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A prevalent liver condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may progress into non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cause life-threatening complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer. The development and progression of NAFLD has been linked to the make-up and functioning of the gut microflora. This article reviews the clinical studies reported to investigate the connection between changes in the gut microbiota and metabolic markers in NAFLD patients. According to the study findings, dysbiosis of the gut microflora were observed in NAFLD patients, which are manifested by variations in the proportions of particular bacterial species. These changes are linked to fibrosis, liver inflammation, and metabolic abnormalities. The article also discusses various treatments targeting the gut microbiota, including dietary modifications, exercise, prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, antibiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. These therapies are intended to enhance NAFLD outcomes and reestablish the healthy gut microflora. While some studies have shown promising results, further research is needed to establish the optimal approaches, long-term safety, and efficacy of these treatments for NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The maximal number of repetitions that can be completed at various percentages of the one repetition maximum (1RM) [REPS ~ %1RM relationship] is foundational knowledge in resistance exercise programming. The current REPS ~ %1RM relationship is based on few studies and has not incorporated uncertainty into estimations or accounted for between-individuals variation. Therefore, we conducted a meta-regression to estimate the mean and between-individuals standard deviation of the number of repetitions that can be completed at various percentages of 1RM. We also explored if the REPS ~ %1RM relationship is moderated by sex, age, training status, and/or exercise. A total of 952 repetitions-to-failure tests, completed by 7289 individuals in 452 groups from 269 studies, were identified. Study groups were predominantly male (66%), healthy (97%), < 59 years of age (92%), and resistance trained (60%). The bench press (42%) and leg press (14%) were the most commonly studied exercises. The REPS ~ %1RM relationship for mean repetitions and standard deviation of repetitions were best described using natural cubic splines and a linear model, respectively, with mean and standard deviation for repetitions decreasing with increasing %1RM. More repetitions were evident in the leg press than bench press across the loading spectrum, thus separate REPS ~ %1RM tables were developed for these two exercises. Analysis of moderators suggested little influences of sex, age, or training status on the REPS ~ %1RM relationship, thus the general main model REPS ~ %1RM table can be applied to all individuals and to all exercises other than the bench press and leg press. More data are needed to develop REPS ~ %1RM tables for other exercises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile anaesthetics are potent greenhouse gasses but contemporary workstations enable considerable savings while improving patient safety. Institutions may provide this technology to reduce the ecological footprint but proper training and motivation is required to maximize their ecologic and financial benefit. This study aims to compare the sevoflurane consumption of 22 anaesthesiologists in a medium sized hospital 4 years after flow-i workstations (Getinge, Sweden) entered into service, in three airway approaches: intubated patients, laryngeal mask ventilation, and mask anaesthesia. Typical sevoflurane consumption for each anaesthesiologist was defined as the mean cumulative consumption in the chronologically first 50 cases meeting the inclusion criteria for each airway group in 2019. The potential savings, if everyone were to adopt the approach of the more economical anaesthesiologists (15th percentile), was calculated. The CO2 equivalent emissions were calculated using a GWP20 of 702 and a GWP100 of 195. The median [range] consumption after 45 min was 10.9 [7.5–18.4] ml in intubated patients and 9.0 [7.4–15.3] ml in patients with laryngeal mask, and 9.9 [3.4–20.9] ml after 8 min with mask ventilation. This corresponds to a double to six fold consumption between the least and most wasteful approach. The typical CO2 equivalent emissions (GWP20) per anaesthesiologist varied between 8.0 and 19.6 kg/45 min in intubated airways, between 7.9 and 16.3 kg/45 min in LMA, and between 3.6 and 22.3 kg/8 min in mask ventilation. Despite using the same workstations in the same hospital, the typical sevoflurane consumption differed dramatically between 22 anaesthesiologists. In addition to providing advanced workstations, proper education is required to achieve the behavior change needed to reduce the pollution and financial waste associated with volatile anaesthetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelvic venous congestion syndrome (PVCS) is a common, but underdiagnosed, cause of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women. PVCS occurs