Geopolitics of Caspian Oil and Gas

This paper providesan analysis of increasing geopolitical competition over energyrich Central Asia andCaucasus by key actors such as theU.S.A., Russia andChina. In addition to an evaluation of theregion’s future as anenergyhub both forEast andWest,this paperexamineshow the regional conflicts such as the August2008 war between Russia and Georgia might affect prospects for Caspian energydevelopment and export.Even though both Russia and China have a commongoal of countering Western, particularly U.S., influence in the region, they bothhave their own agenda and distinct relationships with Western countries.In termsof oil and natural gas, only Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan have the potential toplay significant roles in the future.However the entire region will continue to bemajor area of conflict or cooperation forglobal powers

Trapezio-metacarpal arthritis: The price of an opposable thumb!

Trapezio-metacarpal arthritis is the most common arthritic problem of the hand for which patients seek surgical treatment. The current article reviews the etio-pathogenesis, epidemiology, classification and management of this widespread problem. The anatomy and unique biomechanics of this joint are also reviewed. In addition, the article provides a detailed description of our preferred method of trapezio-metacarpal arthroplasty

Disseminated sporotrichosis in an immunocompetent patient

Sporothrix schenckii, the causative agent of sporotrichosis, is a relatively rare infection. Local infection usually occurs through direct inoculation of the organism through the skin; disseminated disease is rarely seen. This article describes a case of disseminated sporotrichosis in a middle-aged man without the commonly seen risk factors for dissemination.Open Access Journal.This item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

Relationship between Serum Uric Acid Levels and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Non-Obese Patients

Oral, Alihan/0000-0003-1160-9340WOS: 000490752800093PubMed: 31533345Background and objectives: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with multiple factors such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, and hyperuricemia. We aim to investigate the relationship between uric acid and NAFLD in a non-obese and young population. Materials and Methods: This study was performed in January 2010-2019 with a group of 367 (225 patients in the NAFLD group and 142 in the control group) patients with liver biopsy-proven NAFLD or no NAFLD. Patients with NAFLD were classified according to the percentage of steatosis as follows, group I had 1-20% and group II >20%. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory (biochemical parameters) features were collected retrospectively. Results: the mean body mass index (BMI) and age of the patients were 26.41 +/- 3.42 and 32.27 +/- 8.85, respectively. the BMI, homeostatic model of assessment (HOMA-IR), and uric acid (UA) values of the NAFLD group were found to be significantly higher than those of the controls. A positive correlation was found between the NAFLD stage and UA. the following factors were independently associated with NAFLD: BMI, HOMA-IR, and UA. in addition, the cut-off value of UA was 4.75 mg/dl with a sensitivity of 45.8% and a specificity of 80.3%. Conclusions: UA is a simple, non-invasive, cheap, and useful marker that may be used to predict steatosis in patients with NAFLD

Evaluation of Plateletcrit and Platelet Distribution Width in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Retrospective Chart Review Study

WOS: 000504669200002PubMed: 31868169Background: Platelets are considered to be essential in proinflammatory environments, including atherosclerosis. the de- gree of platelet activation has been demonstrated to be correlated with plateletcrit and platelet distribution width. the main purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between plateletcrit (PCT), platelet distribution, and the degree of hepatic steatosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Material/Methods: We enrolled 225 biopsy-proven NAFLD patients and 142 control subjects without NAFLD. NAFLD patients were separated into 2 groups according to percentage of steatosis. Demographic and clinical data were collected retrospectively. Results: PCT level was significantly higher in NAFLD group I and group II than in the control group. PCT was higher in the NAFLD groups than in the control group. However, there was no difference according to PCT and PDW levels between NAFLD groups. Conclusions: in this study, a relationship was found between PCT and hepatosteatosis, but no relationship was found with PDW. PCT might be a useful biomarker for early detection of steatohepatitis in patients with nan-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on tense repair of the peripheral nerves

Background: After a peripheral nerve cut, tense repair of a nerve compromises circulation of the nerve at the injury site, making the site hypoxic. Hyperbaric oxygen might increase tissue oxygenation and therefore diminish the effects of injury. We investigated whether hyperbaric oxygen treatment affects peripheral nerve healing when repaired nerves are under tension