Changes In Index Research Articles

Monetary values of changes in Body Mass Index: do spouses play a role?

Monetary values of changes in Body Mass Index: do spouses play a role?

Impact of perioperative prognostic nutritional index changes on the survival of patients with stage II/III colorectal cancer

Impact of perioperative prognostic nutritional index changes on the survival of patients with stage <scp>II</scp>/<scp>III</scp> colorectal cancer

Impacts of land-use change on the habitat suitability and connectivity of giant panda

Land-use changes lead to habitat loss and fragmentation, which poses a further threat to the survival of species. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze how land-use change affects its habitat. 37 counties in Sichuan Province, China, where giant pandas are distributed, were selected as the subjects. Through analyzing land-use change, habitat suitability and connectivity characteristics over the past 20 years, and establishing a correlation between them, the impacts of land-use change on the habitat suitability and connectivity of giant pandas were explained. The results showed that from 2000 to 2020, the different land-use areas in the study area showed a pattern of change with an increase in forest area, built-up area and water area, and a decrease in grassland area and cropland area. There were significant differences in the characteristics of land-use dynamics changes among counties. Changes in land-use dynamics have a significant impact on the habitat suitability and connectivity of giant pandas, which is manifested in the fact that the conversion of forestland to grassland and grassland to cultivated land significantly reduces habitat suitability, while the conversion of grassland to forestland and cultivated to forestland significantly increases the connectivity of giant panda habitats. Changes in the habitat suitability index were significantly and positively correlated with the land-use dynamics index and the land-use degree index. Our findings emphasize the importance of balancing socio-economic development, land-use, and conservation efforts to maintain giant panda habitat. Therefore, the development of rational land-use patterns in future management is key to maximizing the comprehensive social, economic and ecological benefits.

Effect of melatonin on insomnia and daytime sleepiness, in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia (COMISA): A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundCOMISA is a common disorder that results in nighttime awakenings ,daytime sleepiness and PAP intolerance. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is used to improve PAP adherence and no medication has been evaluated in such population yet. Melatonin with its chronobiotic and antioxidant effects may have potential benefits on COMISA consequences at the appropriate dose and time. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of melatonin on sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and PAP Compliance in patients with COMISA.MethodsThis double-blind placebo trial randomly assigned eligible OSA patients who suffered from insomnia despite using PAP for over a month to receive either melatonin 10 mg or placebo. The primary outcomes were measured by changes in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ-10) over one month. Adherence to PAP was measured by the results of the PAP device reports on the average length of time and number of nights that the device was used.ResultsThirty patients were enrolled in the study after randomization. The melatonin arm showed significant improvement in all four primary outcomes compared to the placebo arm. The PSQI score was 3.836±1.839 in the melatonin arm versus 10.522±3.626 in the placebo arm (Pvalue<0.001). The ISI score was 8.476±3.568 in the melatonin arm versus 14.47±4.50 in the placebo arm (Pvalue<0.001). The ESS score was 6.854±4.334 in the melatonin arm versus 13.298±5.119 in the placebo arm (Pvalue<0.001). The FOSQ-10 score was 24.93±5.02 in the melatonin arm versus 19.87±4.24 in the placebo arm (Pvalue= 0.006). Additionally, nighttime consequences such as sleep latency and awakenings showed significant improvement in the melatonin arm. PAP devices results revealed improvement in duration of PAP use overnight. ConclusionsAdministering melatonin has been shown to improve self-reported sleep quality and PAP adherence in patients with COMISA.Trial registrationRegistration number IRCT20220105053635N1 was issued by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT).

Comparative analysis of responses of risky and safe haven assets to stock market risk before and after the yield curve inversions in the U.S.

