnRH au cours des stimulations pour inséminations intra-utérines : y a-t-il un intérêt ?

The use of the GnRH antagonists during ovarian stimulation for intrauterine insemination is relatively recent. The primary aim was to improve the timing of the inseminations on working days. However, according to published data, the consequences on pregnancy rate remain uncertain. Moreover, the impact of this strategy on stimulation's parameters, specifically on the size of the follicle cohort, should be better assessed.     

Heart Failure after Laboratory Confirmed Influenza Infection (FLU-HF)

Background:Influenza has been shown to exacerbate heart failure (HF). Importantly, no study to date has examined the relationship between HF hospitalizations (HFH) with laboratory confirmed influenza infections. This study evaluated the association between laboratory confirmed influenza infection and HFH in the two largest hospitals in Saskatchewan, Canada.Methods:We used a retrospective self-controlled case series design to evaluate the association between laboratory-confirmed influenza infection and HFH. We compared the incidence ratio for HFH during the influenza risk interval with the control interval. We defined the influenza risk interval as the seven days after a laboratory confirmed influenza result and the control interval as one year before and after the risk interval.Results:We identified 114 HFH that occurred within one year before and after a positive test result for influenza between April 1, 2010, and April 30, 2018. Of these, 28 (28 admissions per week) occurred during the risk interval and 86 (0.853 admissions per week) occurred during the control interval. The incidence ratio of a HFH during the risk interval as compared with the control interval was 33.53 (95% confidence interval [CI], 21.89 to 51.36). A decline in incidence was observed after day seven; between days 8 to 14 and 14 to 28 incidence ratios was 0.91 (95% CI, 0.13 to 6.52) and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.22 to 3.68) respectively.Conclusion:We have observed a significant association between acute influenza infection and HFH. However, further research with a larger sample size and involving a multicenter setting is warranted.Highlights

• Influenza may contribute and exacerbate heart failure events especially during annual influenza season.
• Early identification of influenza among patients with heart failure, could lead to earlier treatment with antiviral medication, reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, and tail off the morbidity and mortality.
• In this study, despite our efficient study design, our sample size was limited to only the two largest hospitals in the province, possibly excluding a significant population in remote areas.

     

Comparison of radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings of early osteoarthritis of the rabbit knees: an experimental study

The objectives of the present study were to describe radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of early osteoarthritis and their relationships at the same time. A total number of ten rabbits were used and randomly divided into two equal groups. In one group, cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) of the left knee was transected to produce experimental osteoarthritis and in the other group, only the articular capsule was entered as sham operation (arthrotomy group). All of the left knees were examined by MRI and radiography before operation to exclude preexisting abnormalities and serve as control. One month postoperation, two conventional radiographic views and MR imaging were performed under general anesthesia. Statistical analysis of the MRI results revealed that there was a significant difference between the CCL-transected group with arthrotomy and control groups. There was no significant difference in the radiographic findings between the operated, arthrotomy and control groups. It was concluded that osteoarthritic changes of the joints can be detectable 1?month postinjury by MRI. Meniscal degeneration and subchondral bone irregularity are detectable diagnostic signs.     

Development of rapid PCR method for simultaneous identification of species, specific capsular type, and toxigenicity of Pasteurella sp. isolates

Toxigenicity, species, and type species of Pasteurella multocida isolates cannot be differentiated by morphology or standard biochemical reactions. A more rapid method is needed for P. multocida detection from clinical cases. These findings provide rapid insights into the characteristics of P. multocida isolates and suggest that this method can identify toxigenic and specific capsular type P. multocida. A PCR assay has been developed for rapid detection of P. multocida and differentiation of capsular types A and D. In this rapid method, kmt1, capA and capD, and toxA genes were amplified and a reliable multiplex PCR method for the detection of P. multocida in sheep and goats in the south of Iran was designed. Twenty isolates were obtained, which evinced characteristic morphological and cultural properties. Ten samples were identified simultaneously through the presence of the kmt1 gene as P. multocida species, the hydD–hydC gene as type A capsule, and the toxA gene as dermonecrotic toxin by mPCR, but none of them belonged to type D.