Complementary Methods Research Articles

Assessment of Heavy Metals Contamination and Potential Ecological Risk in Surface Sediments of the El Bey Wadi, Tunisia

ABSTRACT Sebkhat Soliman included in the Ramsar Convention is a wetland of international importance. This area is of great ecological interest considering the quality and the richness of the flora and the diversity of the avifauna. This site receives a large amount of water through the EL Bey River. In order to assess the levels of contamination, concentrations of six heavy metals, including Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, Mn, and Zn, were examined in 25 surface sediment samples from El Bey Wadi. These concentrations, which were expressed in mg/kg of dry weight, showed that Pb ranged from 5.52 to 41.66, Zn from 26.94 to 1471.89, Cu from 91.97 to 260.05, Ni from 9.35 to 140.45, Cr from 25. It’s important to note that the highest metal concentrations have been found in site 5 which is frequently exposed to local industrial pollutant sources and in sites that are frequently inundated by river water that is carrying away industrial waste from the cities of Grombalia and Bou-Argoub. The mean EF values for Cu, Mn and Ni were between 3 and 5 in the sediments of the El Bey River, suggesting moderate enrichment, while the mean EF values for Pb, Zn and Cr indicating respectively moderate to severe enrichment and very severe enrichment. CF values for Cr, Cu and Zn were > 6 in sediments taken from the fifth site, which denotes a very high contamination by these metals. At site 5, PLI value (4.09), reflecting that its sediment is heavily polluted. Hierarchical cluster analysis-based complementary statistical methods have demonstrated that Mn is lithogenic and other analyzed metals are anthropogenic.

Vitamin D and hyperemesis gravidarum: A mendelian randomization study

BackgroundThe causality between vitamin D and hyperemesis gravidarum remains unknown. Our aim was to investigate the causal effect of vitamin D on hyperemesis gravidarum using the two-sample Mendelian randomization method. MethodsIndependent single nucleotide polymorphisms significantly associated with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels served as instrumental variables. The corresponding effect estimates for hyperemesis gravidarum were obtained from the Finngen Biobank. For Mendelian randomization analysis, inverse variance weighting was used as the primary method. We also used weighted median, MR-Egger regression, simple mode, and weighted mode as complementary methods to inverse variance weighting. The MR-Egger intercept test, Cochran's Q test, and "leave-one-out" sensitivity analysis were performed to assess the horizontal pleiotropy, heterogeneity, and stability of the causal association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and hyperemesis gravidarum. ResultsWe found that an increase in 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was associated with a lower risk of hyperemesis gravidarum [odds ratio (OR): 0.568, 95 % CI: 0.403–0.800, p = 0.001]. The result demonstrates the causal relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and the risk of hyperemesis gravidarum in the European population. ConclusionsThe large Mendelian randomization analysis suggests that vitamin D may be causally associated with risk of hyperemesis gravidarum.

Integrability of SLE via conformal welding of random surfaces

AbstractWe demonstrate how to obtain integrability results for the Schramm‐Loewner evolution (SLE) from Liouville conformal field theory (LCFT) and the mating‐of‐trees framework for Liouville quantum gravity (LQG). In particular, we prove an exact formula for the law of a conformal derivative of a classical variant of SLE called . Our proof is built on two connections between SLE, LCFT, and mating‐of‐trees. Firstly, LCFT and mating‐of‐trees provide equivalent but complementary methods to describe natural random surfaces in LQG. Using a novel tool that we call the uniform embedding of an LQG surface, we extend earlier equivalence results by allowing fewer marked points and more generic singularities. Secondly, the conformal welding of these random surfaces produces SLE curves as their interfaces. In particular, we rely on the conformal welding results proved in our companion paper Ang, Holden and Sun (2023). Our paper is an essential part of a program proving integrability results for SLE, LCFT, and mating‐of‐trees based on these two connections.

Solving the unsolved genetic epilepsies - current and future perspectives.

