An unusual case of cauda equina secondary to spinal metastasis of thyroid cancer

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Cauda equina secondary to metastatic follicular thyroid cancer of the lumbosacral area is a rare entity. CASE REPORT: We report an unusual case of a 52-year-old male who presented with backache, lower limb weakness, and perianal numbness. A CT-scan of the lumbosacral area showed an enhancing mass at the L4, L5 and S1 vertebrae. Histopathology after excision revealed a metastatic thyroid cancer. Hence, a CT scan of the neck and chest was performed which showed a nodule in the left lobe of the thyroid and a mass in the left chest wall. A total thyroidectomy and excision of the chest wall lesion was undergone, which was diagnosed as a follicular carcinoma of the thyroid. CONCLUSION: Metastatic workup of spinal metastasis should include evaluation of the thyroid gland

Dynamic path following controllers for planar mobile robots

In the field of mobile robotics, many applications require feedback control laws that provide perfect path following. Previous work has shown that transverse feedback linearization is an effective approach to designing path following controllers that achieve perfect path following and path invariance. This thesis uses transverse feedback linearization and augments it with dynamic extension to present a framework for designing path following controllers for certain kinematic models of mobile robots. This approach can be used to design path following controllers for a large class of paths. While transverse feedback linearization makes the desired path attractive and invariant, dynamic extension allows the closed-loop system to achieve the desired motion along the path. In particular, dynamic extension can be used to make the mobile robot track a desired velocity or acceleration profile while moving along a path

Nonlinear and Geometric Controllers for Rigid Body Vehicles

In this thesis we investigate the motion control problem for a class of vehicles C V , which includes satellites, quadrotors, underwater vehicles, and tailsitters. Given a globally represented model of C V , and a curve, the motion control problem entails following the curve using control inputs. In this thesis the motion control problem is viewed under two settings, 1) as a local path following problem, 2) as a geometric trajectory tracking problem. We provide solutions to both problems by designing controllers based on the concept of feedback linearization. In the local path following problem, the C V class of vehicles is represented by a local chart. The problem is solved in a monolithic control setting, and the path that needs to be followed is treated as a set to be stabilized. The nonlinear model under study is first dynamically extended and then converted into a fully linear form through a coordinate transformation and smooth feed- back. This approach achieves path invariance. We also design a fault tolerant local controller that ensure path following and path invariance in the presence of a one rotor failure for a quadrotor. The second major problem addressed is the geometric trajectory tracking problem, which is treated in an inner-outer loop setting. Specifically, we design a controller class for the attitude dy- namics of the C V class of vehicles. The novel notion of Lie algebra valued functions are defined on the Special Orthogonal group SO(3), which constitutes a family of functions. This family of functions induces a novel geometric controller class, which consists of almost globally stable and locally stable controllers. This class is designed using the idea of feedback linearization, and is proven to be asymptotically stable through a Lyapunov-like argument. This allows the system to perform multiple flips. We also design geometric controllers for the position loop, which are demonstrated to work with the attitude controller class through simulations with noisy sensor data

Identifying Determinants Of Organizational Development As The Key Developers Of Employee Soft Skills

The purpose of this article is to identify the determinants of organizational development as the key developers of employee soft skills. Various studies have been taken where determinants of organizational development defining soft skills in employees are discussed. However, the current study is different in Pakistani industry context as the link was missing about the determinants of organizational development which in synchronized way help in developing soft skills in employees of firm. This research uses explanatory approach; incorporating secondary data extracted under the light of existing school of thoughts paired with quantification through data collected from respondents in Pakistani corporate sector. Hypotheses are tested using structural equation model (SEM) technique. This research showed an affirmative link between determinants of organizational development and development of soft skills in employees. Finally, the study proposes enriching insights on few missing links that can be researched and triggered achieving maximized outcomes

Hypermobility, ACL reconstruction & shoulder instability: a clinical, mechanical and histological analysis

