Exploring the associations between elevated plasma SP-D levels and OSCAR gene expression as potential biomarkers in patients with COPD: a cross-sectional study.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) imposes a substantial burden on patients and healthcare systems. Spirometry is the most widely used test to diagnose the disease; however, a surrogate marker is required to predict the disease pattern and progression. The aim of the current study was to explore the association of elevated levels of plasma surfactant protein D (SP-D) with gene expression of osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) and lung functions as potential diagnostic biomarkers of COPD.

Genotypes, epidemiological variables and fungicides application associated with wheat leaf rust development and grain yield.

The present study was carried out at the Plant Pathology Hafizabad Research Station, the University of Layyah, during the crop seasons 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 to evaluate the response of various wheat genotypes against leaf rust severity (%), environmental conditions favourable for disease development and grain yield. Except for minimum temperature and minimum relative humidity, which had a negative association with disease development, there was a significant correlation between leaf rust severity (%) and all environmental conditions such as maximum temperature, maximum relative humidity, rainfall, and wind speed. All epidemiological variables such as maximum temperature, minimum temperature, minimum relative humidity, rainfall and wind speed significantly affect the disease progression.

The Use of Noninvasive Scores in Predicting NAFLD Progression After Bariatric Surgery.

Background: Bariatric surgery has been postulated to impact liver function resulting in favorable effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to analyze the long-term impact of bariatric surgery on noninvasive scores predicting the progression of liver fibrosis in a bariatric population.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients without pre-existing liver disease who underwent sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) at our center between 2010 and 2018.

A Systematic Literature Review on Cyber Threat Intelligence for Organizational Cybersecurity Resilience.

Cybersecurity is a significant concern for businesses worldwide, as cybercriminals target business data and system resources. Cyber threat intelligence (CTI) enhances organizational cybersecurity resilience by obtaining, processing, evaluating, and disseminating information about potential risks and opportunities inside the cyber domain. This research investigates how companies can employ CTI to improve their precautionary measures against security breaches.

Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity Challenges for Businesses Resilience: Issues and Recommendations.

This systematic literature review explores the digital transformation (DT) and cybersecurity implications for achieving business resilience. DT involves transitioning organizational processes to IT solutions, which can result in significant changes across various aspects of an organization. However, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data and analytics, blockchain, and cloud computing drive digital transformation worldwide while increasing cybersecurity risks for businesses undergoing this process.

An Insight into the Machine-Learning-Based Fileless Malware Detection.

In recent years, massive development in the malware industry changed the entire landscape for malware development. Therefore, cybercriminals became more sophisticated by advancing their development techniques from file-based to fileless malware. As file-based malware depends on files to spread itself, on the other hand, fileless malware does not require a traditional file system and uses benign processes to carry out its malicious intent.

Getting Smarter about Smart Cities: Improving Data Security and Privacy through Compliance.

Smart cities assure the masses a higher quality of life through digital interconnectivity, leading to increased efficiency and accessibility in cities. In addition, a huge amount of data is being exchanged through smart devices, networks, cloud infrastructure, big data analysis and Internet of Things (IoT) applications in the various private and public sectors, such as critical infrastructures, financial sectors, healthcare, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). However, these sectors require maintaining certain security mechanisms to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of personal and critical information.

A Novel Homomorphic Approach for Preserving Privacy of Patient Data in Telemedicine.

Globally, the surge in disease and urgency in maintaining social distancing has reawakened the use of telemedicine/telehealth. Amid the global health crisis, the world adopted the culture of online consultancy. Thus, there is a need to revamp the conventional model of the telemedicine system as per the current challenges and requirements.

Sustainable Program Assessment Practices: A Review of the ABET and NCAAA Computer Information Systems Accreditation Process.

Program outcome assessment is a complex process that demands careful planning and resources in order to accurately assess higher-order thinking skills. A well-defined assessment approach provides detailed insights into program weaknesses and leads to continuous improvement. Whereas a poor assessment approach does not reflect the underlying weaknesses and may result in a useless effort.

Weight Loss Outcomes following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy in an Ethnically Diverse Bariatric Population: Which Is More Effective?

Background: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) have comparable weight loss outcomes in a general bariatric population.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether similar outcomes can be observed in Hispanic and African American population. .

Next-generation UWB antennas gadgets for human health care using SAR.

The body area network is now the most challenging and most popular network for study and research. Communication about the body has undoubtedly taken its place due to a wide variety of applications in industry, health care, and everyday life in wireless network technologies. The body area network requires such smart antennas that can provide the best benefits and reduce interference with the same channel.

Successful Laparoscopic Repair of Posttraumatic Diaphragmatic Injury.

Diaphragmatic injuries can be a direct result of penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma such as gunshot or stab wounds. Diaphragmatic rupture can lead to herniation of intra-abdominal organs into the thoracic cavity. Diagnosis can be difficult as the results of a physical exam can be unremarkable.