Many patients suffering from epilepsy undergo exome or genome sequencing as part of a diagnostic work-up, however, many remain genetically unsolved. There are various factors that account for negative results in exome/genome sequencing for epilepsy patients; 1) the underlying cause is not genetic, 2) there is a complex polygenic explanation, 3) the illness is monogenic but the causative gene remains to be linked to a human disorder, 4) family segregation with reduced penetrance, 5) somatic mosaicism or the complexity of eg. a structural rearrangement, or 6) limited knowledge or diagnostic tools hinder the proper classification of a variant, resulting in its designation as a variant of unknown significance. The objective of this review is to outline some of the diagnostic options that lie beyond the exome/genome, and that might become clinically relevant within the foreseeable future. These options include: 1) re-analysis of older exome/genome data as knowledge increases or symptoms change, 2) looking for somatic mosaicism or long-read sequencing to detect low-complexity repeat variants or specific structural variants missed by traditional exome/genome sequencing, 3) exploration of the non-coding genome including disruption of topologically associated domains, long range non-coding RNA or other regulatory elements, and finally 4) transcriptomics, DNA methylation signatures and metabolomics as complementary diagnostic methods that may be used in the assessment of variants of unknown significance. Some of these tools are currently not integrated into standard diagnostic work-up. However, it is reasonable to expect that they will become increasingly available and improve current diagnostic capabilities, thereby enabling precision diagnosis in patients that are currently undiagnosed.

Untargeted Metabolomic Study of Lung Cancer Patients after Surgery with Curative Intent.

Lung cancer (LC) is a leading cause of mortality, claiming more than 1.8 million deaths per year worldwide. Surgery is one of the most effective treatments when the disease is in its early stages. The study of metabolic alterations after surgical intervention with curative intent could be used to assess the response to treatment or the detection of cancer recurrence. In this study, we have evaluated the metabolomic profile of serum samples (n = 110) from preoperative (PRE) and postoperative (POST) LC patients collected at two different time points (1 month, A; 3-6 months, B) with respect to healthy people. An untargeted metabolomic platform based on reversed phase (RP) and hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC), using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS), was applied (MassIVE ID MSV000092213). Twenty-two altered metabolites were annotated by comparing all the different studied groups. DG(14,0/22:1), stearamide, proline, and E,e-carotene-3,3'-dione were found altered in PRE, and their levels returned to those of a baseline control group 3-6 months after surgery. Furthermore, 3-galactosyllactose levels remained altered after intervention in some patients. This study provides unique insights into the metabolic profiles of LC patients after surgery at two different time points by combining complementary analytical methods.

Soluble organic matter Molecular atlas of Ryugu reveals cold hydrothermalism on C-type asteroid parent body

The sample from the near-Earth carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu is analyzed in the context of carbonaceous meteorites soluble organic matter. The analysis of soluble molecules of samples collected by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft shines light on an extremely high molecular diversity on the C-type asteroid. Sequential solvent extracts of increasing polarity of Ryugu samples are analyzed using mass spectrometry with complementary ionization methods and structural information confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Here we show a continuum in the molecular size and polarity, and no organomagnesium molecules are detected, reflecting a low temperature and water-rich environment on the parent body approving earlier mineralogical and chemical data. High abundance of sulfidic and nitrogen rich compounds as well as high abundance of ammonium ions confirm the water processing. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are also detected in a structural continuum of carbon saturations and oxidations, implying multiple origins of the observed organic complexity, thus involving generic processes such as earlier carbonization and serpentinization with successive low temperature aqueous alteration.

Metal Deportment in Complex Secondary Raw Materials: The Case of Vanadium in Basic Oxygen Furnace Slags

With the increasing demand for metalliferous and mineral raw materials and the consequent depletion of the global natural resource base, the possible utilization of secondary raw material sources is receiving more and more attention. In the present study, we present results from a detailed vanadium deportment study of three basic oxygen furnace slag (BOS) samples known to containing elevated bulk concentrations of vanadium. Complementary analytical methods that were used to quantify the abundance and composition of V-containing phases include SEM-based automated mineralogy, X-ray fluorescence analysis, and X-ray powder diffraction as well as electron probe microanalysis. The vanadium deportment was quantified using Monte-Carlo simulations of the data obtained from automated mineralogy and electron microprobe analysis. The total V concentrations identified by XRF are between 1.7 and 2.2 wt.% V. The most important hosts of vanadium are larnite-, brownmillerite- and portlandite-solid solutions. In two samples Ca carbonates also significantly contribute to the V deportment, while wuestite, lime, and native iron do not contribute significantly to the vanadium deportment. A thorough consistency check identifies considerable uncertainties in the density of the V-bearing phases as the most likely reason to explain remaining discrepancies between measured and calculated V values.