This study examines the response of safe-haven assets (gold, US dollar) and Bitcoin to market risk before and after yield curve inversions in the U.S. market. Using the VIX volatility index and static and dynamic cross-quantilogram approach, the analysis reveals that gold and the U.S. dollar act as safe havens, showing positive responses to increased VIX values, while Bitcoin behaves as a risky asset, negatively responding to higher VIX values during market turbulence. Changes in the VIX index have an immediate impact on asset price returns, but the effect diminishes over time, suggesting the need for timely updates to investment strategies. Yield curve inversions have altered the VIX-US dollar relationship: pre-inversion changes were influential in calmer markets, but post-inversion, they played a bigger role during turbulent phases, suggesting potential changes in investor behavior and market dynamics. The findings offer practical insights for investors seeking stability and protection during uncertain market conditions.

Design of a high-resolution magneto-plasmonic biosensor for analyte detection

This paper introduces the design of a magneto-plasmonic refractometric sensor aimed at achieving high resolution. This sensor consists of arrays of gold nanowires and layers of SiO2 and Co6Ag94, where the analyte is placed on the gold nanowires. A p-polarized optical field with a wavelength of 631 nm is used to excite the structure, which is applied in the range of 1° to 45°. A magnetic field is applied to z-axis to create the magneto-optical effect. The reflected optical field of the samples is used to calculate the signal of the transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect, which shows significant changes in the refractive index of the samples and the direction of the magnetic field. The highest displacement is 4°. The highest value of the figure of merit is 3611 RIU−1, and the maximum sensitivity is obtained as 71 °/RIU.

Sweetened Beverage Tax Implementation and Change in Body Mass Index Among Children in Seattle

Sweetened beverage taxes have been associated with reduced purchasing of taxed beverages. However, few studies have assessed the association between sweetened beverage taxes and health outcomes. To evaluate the association between the Seattle sweetened beverage tax and change in body mass index (BMI) among children. In this longitudinal cohort study, anthropometric data were obtained from electronic medical records of 2 health care systems (Kaiser Permanente Washington [KP] and Seattle Children's Hospital Odessa Brown Children's Clinic [OBCC]). Children were included in the study if they were aged 2 to 18 years (between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2019); had at least 1 weight measurement every year between 2015 and 2019; lived in Seattle or in urban areas of 3 surrounding counties (King, Pierce, and Snohomish); had not moved between taxed (Seattle) and nontaxed areas; received primary health care from KP or OBCC; did not have a recent history of cancer, bariatric surgery, or pregnancy; and had biologically plausible height and BMI (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared). Data analysis was conducted between August 5, 2022, and March 4, 2024. Seattle sweetened beverage tax (1.75 cents per ounce on sweetened beverages), implemented on January 1, 2018. The primary outcome was BMIp95 (BMI expressed as a percentage of the 95th percentile; a newly recommended metric for assessing BMI change) of the reference population for age and sex, using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts. In the primary (synthetic difference-in-differences [SDID]) model used, a comparison sample was created by reweighting the comparison sample to optimize on matching to pretax trends in outcome among 6313 children in Seattle. Secondary models were within-person change models using 1 pretax measurement and 1 posttax measurement in 22 779 children and fine stratification weights to balance baseline individual and neighborhood-level confounders. The primary SDID analysis included 6313 children (3041 female [48%] and 3272 male [52%]). More than a third of children (2383 [38%]) were aged 2 to 5 years); their mean (SE) age was 7.7 (0.6) years. With regard to race and ethnicity, 789 children (13%) were Asian, 631 (10%) were Black, 649 (10%) were Hispanic, and 3158 (50%) were White. The primary model results suggested that the Seattle tax was associated with a larger decrease in BMIp95 for children living in Seattle compared with those living in the comparison area (SDID: -0.90 percentage points [95% CI, -1.20 to -0.60]; P < .001). Results from secondary models were similar. The findings of this cohort study suggest that the Seattle sweetened beverage tax was associated with a modest decrease in BMIp95 among children living in Seattle compared with children living in nearby nontaxed areas who were receiving care within the same health care systems. Taken together with existing studies in the US, these results suggest that sweetened beverage taxes may be an effective policy for improving children's BMI. Future research should test this association using longitudinal data in other US cities with sweetened beverage taxes.

Fast Field-Cycling Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Relaxometry of Perfluorosulfonic Acid Ionomers and Their Perfluorosulfonyl Fluoride Precursors Membranes.

