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Fulltext Prevalence of noncalcified plaques and coronary artery stenosis in patients with coronary calcium scores of zero

Al-Muhaidb SM, Aljebreen AMM, AlZamel ZA, Fathala A

Coron Artery Dis, 2021 May 01;32(3):179-183.
PMID: 32769402 DOI: 10.1097/MCA.0000000000000937

OBJECTIVES: A higher coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is associated with increased coronary artery plaque burden resulting in increased cardiovascular risk. Conversely, the absence of calcium indicates a low risk of cardiovascular events. However, coronary plaque calcification is a late manifestation of atherosclerosis; earlier stages of atherosclerosis present noncalcified plaques (NCPs) A recent study demonstrated that the absence of coronary artery calcification deposit does not preclude obstructive stenosis or the need for revascularization in patients with a high suspicion of coronary artery disease (CAD). Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence of NCP and the severity of coronary artery stenosis in symptomatic patients in our local population who were referred for coronary artery computed tomography angiogram (CCTA) with 0 CACS.
METHODS: A total of 299 patients who had undergone CACS and CCTA, and had scored zero for coronary artery calcium. Patients included had clinically appropriate indications, mainly chest pain with variable severity with no history of CAD. The presence of CAD risk factors, such as diabetes, hypertension, and smoking, was obtained from reviewing patient charts. The CCTA analysis was performed to evaluate for coronary artery stenosis and the presence of NCP. The severity of stenosis was quantified by visual estimation and divided into 0% stenosis, 1-25% stenosis, 26-50% stenosis, and more than 50% stenosis.
RESULTS: The prevalence of NCP was 6.4% (19 of the 299). Among the 19 patients with NCP, 52.6% had no identified coronary artery stenosis, 26.3% had less than 25%, and 21% had stenosis between 25 and 50%. None had stenosis greater than 50%. There was a strong association between male sex (P = 0.001), smoking (P = 0.0.004), hypertension, and NCP (P = 0.042), but no association was found between NCP and age or diabetes.
CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a high clinical suspicion of CAD, the absence of coronary artery calcification does not rule out CAD; up to 6.4% of these patients have early CAD as evidenced by NCP detected by CCTA, and none have more than 50% stenosis, However, future prognostic and long-term follow-up studies are needed to determine prognostic value of NCP in patients with 0 CACS.
Fulltext Compact 5G Nonuniform Transmission Line Interdigital Bandpass Filter for 5G/UWB Reconfigurable Antenna

Saleh S, Jamaluddin MH, Razzaz F, Saeed SM

Micromachines (Basel), 2022 Nov 18;13(11).
PMID: 36422442 DOI: 10.3390/mi13112013

In this study, at two different fifth generation (5G) low-frequency bands (3.7-4.2 GHz and 5.975-7.125 GHz) and based on nonuniform transmission lines (NTLs) theory, a compact three-quarter-wave resonators interdigital bandpass filter (IBPF) is analyzed, designed, and fabricated. The compact proposed filter is considered as a good candidate for reconfigurable 5G low-frequency bands and ultrawide band (UWB) antenna, which will reduce the size of the final RF communication system. Firstly, a uniform transmission line (UTL) IBPF at these two bands is designed and tested; then the NTL concept is applied for compactness. For both UTL and NTL IBPFs, different parametric studies are performed for optimization. At the first frequency band, size reductions of 16.88% and 16.83% are achieved in the first (symmetrical to the third resonator) and second λ/4 resonator of UTL IBPF, respectively, with up to 36.6% reduction in the total area. However, 16.46% and 16.33% size reductions are obtained in the first (symmetrical to the third resonator) and second λ/4 resonator, respectively, at the second frequency band with a 40.53% reduction in the whole circuit area. The performance of the proposed NTL IBPF is compared with the UTL IBPF. The measured reflection coefficient of the proposed NTL IBPF, S11, appears to be less than -10.53 dB and -11.27 dB through 3.7-4.25 GHz and 5.94-7.67 GHz, respectively. However, the transmission coefficient, S12 is around -0.86 dB and-1.7 dB at the center frequencies, fc = 3.98 GHz and 6.81 GHz, respectively. In this study, simulations are carried out using high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS) software based on the finite element method (FEM). The validity of the proposed theoretical schematic of this filter is proved by design simulations and measured results of its prototype.
Monster of the Night: Identifying Pakistani Gender-Based, Religious, and Cultural Influences on Sleep Paralysis Among University Students

Khan FF, Haq MSU, Ashfaq A, Saud M, Ibrahim A

Cult Med Psychiatry, 2025 Jan 25.
PMID: 39856384 DOI: 10.1007/s11013-024-09892-2

The present study has explored the folk knowledge about the phenomenon of sleep paralysis in Pakistani society. The research aimed to gain a nuanced glimpse focusing on three major factors, culture, religion, and gender, that influence the lived experiences of those who face sleep paralysis. In this qualitative research, to have a holistic perception of indigenous knowledge about it, we selected both male and female participants who have experienced sleep paralysis. The findings indicate that there is an influence of Pakistani culture and religion regarding the experiences of the people with sleep paralysis, and gender is linked with the folklore on creatures that were linked to fairy tales and Islamic teachings. The study also revealed that Pakistani ethnic diversity has created a pool of versatility for identifying different experiences regarding sleep paralysis. These experiences were not just a part of the medical situation but portrayed the multicultural facets that are embedded in the individuals throughout their lives. Lastly, the study suggests that there is a complexity within the interactions between culture, religion, and gender on sleep paralysis. This needs to be further investigated to create culturally appropriate therapies that may have a favorable effect on both physical and mental health outcomes.
Fulltext Health-related dimensions of fishers for sustainable commercial fisheries in the Atlantic Gulf of Guinea: Ecological and social assessments

Elegbede IO, Al Jufaili SM, Jolaosho TL, Tesleem B, Adekunle AF, Modupe OO, et al.

One Health, 2025 Jun;20:100972.
PMID: 39906161 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2025.100972

Health considerations are seldom integrated into non-state voluntary sustainability certification standards, despite industrial fishing being one of the most hazardous occupations, often resulting in significant health risks for fishers. These challenges not only affect individual fishers but also have broader implications for the socio-ecological sustainability of fisheries. This study explores the effects of certification programs on industrial fishing activities and their health and safety dimensions within a socio-ecological framework, focusing on the Atlantic shrimp fishery in Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. Data were gathered from experienced employees of Friend of the Sea (FOS) certified and non-certified (Business-as-Usual, BAU) industrial fisheries through questionnaires, complemented by semi-structured interviews with selected key informants. The study examines the relationships between demographic variables, health-related indicators, and certification program participation using multivariate analyses, including Chi-square and standard logistic regression models. The findings revealed that fishers participating in the FOS certification program reported better health conditions, lower risks, and higher insurance coverage levels than their BAU counterparts. Certified fishers had greater access to sick leave and annual days off and were more likely to be physically fit for work. Conversely, fishers in the BAU group faced significantly higher health risks and casualty rates during fishing operations. These results underscore the critical role of health-focused certification programs, such as FOS, in improving the well-being of fishers, thereby enhancing the socio-ecological sustainability of Nigeria's shrimp fishing industry. The study highlights the importance of integrating health considerations into sustainability certification standards. By prioritizing fisher's safety and well-being, such programs contribute to the sustainable management of fisheries resources and environmental protection, aligning with the principles of the One Health framework.