Joint movements are essential for the function of human body during the activities of daily living and sports. The movement of human joints varies from normal to those which have an increased range of joint movement (gymnasts) to those with extreme disabling laxity in patients with a connective tissue disorder (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome). “Hypermobility" is most commonly used to describe excessive movement. Hypermobility was assessed by using the current criteria of the Beighton score for signs and the Brighton criteria for symptoms of hypermobility in a group of orthopaedic patients attending the specialist knee and shoulder injury clinics. The Beighton score was found to be higher in patients attending for primary ACL reconstruction (mean 2.9, p = 0.002) and revision ACL reconstruction (mean 4, p < 0.001) when compared with the control group. Hypermobility was a risk factor for the failure of ACL reconstruction (30% vs 0%). The mean Beighton score was higher in both the primary shoulder dislocation group (mean difference 1.8, p=0.001) and the recurrent shoulder dislocation group (mean difference 1.4, p=0.004). Bone defects were studied on the CT scan following shoulder dislocations. There was no correlation between hypermobility and the bone defects. The bone defect was a risk factor for recurrent shoulder instability (48% vs 16%). A material testing system was used to assess the tissue laxity of discarded hamstring tendon and shoulder capsule obtained during stabilisation procedures. The mean gradient of slope for both tendon and capsule graphs was 23.8 (range 3.08-52.63). The tissue laxity was compared to the Beighton score, however no correlation was detected between the Beighton score and the gradient of the tissue laxity. An electronic goniometer was used to measure the angle of the MCP joint of the little finger, whilst a force plate system simultaneously measured the force required to hyperextend the MCP joint. The little finger MCP joints of each hand were assessed in this manner in a group of patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction or open shoulder stabilization. The mean force required to produce the 40 degrees angle at the little finger MCP joint was 0.04 kg with a range from 0-0.11 kg. There was a positive correlation between the gradient of tissue laxity and the force required to produce 40 degrees angle at the little finger of the dominant hand. The expression of Collagen V and Small leucine rich proteoglycans (Decorin and Biglycan) was studied in the skin, hamstring tendon and shoulder capsule of the patients described above attending with shoulder or knee instability. These patients had different levels of hypermobility (as assessed by the Beighton score) and symptoms of hypermobility (as assessed by the Brighton criteria to diagnose Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome). The weaker tendon group was found to have a lower mean Beighton score, while the weaker skin group had a higher mean Beighton score. Collagen V expression was higher in the skin dermal papillae of the weaker group. The Beighton Scores were higher in patients with ACL and shoulder injuries. Hypermobility was a risk factor for the failure of ACL reconstruction. There was no correlation between hypermobility and the bone defects on the CT scan following shoulder dislocation. Bone defects were a risk factor for recurrence. There was no correlation between the Beighton Score and the tissue laxity. There was a correlation between the tissue laxity and the clinical assessment of laxity at the little finger MCPJ by using a force- goniometer system. There was a correlation between the collagen V expression in the dermal papillae of the skin and the Beighton score

Policy on SMEs in Pakistan:: Relationship between Entrepreneurial Orientation, Firm Performance and Ownership Structure

To strengthen growth of SMEs in Pakistan, it is important for the policy makers to understand some significant related variables. For instance, Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) is one such variable which can affect the performance of any business substantially; however, it is debatable if some of its dimensions do not affect the firm performance. This research investigates the relationship among the EO dimensions, firms’ performance and ownership structure. In this study, the collection of data was done by using a self-administered questionnaire survey using a 5-point Likert scale and Statistical Package for social sciences (SPSS) version 24. The findings revealed that EO has a statistically significant effect on firms’ performance and when checked individually for each dimension of the EO, it was clear that results for innovation were statistically insignificant, because innovation needs certain time and specific environmental conditions to yield significant results, whereas results for risk-seeking, proactive approach, autonomy, aggressive attitude, and competitive spirit were statistically significant and positively linked with the firms’ performance. The findings of this research reveal that ownership structure does play a significant moderating role on the relationship between performance of the firm and EO dimensions (Innovativeness, Proactiveness and competitive Energy) while Ownership structure doesn't play any significant moderating role between firm performance and few other EO dimensions (risk-attitude, autonomy and aggressiveness). Keywords: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Public Policy, Entrepreneurial Orientation, Firm Performance, Ownership Structure, Small &amp; Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Pakista

miRNA in the Regulation of Skeletal Muscle Adaptation to Acute Endurance Exercise in C57Bl/6J Male Mice