The spin-lattice relaxation rates (R1) of fluorine nuclei in perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomer membranes and their precursor solid perfluorosulfonyl fluoride (PFSF) were measured by fast field-cycling (FFC) NMR relaxometry. The XRD profiles of PFSA and PFSF are similar and show a characteristic peak, indicating the alignment of main chains. While the SAXS profiles of the PFSA membranes show two peaks, those of the solid PFSF lack the ionomer peak which is characteristic of hydrophilic side chains in the PFSA ionomer membranes. The Larmor frequency dependence of R1 obeys power law and the indices are dependent on the sample and temperature. The indices of the PFSA membranes change from -1/2 to -1 along with the Larmor frequency and temperature dependence decrease, which is consistent with the generalized defect diffusion model. Estimated activation energies are in good agreement with those obtained from dynamical mechanical analysis and dielectric spectroscopy, indicating the segmental motion of the backbones as the common origin of these observations. On the other hand, the index changes to -3/4 in the case of the PFSFs, which has been predicted by the reptation model.

Lijing-Anfei Decoction Attenuates COPD in a Mouse Model: Network Pharmacology Analysis, Molecular Docking, and Experimental Validation

Background Today, network pharmacology and molecular docking were utilized for investigation and prediction of possible mechanisms in fields such as pharmacognosy and traditional Chinese medicine formulas when treating disease. Purpose Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is caused by exposure to toxic particles and leads to chronic bronchitis and lung dysfunction. Lijing-Anfei decoction (LAD) is a traditional Chinese herbal decoction used to cure COPD. This study explored the effects of this decoction and its intrinsic mechanism in a COPD mouse model. Materials and methods Possible targets were retrieved from several databases and combined using Veny. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed via STRING database. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed via the Metascape database. The COPD model was established by exposing the mice to cigarette smoke for 12 weeks. After the model was established, LAD was administered for four weeks. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed, and body weights and lung wet/dry ratios were measured. Lung morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Results After the screening, 32 overlapping targets were used to generate PPI networks and the following hub genes were identified: JUN, IL6, RELA, IL1B, HIF1A, MAPK1, PPARG, PTGS2, MAPK14, and NOS2. The KEGG analysis indicated that hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and other signaling pathways are possible signaling pathways. The molecular docking results demonstrated tight links between major compounds and their targets. In animal experiments, LAD attenuated body weight loss, downregulated inflammatory cell numbers, and inhibited the enhancement of Fe2+ levels. The mean linear intercept index changes indicated that LAD ameliorated the lung structural damage. ELISA revealed that it downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and inhibited excessive oxidant production, TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay demonstrated that it alleviated cell death in the lungs, and immunohistochemical staining revealed that it inhibited HIF-1α and PTGS2. ML228—an agonist of HIF-1—blocked the effect of LAD, validating the role of HIF-1-mediated ferroptosis in the pharmacological effects of this decoction. Conclusion This study revealed that LAD was successful in treating COPD.

Reflective optical fiber SPR sensor with DNA modification for high-sensitive Hg2+ concentration measurement

A reflective optical fiber surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor was proposed to measure the concentration of mercury ions (Hg2+). The specific single-stranded DNA was modified on the optical fiber sensing surface coated with Au film by the combination of covalent bond and charge adsorption. The Hg2+ can mismatch with T-T (thymine-thymine) base pairs in single-stranded DNA to form T-Hg2+-T structure, which led to the change of refractive index in sensing area and the wavelength shift of SPR spectrum. The measurement results showed that when the concentration of Hg2+ increased from 0 μM to 13 μM, the resonance spectrum shifted by 14.26 nm. In the linear range between 1–8 μM, the measurement sensitivity of the sensor could reach 1.51 nm/μM. The limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 0.28 μM. Besides, the sensor showed good stability, selectivity and reusability.