Effectiveness of complementary sorting methods in reducing aflatoxin contamination in groundnuts

Abstract Aflatoxin contamination of staple foods remains a public health concern in many tropical and sub-tropical countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, groundnuts are a significant source of aflatoxin (AF) in vulnerable populations such as infants and young children. However, there are limited scalable and affordable technological interventions to reduce the risk of aflatoxin ingestion in low and middle-income contexts. This study compared the effectiveness of complementary sorting methods in reducing AF contamination, time taken, and percentage loss of groundnuts. The study also evaluated bulk density and kernel weight as proxies for AF. Groundnuts were sampled from 19 bags at a medium-scale enterprise in Tanzania (Halisi) that processes cereal-based blended flours for complementary feeding. The samples were subjected to six sorting methods: (1) size (S) sorting, which yielded large and small fractions (n = 38); (2) density (D) sorting, which yielded heavy and light fractions (n = 38), (3) visual (V) sorting, (4) the combination of size and visual (SV), (5) the combination of density and visual (DV), and (6) the combination of size, density, and visual (SDV) which yielded grades 1, 2, 3, and 4 (n = 76). Samples of unsorted groundnuts and grades from all six sorting regimes (n = 418) were analysed for total aflatoxin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 5% significance level was used to compare AF reduction efficiency. Aflatoxin levels were reduced by 99% for the highest grade (G1) by the SDV sorting method. The SDV sorting method was the most effective in reducing AF contamination by removing 14% outsort (Grade 4) from 1 kg groundnut within 22 min. Bulk density and 100 kernels weight were inversely associated with AF, indicating their value as AF proxies. Scaling up such low-cost sorting methods can significantly reduce AF along the value chain and improve food safety.

New records for the wild bee fauna (Hymenoptera, Anthophila) of Serbia

Numerous scientific projects have been initiated with the aim of tackling the decline in insect pollinators, a crucial group for the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. One of the first steps is to address information gaps on species spatial distribution, diversity, and abundance that prevent effective conservation actions in Europe. Given that Serbia belongs to the understudied areas, efforts are being made to improve knowledge of its bee diversity and abundance. The present study includes the monitoring of bees at 54 sites, surveyed three times during 2022. The conducted protocol combined two methods, transect walks and pan traps, resulting in the discovery of 312 bee species. The main results present the records of 25 species, not previously mentioned in Serbia, while another important finding is the confirmation of the presence of 26 species, without any available records from the 21st century. Moreover, 79 here examined species were known only from literature-based data. Six of the recorded species are considered threatened and 67 (10 newly recorded) have been assessed as Data Deficient in the European Red List of Bees. Therefore, the present study not only contributes to an update and confirms the list of bee species in Serbia, that now counts 731 species, but also provides additional information about European distribution, required for new assessment at the European level. In addition, the results indicate that the combination of complementary sampling methods is an effective way to assess bee diversity and abundance.

Comparison of the resistivities of nanostructured films made from silver, copper-silver and copper nanoparticle and nanowire suspensions

Spray deposition and inkjet printing of various nanostructures are emerging complementary methods for creating conductive coatings on different substrates. In comparison to established deposition techniques like vacuum metal coating and lithography-based metallization processes, spray deposition and inkjet printing benefit from significantly simplified equipment. However, there are number of challenges related to peculiar properties and behaviour of nanostructures that require additional studies. In present work, we investigate electroconductive properties and sintering behaviour of thin films produced from nanostructures of different metals (Ag, Cu and Cu-Ag) and different shapes (nanowires and spherical nanoparticles), and compare them to the reference Ag and Cu magnetron deposited films. Synthesized nanostructures were studied with transmission electron microscopy. Morphology and crystallinity of produced metal films were studied with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The electrical parameters were measured by the van der Pauw method. All nanowires-based films provided high conductivity and required only modest thermal treatment (200 °C). To achieve sufficient sintering and conductivity of nanoparticles-based films, higher temperatures are required (300 °C for Ag nanoparticles and 350 °C for Cu and Cu-Ag nanoparticles). Additionally, stability of nanowires was studied by annealing the samples in vacuum conditions inside a scanning electron microscope at 500 °C.