usually, but not exclusively, in multiparous women. It is characterized by chronic pelvic pain of more than six months duration with no evidence of inflammatory disease. The patients present to general practitioners, gynaecologists, vascular specialists, pain specialists, gastroenterologists and psychiatrists. Pain of variable intensity occurs at any time but is worse in the pre-menstrual period, and is exacerbated by walking, standing, and fatigue. Post coital ache, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, bladder irritability and rectal discomfort are also common. Under-diagnosis of this condition can lead to anxiety and depression. A multidisciplinary approach in the investigation and management of these women is vital. Non-invasive imaging (US, CT, MRI) are essential in the diagnosis and exclusion of other conditions that cause CPP as well in the definitive diagnosis of PVCS. Trans-catheter venography remains the gold standard modality for the definitive diagnosis and is undertaken as an immediate precursor to ovarian vein embolization (OVE). Conservative, medical and surgical management strategies have been reported but have been superseded by OVE, which has a reported technical success rates of 96–100%, low complication rates and long-term symptomatic relief in between 70–90% of cases. The condition, described in this paper as PVCS, is referred to by a wide variety of other terms in the literature, a cause of confusion. There is a significant body of literature describing the syndrome and the excellent outcomes following OVE however the lack of prospective, multicentre randomized controlled trials for both investigation and management of PVCS is a significant barrier to the complete acceptance of both the existence, investigation and management of the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Varicose vein is one type of venous insufficiency that presents with any dilated, elongated, or tortuous veins caused by permanent loss of its valvular efficiency. Destruction of venous valves in the axial veins results in venous hypertension, reflux, and total dilatation, causing varicosities and transudation of fluid into subcutaneous tissue. The first documented reference of varicose veins was found as illustrations on Ebers Papyrus dated 1550 B.C. in Athens. Evidence of surgical intervention was found in the 1860s. However dramatic advances of varicose vein management occurred in the latter half of twentieth century. Varicose veins affect from 40 to 60% of women and 15 to 30% men. Multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors including age, gender, pregnancy, weight, height, race, diet, bowel habits, occupation, posture, previous DVT, genetics, and climate are considered to be the predisposing factors for formation of varicose vein. Other reported factors are hereditary, standing occupation, chair sitting, tight underclothes, raised toilet seats, lack of exercise, smoking, and oral contraceptives. Common symptoms are unsightly visible veins, pain, aching, swelling, itching, skin changes, ulceration, thrombophlebitis, and bleeding. The signs of varicose vein disease are edema, varicose eczema or thrombophlebitis, ulcers (typically found over the medial malleolus), hemosiderin skin staining, lipodermatosclerosis (tapering of legs above ankles, an "inverted champagne bottle" appearance), and atrophie blanche. Varicose vein is classified according to CEAP classification, the components of which are clinical, etiological, anatomy, and pathophysiology. The revised CEAP classification was published on 2020 based on four principles which were preservation of the reproducibility of CEAP, compatibility with prior versions, evidence-based medicine, and practicality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are part of proteoglycan family. They are composed of heparan sulfate (HS)-type glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains covalently linked to a core protein. By interacting with growth factors and/or receptors, they regulate numerous pathways including Wnt, hedgehog (Hh), bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) pathways. They act as inhibitor or activator of these pathways to modulate embryonic and adult stem cell fate during organ morphogenesis, regeneration and homeostasis. This review summarizes the knowledge on HSPG structure and classification and explores several signaling pathways regulated by HSPGs in stem cell fate. A specific focus on hair follicle stem cell fate and the possibility to target HSPGs in order to tackle hair loss are discussed in more dermatological and cosmeceutical perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of a photometric analysis of edge-on spiral galaxies in three blue fields of the Hubble Space Telescope (HDF-N, FDF-S, HUDF) are discussed. It is shown that galaxies at z ≈ 0.5 have lower values of the radial exponential scales hr of the stellar disks compared to nearby galaxies. The observed variation in the scales of the disks is consistent with a n hr ∝ (1 + z)–n law, where n ≈ 1. Indications are found of a significant reduction in the fraction of galaxies with B/PS bulges from z=0 to z=1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have