Quality of life of patients with uterine fibroids

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is an elevation in the incidence of uterine fibroids in increasingly younger women of reproductive age. Taking into account the current trend of late motherhood, this cohort of patients is interested in using reliable reversible contraception. Combined hormonal contraceptives meet these criteria and are able to neutralize the clinical manifestations of uterine fibroids, thereby improving the quality of life of patients. At the same time, some combined hormonal contraceptives users may experience a decrease in libido and a change in their psycho-emotional state as a manifestation of the side effects of these drugs. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of combined hormonal contraceptives on the quality of life in patients with uterine fibroids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved 100 patients with uterine fibroids (F3–F6 according to classification of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, without indications for surgical treatment) and 30 healthy women aged 18 to 49 years. For contraceptive purposes, 40 participants with uterine fibroids used combined hormonal contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol (group I) and 60 patients with uterine fibroids did not use any medications (group II). The following validated questionnaires were used for patients with uterine fibroids — at the beginning and after 6 months, and for healthy women in the control group (group III) — once upon entry into the study: Short Form-36, Female Sexual Function Index, and Beck Depression Inventory. A comparative statistical analysis of the studied parameters over time was carried out. RESULTS: At baseline, a lower quality of life was noted in patients with uterine fibroids compared to the control group (Short Form-36): 94 ± 6 vs 102 ± 11 points, respectively (p 0.05). After 6 months, patients in group I showed positive dynamics with increasing in the total Short Form-36 from 95 ± 4 to 98 ± 5 points (p 0.05) compared to patients in group II: 94 ± 6 and 93 ± 5 points (p 0.05). We revealed no changes in the Female Sexual Function Index in the study groups — at baseline: 24.8 ± 8.9 (group I), 23.9 ± 9.5 (group II), and 27.8 ± 4.7 (group III); and after 6 months: 26.4 ± 9.2 (group I) and 23.9 ± 10.0 (group II) (p 0.05 for all comparisons). When comparing the results of a questionnaire on the Beck scale, no dynamics were determined in patients with uterine fibroids, including those who used combined hormonal contraceptives. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated a lower quality of life in patients with uterine fibroids compared to healthy women and an improved quality of life in patients with uterine fibroids using combined hormonal contraceptives. We showed no negative effects of contraceptive drugs on libido and emotional state in women with uterine fibroids who used combined hormonal contraceptives for 6 months.

Index construction and real-time hazard assessment of rice sterile-type chilling injury process in Northeast China

Rice is a warm-temperature crop, and sterile-type chilling injuries may be induced by acute periods of low-temperature weather during the reproductive growth period. This study considered the daily mean and minimum temperatures in Northeast China from 1979 to 2018 as influencing factors to construct a process-based rice accumulated intensity index (PARII) and hazard assessment model based on known crop disaster periods, analyzed the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of chilling injury during the rice growth period (booting and flowering stages), used solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) and yield fluctuation data to calculate the adaptability of the hazard assessment model, and selected two typical events of disaster processes to verify the proposed real-time hazard assessment model. The change in the cumulative intensity index of rice sterile-type chilling injury indicated an increasing trend in chilling injury in the rice booting stage . Based on the probability density static hazard and cumulative probability dynamics, the results of real-time hazard analysis showed that the chilling injury hazard area was significantly expanded compared with the sterile-type chilling injury during the booting and flowering periods. The hazard value was greater than 0.2 in central and southeastern Heilongjiang, and the static hazard index was significantly negatively correlated with SIF and fluctuating yield, which indicated the chilling injury impacted rice yield and physiology. Regional-scale hazard levels were assessed by daily real-time hazard evaluation to highlight spatial heterogeneity in crop stress and damage. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for real-time risk assessment and management of chilling injury in rice crops and may support future adaptation strategies for addressing risks associated with severe low-temperature events.