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved small non-coding RNA species involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation. In vitro studies have identified a small number of skeletal muscle-specific miRNAs which play a crucial role in myoblast proliferation and differentiation. In skeletal muscle, an acute bout of endurance exercise results in the up-regulation of transcriptional networks that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis, glucose and fatty acid metabolism, and skeletal muscle remodelling. The purpose of this study was to assess the expressional profile of targeted miRNA species following an acute bout of endurance exercise and to determine relationships with previously established endurance exercise responsive transcriptional networks. C57Bl/6J wild-type male mice (N = 7/group) were randomly assigned to either sedentary or forced-endurance exercise (treadmill run @ 15 m/min for 90 min) group. The endurance exercise group was sacrificed three hours following a single bout of exercise. The expression of miR- 181, 1, 133, 23, and 107, all of which have been predicted to regulate transcription factors and co-activators involved in the adaptive response to exercise, was measured in quadriceps femoris muscle. Endurance exercise significantly increased the expression of miR-181, miR-1, and miR-107 by 37%, 40%, and 56%, respectively, and reduced miR-23 expression by 84% (P≤0.05 for all), with no change in miR-133. Importantly, decreased expression of miRNA-23, a putative negative regulator of PGC-1α was consistent with increased expression of PGC-1α mRNA and protein along with several downstream targets of PGC-1α including ALAS, CS, and cytochrome c mRNA. PDK4 protein content remains unaltered despite an increase in its putative negative regulator, miR-107, and PDK4 mRNA expression. mRNA expression of miRNA processing machinery (Drosha, Dicer, and DGCR8) remained unchanged. We conclude that miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation is potentially involved in the complex regulatory networks that govern skeletal muscle adaptation to endurance exercise in C57Bl/6J male mice

Impact of Corporate Reputation on Firm Risk: An Analysis of Pakistan Stock Exchange Listed and PACRA Rated Firms

This study has examined the impact of corporate reputation on risk exposure of the firms listed at Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) and rated by Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA). It has employed firm’s credit ratings as a proxy for corporate reputation. It has covered the time period from 2007-2016 and unbalanced and undated panel regression analysis has been carried out to observe the significance of the relationship among corporate reputation and the firm risk i.e. total risk and its parts (systematic and unsystematic risk). It has been found that corporate reputation has a significant negative relationship with total risk and systematic risk of the firm. It is however found that corporate reputation is insignificant in explaining the unsystematic risk of the firms. Leverage and profitability (the control variables) are also found significant in explaining the risk exposures of the firms

Spiritual quotient and ethical values towards organizational sustainability

During the last decade, many organizations were collapsed and had damage their organizational sustainability reason being severe ethical crisis. One of the main reasons affecting organizational sustainability is unethical behavior in the organization. Therefore, the question arises, how this grave issue of unethical behavior of employees can be solved? This paper seeks to assess if spiritual quotient (Here after SQ) is a solution to the unethical behavior of employees and how this SQ along with ethical values can contribute towards organizational sustainability. The paper concludes that SQ is the ultimate intelligence with which people address and solve the problems associated with meaning and value. It is the intelligence that has the force to help people use their actions and lives in a wider, richer and meaning-giving context. Moreover, promoting the ethical values, most of the organizations focus on ethics training programs aimed at increasing employee’s ethical behavior in organization. Thus, the paper finally suggests that employee unethical behavior in an organization can be solved through SQ and ethical values in organization