Bariatric Surgery Improves Renal Function: a Large Inner-City Population Outcome Study.

Background: Bariatric surgery is associated with improved renal dysfunction in general population studies. The study examined the effects of bariatric surgery on renal function in a predominantly Hispanic and African American population at a community hospital in New York, USA.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed prospectively collected bariatric surgical data from 2247 patients (89% female) who underwent bariatric surgery at a single center.

Improvement in glycated hemoglobin A1C after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in an ethnically diverse population with diabetes.

Background: Obesity is a well-known risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. The efficacy of bariatric surgery in reducing weight with resulting improvement in type 2 diabetes has been reliably demonstrated.

Objectives: We investigated and compared the effects of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels in a predominantly Hispanic and black population.

Phlegmonous Gastritis in a Bariatric Patient After Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Phlegmonous gastritis is a rare and progressive fatal condition that affects the mucosa and submucosa of the gastric wall. It can be localized or diffuse, affecting the entire stomach. It usually presents with upper gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and hematemesis, along with systemic symptoms, including fever, chills, and fatigue.

Hypopituitarism After Traumatic Brain Injury.

Acquired hypopituitarism is associated with traumatic brain injury. This neuroendocrine dysfunction can cause both short-term and long-term morbidity resulting in a cognitive, physiological, and behavioral decline, which increases the burden of the disease and the cost of care. Data in the trauma literature is derisory on this subject.

Benzocaine-Induced Methemoglobinemia in a Postoperative Bariatric Patient following Esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Methemoglobinemia is a rare complication in clinical practice. It is most commonly seen in patients undergoing endoscopic procedures, including EGDs, laryngoscopies, bronchoscopies, and nasogastric tube insertions. This is thought to be a disease seen almost exclusively in patients with genetic predispositions to develop it; the increasing use of topical anesthetics during procedures has made methemoglobinemia a disease entity that every clinical provider should be able to recognize and treat.

Giant Mucinous Carcinoma of the Breast.

We report a case of giant mucinous carcinoma of the breast in a 55-year-old female who presented with left breast lump for two years. The patient did not seek any medical attention for two years. On exam, the lump measured 12 x 14 cm.

Vanishing spleen syndrome post right partial nephrectomy in a sicklemic patient.

Splenic infarction after contralateral laparoscopic renal surgery has not, to our knowledge, been reported. The spleen is the most affected organ in sickle cell disease and the mechanism of auto infarction is thought to result from the crystallization of abnormal hemoglobin during periods of hypoxia or acidosis resulting in parenchymal ischemia and ultimately tissue necrosis. We report a case of 45 year old female with sickle cell disease who had an unremarkable spleen at the time of a laparoscopic right partial nephrectomy and was subsequently found to have marked diminution in her splenic volume.

Warfarin induced mesenteric and intestinal hematoma requiring surgical resection to relieve small bowel obstruction: A case report.

Introduction: Mesenteric and Intramural Hematoma leading to small bowel obstruction is a rare, but a fatal complication of anticoagulant therapy.

Presentation Of Case: We present this unique case of 61 year old male with non traumatic mesenteric and intramural hematoma secondary to warfarin leading to small bowel obstruction requiring surgical resection.

Discussion: Although there have been few cases reported in literature about intramural small bowel hematoma, however, associated with small bowel obstruction secondary to warfarin therapy are less frequently seen.

A Case series of candy cane limb syndrome after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Candy cane syndrome is a rare complication reported in bariatric patients following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. It occurs when there is an excessive length of roux limb proximal to gastrojejunostomy, creating the possibility for food particles to lodge and remain in the blind redundant limb. Patients present with non-specific symptoms such as abdominal pain associated with nausea and vomiting.

Duodenal Diverticular Perforation after Small Bowel Obstruction: A Case Report.

Introduction: Duodenal diverticulum is a rare disease that can be easily missed. The incidence of duodenal diverticulum diagnosed by upper GI study is approximately 5%. Autopsy results show that 22% of the population have duodenum diverticulum.

Blunt Laryngeal Fracture Status Post Fall on a Paintball Gun.

Laryngeal fracture is a rare but potentially lethal injury. A high degree of suspicion along with an expeditious investigation is warranted to prevent airway complications. The initial assessment of the airway is vital as the patient can suffer a severe anoxic brain injury.

Paraplegia Following Spinal Cord Contusion from an Indirect Gunshot Injury.

Spinal cord injuries are debilitating and life threatening. Paraplegia due to direct traumatic gunshot injury to the spinal cord is common. The most common cause of spinal cord injury is road traffic accidents.

Retrograde jejunojejunal intussusception in a pregnant female after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Adult intussusception is a rare complication after laparoscopic Roux-En-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) surgery. Incidence of intussusception is on the rise as the demand of bariatric surgeries is increased to treat morbid obesity. Among the bariatric surgeries, LRYGB gastric bypass results in significantly higher weight loss with thinning of the mesentery resulting in increased risk for intussusception.