Elements of Weight Management Among Pre-Kidney Transplant Candidates: The Patient Perspective

Obesity and related comorbidities heighten risks for complications in kidney transplant settings. While pre-transplant patients often have access to nutrition counseling and health support, literature is limited on patients' perceptions of weight and motivation to lose weight prior to transplantation. We conducted a survey among ≥18-year-old patients on the kidney transplant waitlist at a single center. Questions addressed weight perception, motivation for weight loss, available resources, and engagement in physical activity. Medical records provided demographic and clinical data. Statistical tests analyzed quantitative data, while free-text responses were thematically grouped and described. Of 1055 patients, 291 responded and were matched with demographic data. Perceived weight changes correlated with actual changes in body mass index (BMI) (&amp;lt;24.9) were more receptive to weight center resources (&amp;lt;30 kg/m2) are most interested in weight loss resources and demonstrate motivation. Furthermore, pre-transplant nutrition counseling correlates with healthier behaviors. Integrating patients’ perspectives enhances pre-transplant protocols by encouraging active involvement in health decisions.

Physical and mechanical properties of dynamicly vulcanized basaltoplastics based on compatibilized high density polyethylene

The results of a study of the influence of a compatibilizer and basalt on the main physical and mechanical properties of composites based on high-density polyethylene are presented. The influence of sulfur and dicumyl peroxide on the regularity of change in strength parameters, heat resistance and melt flow index of dynamically vulcanized basalt plastics is shown.

Neuroimaging Insights: Structural Changes and Classification in Ménière's Disease.

This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the neuroanatomical alterations associated with idiopathic Ménière's disease (MD) using voxel-based morphometry and surface-based morphometry techniques. The primary objective was to explore nuanced changes in gray matter volume, cortical thickness, fractal dimension, gyrification index, and sulcal depth in MD patients compared with healthy controls (HC). Additionally, we sought to develop a machine learning classification model utilizing these neuroimaging features to effectively discriminate between MD patients and HC. A total of 55 patients diagnosed with unilateral MD and 70 HC were enrolled in this study. Voxel-based morphometry and surface-based morphometry were employed to analyze neuroimaging data and identify structural differences between the two groups. The selected neuroimaging features were used to build a machine learning classification model for distinguishing MD patients from HC. Our analysis revealed significant reductions in gray matter volume in MD patients, particularly in frontal and cingulate gyri. Distinctive patterns of alterations in cortical thickness were observed in brain regions associated with emotional processing and sensory integration. Notably, the machine learning classification model achieved an impressive accuracy of 84% in distinguishing MD patients from HC. The model's precision and recall for MD and HC demonstrated robust performance, resulting in balanced F1-scores. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis further confirmed the discriminative power of the model, supported by an area under the curve value of 0.92. This comprehensive investigation sheds light on the intricate neuroanatomical alterations in MD. The observed gray matter volume reductions and distinct cortical thickness patterns emphasize the disease's impact on neural structure. The high accuracy of our machine learning classification model underscores its diagnostic potential, providing a promising avenue for identifying MD patients. These findings contribute to our understanding of MD's neural underpinnings and offer insights for further research exploring the functional implications of structural changes.

Changes in leaf area index by tropical forest transformation to plantations increase below-canopy surface temperatures

Climate change affects life in tropical landscapes by increasing temperatures, among other impacts. In addition, land transformation from forest to other land cover types typically increases temperatures of surfaces exposed to direct solar radiation. In rural areas, however, many organisms including humans live sheltered below canopies, but little is known about below-canopy surface temperatures. We assessed canopy leaf area index (LAI) and below-canopy surface temperatures in a landscape of rural lowland Sumatra, Indonesia. In this region, land-use trajectories in the past decades led from forest to monocultural plantations. We found that LAI varied more than 10-fold, with the highest values observed in forest and low values in rubber and oil palm plantations. Below-canopy surface temperatures increased significantly with decreasing LAI. A decrease in LAI by one unit (m2 leaf area per m2 ground area) increased ground surface temperature by 0.95 °C (confidence interval: 1.07–0.83 °C) around noon. Likewise, the temperatures measured on peoples’ cap or hijab surfaces under the canopy was strongly affected. For a light-brown hijab, the average noon surface temperature increased by 4.0 °C from forest to oil palm. Thus, in addition to climate warming, land transformation and associated declines in canopy LAI significantly increased below-canopy surface temperatures. Strategies for mitigating such potentially adverse temperature effects may include the integration of more and densely foliated trees into landscapes.