produced a sample of 58 edge-on spiral galaxies at redshifts z ~ 1 selected in the Hubble Ultra Deep Field. For all galaxies we have analyzed the 2D brightness distributions in the V606 and i775 filters and measured the radial (hr) and vertical (hz) exponential scale lengths of the brightness distribution. We have obtained evidence that the relative thickness of the disks of distant galaxies, i.e., the ratio of the vertical and radial scale lengths, on average, exceeds the relative thickness of the disks of nearby spiral galaxies. The vertical scale length hz of the stellar disks of galaxies shows no big changes at z = 1. The possibility of the evolution of the radial scale length hz for the brightness distribution with redshift is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly noncircular outer stellar disks have been detected in two SA0 (unbarred) galaxies by comparing the spectroscopic data on the rotation of stars and the photometric data on the shape and orientation of isophotes. In NGC 502, the oval distortion of the disk is manifested in the shape of the inner and outer elliptical rings occupying wide radial zones between the bulge and the disk and at the outer disk edge; such a structure can be a consequence of the so-called 'dry minor merger,' multiple cannibalization of gas-free satellites. In NGC 5485, the stellar kinematics is absolutely unrelated to the orientation of isophotes in the disk region, and for this galaxy the conclusion about its global triaxial structure is unavoidable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until recently, the main indication for pelvic vein embolization (PVE) in women was to treat pelvic venous congestion syndrome (PVC) but increasingly, patients with refluxing pelvic veins associated with leg varicosities are also being treated. A more unusual reason for PVE is to treat pelvic venous malformations, although such lesions may be treated with sclerotherapy alone. Embolotherapy for treating PVC has been performed for many years with several published studies included in this review, whilst an emerging indication for PVE is to treat lower limb varicosities associated with pelvic vein reflux. Neither group, however, has been subjected to an adequate randomized, controlled trial. Consequently, some of the information presented in this review should be considered anecdotal (level III evidence) at this stage, and a satisfactory 'proof' of clinical efficacy remains deficient until higher-level evidence is presented. Furthermore, a wide range of techniques not accepted by all are used, and some standardization will be required based on future mandatory prospective studies. Large studies have also clearly shown an unacceptably high recurrence rate of leg varicose veins following venous surgery. Furthermore, minimally or non-invasive imaging is now revealing that there is a refluxing pelvic venous source in a significant percentage of women with de novo leg varicose veins, and many more with recurrent varicosities. Considering that just over half the world's population is female and a significant number of women not only have pelvic venous reflux, but also have associated leg varicosities, minimally invasive treatment of pelvic venous incompetence will become a common procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this case study, the impact of a temporary (4 days) interruption of a sewage treatment works on the microbial quality of a drinking water source in SE Norway to which the sewage was discharged was investigated. Samples of wastewater and river water were taken before and during the interruption of the sewage treatment and analysed for various microbial indicators and pathogens: faecal indicator bacteria ( E. coli and total coliforms); F-specific RNA bacteriophages; pathogenic viruses (norovirus GI and GII, adenovirus); protozoan parasites ( Giardia and Cryptosporidium). Water at the inlet to the drinking water treatment plant, 20 km downstream from the sewage discharge, was not found to be significantly affected with respect to bacteria and parasites, with higher concentrations measured prior to the sewage treatment interruption, probably associated with a period of heavy rainfall. For viruses, however, the heavy rainfall appeared to be of lesser relevance to the contamination levels. These data demonstrate the importance of water providers having a clear overview not only of sewage discharge in water catchment areas but also of other potential sources of contamination with different pathogens and indicators, and the effects of weather conditions on contamination events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Urologe A is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) has many potential causes and is often a complex disorder with multiple contributing etiologies. The evaluation and treatment of women with CPP often requires a multidimensional approach. The treatment of CPP consists of two approaches: 1) treatment of pain itself or global treatment, and 2) treatment of disease-specific etiologies. Most often, treatment requires a combination of both approaches. This article reviews recent literature in the global treatment of CPP, including pharmacologic, psychotherapy, and