Comparative study of optical fiber immunosensors based on traditional antibody or nanobody for detecting HER2

In this study, we present a novel biomarker detection platform employing a modified S-tapered fiber coated with gold nanoparticle/graphene oxide (GNP/GO) for quantifying human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) concentrations, using antibodies as sensing elements. The fabrication of this device involves implementing an in-situ layer-by-layer technique coupled with a chemical adsorption step to achieve the self-assembly of GNP, GO, and antibodies on the STF surface. The detection mechanism relies on monitoring the refractive index changes induced by the adsorption of HER2 onto the immobilized antibodies. For comparative analysis, both monoclonal antibody (mAb) and the novel nanobody (Nb) were employed in constructing the STF immunosensor, referred to as the mAb immunosensor and Nb immunosensor, respectively. Spectral analysis results highlight that the Nb immunosensor exhibits twice the sensitivity of the mAb immunosensor. This enhanced sensitivity is attributed to the small size, high antigen affinity, strong specificity, and structural stability of Nb. The Nb immunosensor demonstrated an impressive detection limit of 0.001 nM for HER2, surpassing the detection limit of the mAb immunosensor. These findings underscore the potential of the proposed Nb immunosensor as a promising and sensitive tool for HER2 detection, contributing to the diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer. Furthermore, the simplicity of production and excellent optical performance position the Nb immunosensor as a prospective real-time biosensor with minimal cytotoxicity.

#1988 VExUS score as a method to guide diuretic treatment in CKD patients with congestive nephropathy by right heart failure

Abstract Background and Aims Congestive nephropathy is a kidney dysfunction caused by the impact of elevated venous pressures on renal hemodynamics and most of all it is due to right heart failure. Venous congestion can lead to a circulation vicious hormonal activation, increased intra-abdominal pressure, excessive renal tubular reabsorption of sodium and volume overload. In CKD with right heart failure, management of the patient is difficult because may be hard to identify a condition of fluid overload and when to stop intravenous diuretic treatment. Inferior caval vein (ICV) diameter and ICV index (reduction of diameter with respiration) have been used to identify fluid overload and guide diuretic treatment. However, in CKD patients with heart failure the ICV may not change rapidly and could overestimate the need of intravenous diuretics. This is why VExUS has been useful in both diagnosis and monitoring therapeutic. The VExUS method is a new approach, documented in the literature for the first time once in 2020. In this study we report the usefulness of the VExUS (Venous Excess Ultrasound Score) method for the diagnosis of overload volume and venous congestion and in setting an adequate therapy. It consists of Doppler evaluation of the abdominal veins: hepatic, portal and intrarenal. In fact, the acute renal failure, in the patients studied, is to be attributed in the first instance to venous congestion rather than underfilling, resulting from decompensation and therefore requiring diuretic therapy. Method This retrospective study was conducted in CKD patients (stages 3-4) with acute kidney injury (creatinine level: 6.3-2.6 mg/dl) due to right heart failure admitted at the U.O.C. Nephrology at the S. Maria della Pietà Hospital in Nola and UOC Nephrology of Univ. of Campania. The VExUS method defines 3 degrees (score 0-3) of congestion based on the severity of the anomalies on hepatic, portal and intrarenal venous Doppler. All patients have been treated with diuretics i.v. based on a VEXUS score&amp;gt;1, and then returned to oral treatment when VEXUS score returned to 0. VExUS assessment was performed at admission, repeated every 48 hours and the last score has been considered here (on average 1 week). The relationship between change in VExUS score and ICV index vs creatinine levels was studied by correlation analysis. Lung POCUS (point of care pulmonary ultrasonography) has also been used for all patients to identify a possible contemporary overload caused by LV failure. Results Thirty patients have been included. The use of diuretics reduced the VExUS score and the ICV diameter. However, diuretic treatment changed the ICV diameter by a smaller extent (−30%) compared to the VExUS score (−80%), and one patient showed clear reduction of VExUS score, without any modification of the ICV diameter, suggesting that the latter is a slower indicator of recovery compared to VExUS. Indeed, the change of VExUS score was highly correlated to the improvement of creatinine levels (Pearson's correlation 0.837, p &amp;lt; 0.001). The change of IVC diameter explained in comparison a smaller amount of variability of the creatinine improvement (Pearson's correlation 0.65, p = 0.008). Conclusion VExUS is a promising and reliable tool in the management of congestive nephropathy in patients with CKD and right heart failure. VExUS is superior to VCI diameter and should be used routinely, along with clinical, laboratory, and other ultrasound parameters, because of its usefulness, repeatability, low cost and ease of execution.