neuroablative, as well as specific interventions for endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, pelvic adhesive disease, adenomyosis, and pelvic venous congestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal experiments and studies in humans clearly show that the relation between pain (acute and chronic) and sleep quality is two-way: sleep disorders can increase pain, which in turn may cause sleep disorders. Sleep disorders and chronic low back pain are frequent health problems and it is unsurprising that the two can co-exist. This study was conducted to evaluate if sleep disorders and chronic pain associated are more frequently than one would expect. The objective of the study was to compare sleep quality in a population of patients with chronic low back pain and a control population. Sleep quality was assessed in 101 patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and in 97 sex- and age-matched healthy control subjects using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI; score from 0 (no disorder) to 21]. The French version of the Dallas Pain Questionnaire (DPQ) was used to assess the impact of low back pain on patients’ quality of life. This impact was taken as nil in the healthy controls. The patients with CLBP and the controls were comparable in age, sex, and height, but mean bodyweight was higher in the CLBP group (70.3 ± 14.5 vs. 61.8 ± 11.4 kg; P < 0.05). The patients with CLBP were also more frequently on sick leave than the controls (32.3%; n = 31 vs. 0.0% n = 0; P < 0.001). Coffee, tea, and cola intakes were comparable in the two groups. Patients with CLBP had statistically higher scores in all items of the PSQI than the healthy controls. The mean PSQI was 4.7 ± 3.2 for the healthy controls and 10.9 ± 7.9 for the patients with CLBP ( P < 0.0001). Sleep disorders were greater when the impact of CLBP on daily life (the four aspects of the DPQ) was greater [ P < 0.0001]). The sleep of the patients with CLBP was significantly altered compared with that of the healthy controls, in proportion to the impact of low back pain on daily life. Our findings do not indicate whether sleep disorders are a cause or a consequence of CLBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In total, 1122 men completed non-validated structured interviews on sexual attitudes and on erectile dysfunction treatment expectations and barriers. Dimensions of sexual attitudes and treatment expectations and barriers were extracted by factor analysis and subjects were grouped into types by cluster analysis. Five types emerged: the sensation seeker, the sensuous, the anxious, the confident and the abstinent. The majority of men agreed on the importance of sex for the partnership. For the majority of anxious, sensuous and sensation-seeking men, sex was important for self-esteem. Expecting quality of life, enjoyment, self-esteem and hard reliable erections from treatment with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, anxieties for side effects and loss of control, sexual abstinence and desire for an intensive sex life had the strongest impact on the likelihood of use. Men's sexual attitudes vary considerably and impact reactions to erection difficulties. A typology of five groups was developed, which will contribute to research on and understanding of men's sexual and treatment-seeking behaviors.International Journal of Impotence Research (2007) 19, 568–576; doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3901571; published online 23 August 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Urologe A is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper exploits a wavelet-based scheme to inspect the surface defects and basic dimensions of 0805 Multi-layer Ceramic Chip capacitors (MLCC) using machine vision. The image of a passive component is initially processed to show only two solder plates (terminations). Then, the covariance matrix eigenvector for each boundary point generates the 1D θ-p representation to describe the angle variations at the boundaries of each termination. The 1D θ-p representation is further decomposed directly by a one-dimensional wavelet transform (1D WT). Since a single corner (an intersection of two boundary edges) and the jag corners (the surface defects) are local deviations on termination boundaries, their locations are represented as intensive and have a highly fluctuated wavelet energy at the 1st detail scale. Concerning a 0805 MLCC type of passive component, the surface defects and single corners on termination boundaries can be captured by appropriate thresholds (e.g., in wavelet energy). The basic dimensions of a passive component are simply the direct distance between located single corners. Real 0805 MLCCs are testing samples to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves a precise identification of the surface defects and measurements for basic dimensions. The proposed approach is invariant with respect to the orientation, easy to implement and free from a primitive-matching process. Therefore, it is especially suitable for various types of passive components that are similar to the 0805 MLCC in small-batch production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]