Enhancement of lateral shifts by Kerr nonlinearity, via atom cavity coupling

The susceptibility of a two-level atomic medium enclosed in a cavity is controlled and modified by a control driving field and cavity coupling. The susceptibility of the medium is related to the dielectric function, and reflection & transmission coefficients. The transmission and reflection coefficients are related to Goos–Hänchen Shifts in the reflection and transmission beam. Negative and positive lateral GH-shifts, and Giant shifts in the transmission and reflection beams are investigated under the effect of cavity coupling and Kerr nonlinearity. A giant shift of 2000λ in the reflection and 1000λ in the transmission beam is calculated. It is clear that both modified Giant shifts and lateral shifts are influenced by changes in the refractive index. So it will have potential applications in sensing and trapping of the optical data. The controlled and considerably enhanced GH shift show the importance of utilizing the proposed scheme for the construction of optical sensors and optical devices.

#2015 Burosumab therapy in adult patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia: a three-year follow-up study

Abstract Background and Aims X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) arises from mutations in the PHEX gene, resulting in elevated FGF23 levels, renal phosphate loss, hypophosphatemia, low vitamin D, heightened alkaline phosphatase (AP), and associated bone disorders. In challenging the conventional therapy of vitamin D and phosphate supplements, Burosumab, a monoclonal antibody against FGF23, has shown promise in normalizing phosphate and vitamin D levels in pediatric patients. However, its effectiveness in adult patients with established bone lesions remains an area of investigation. This study aims to present the three-year outcomes of Burosumab therapy on both biochemical and clinical aspects in adult XLH patients. Method The study assessed the efficacy of Burosumab in adult XLH patients (age &amp;gt;18, drug-naïve) before and continuously over three years post-therapy. Monthly assessments of biochemical parameters (phosphatemia, alkaline phosphatase, Tubular Maximum Reabsorption of Phosphate per Glomerular Filtration Rate, TMP/GFR) were conducted before the monthly administration of Burosumab, while clinical improvements were monitored every six months using established tests, including the six-minute walk test, UP and go timed test, and WOMAC Index. Burosumab was administered monthly at a consistent dosage of 1 mg/kg throughout the entire follow-up period. Results In a cohort of five genetically diagnosed XLH patients (average age 45 ± 10 years, average weight 60 ± 10 kg), the average monthly Burosumab dose was 60 ± 10 mg. Baseline values and subsequent changes in Ps, TMP/GFR, WOMAC Index, six-minute walk, and UP and go test are presented in Table 1 and Fig. 1. Importantly, no significant adverse events were reported during the initial year of treatment. Conclusion Burosumab therapy demonstrated excellent tolerability and yielded substantial improvements in biochemical parameters (Ps and TMP/GFR), maintaining stability over the entire three-year follow-up. Alkaline phosphatase levels, initially elevated, exhibited a progressive reduction in the second and third years, eventually reaching values within the normal range. Functional indices, reflective of enhanced strength (improved walk test and UP and go timed test) and diminished pain (optimal WOMAC test score), showcased notable improvements in the first year, persisting with stability during the follow-up period, with the exception of the walk test, which demonstrated a gradual and sustained enhancement. The findings suggest that Burosumab is a well-tolerated and effective therapeutic option for adult XLH patients. The observed reduction in alkaline phosphatase after a year of treatment implies a normalization of bone turnover, while the progressive improvement in the walk test indicates a sustained clinical enhancement likely associated with the chronic positive effects of maintaining biochemical stability.