Patients’ Reasons to Consider and Their Attitudes toward Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Purpose. In recent years, decision-making between conventional medicine, complementary medicine (CM), and alternative medicine (AM) has been studied. The purpose of this study is to take a closer look at patients’ thoughts regarding AM and CM and, if possible, to identify differences. Patients and Methods. Ten cancer patients were recruited to participate in a guided semistructured interview. Recruitment was via verbal request during counseling sessions for complementary healing methods. The main recruiting criterion was their interest in or use of AM or CM. In the following face-to-face interviews, demographic data, previous experience with alternative medicine and conventional medicine, doctor-patient communication, role of the family, and sources of information were determined. The interviews were conducted in a semistructured manner using a guide and were recorded anonymously. The recordings were subsequently transcribed. Results. The number of patients was 10, of which eight were female and seven could show higher educational status. In most of the cases, poor communication was mentioned, both in past situations and at the time of diagnosis. Patients described a lack of emotion in the communication of their diagnosis and paternalistic discussions. They complained that they did not receive an overview of the therapy and that they were hardly involved in the decision-making process. Especially, the demanding content as well as the scarcity of conversation time played an important role for the doctor-patient relationship and the resulting trust toward the doctor. A fundamentally dismissive attitude toward CM, AM, and CAM procedures led to a more fragile trust base. Most frequently used sources were the Internet, support organizations, and books. Conclusion. The first point of contact for cancer patients is usually the conventional physician. Commonly, he is one of the most important sources. If the patient is satisfied with the atmosphere of the conversation and the information regarding CAM received, he will probably follow the doctor’s recommendations. Only in the case of dissatisfaction do patients seek advice from alternative medicine. Good training of conventional physicians in communication and complementary therapy options could, therefore, be of great importance.

The exclusionary approach to consciousness.

The standard approach in the field of consciousness research involves identifying the neural correlates of consciousness (NCCs) by comparing neural activity between conscious and unconscious trials. However, this method has been met with criticism due to the lack of consensus on how to operationalize and measure consciousness. In this paper, I propose an alternative approach: the exclusionary approach. Rather than utilizing near-threshold conditions to contrast conscious and unconscious trials, this approach leverages the widely accepted notion that subjective reports are reliable under normal conditions. I propose that this can be done by assessing whether consciousness remains stable across trials while manipulating other factors such as reports, tasks, stimulation, or attention. We can use the resulting contrast to exclude certain kinds of neural activity as candidate NCCs. This method produces results that are less contentious, allowing for the establishment of hard criteria for theories of consciousness. Additionally, this approach does not require the development of new research paradigms, but can incorporate existing studies, particularly those aimed at identifying confounding factors in the standard approach. It is important to note, however, that the proposed exclusionary approach does not negate the value of the identification approach. Rather, they should be considered as complementary methods.

THU628 Causal Relationship Between The Menstrual Cycle Length And Basal Metabolic Rate: A Two-sample Mendelian Randomization Study

Abstract Disclosure: M. Kazemi: None. S.A. Parry: None. Long or irregular menstrual cycles, as a hallmark reproductive trait in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), have been associated with aberrant energy expenditure, obesity, and cardiometabolic comorbidities. However, current observational studies addressing the contributions of energy expenditure to menstrual cyclicity have generated conflicting results and have not utilized the full extent of known single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with basal energy expenditure. Whether the relationship is causal is uncertain. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian Randomization study to interrogate the causal relationships between basal metabolic rate and length of menstrual cycles. The (MR) analyses were performed using publicly released genome-wide association studies (GWAS) statistics from 2 separate European cohorts using the UK Biobank database. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary analysis. We applied four complementary methods, including weighted median, weighted mode, MR-Egger regression, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO), to detect and correct the effect of horizontal pleiotropy. The result of the IVM method revealed that genetically determined basal metabolic rate has an inverse causal effect on the length of the menstrual cycle (β, -0.13, SE, 0.03; P=2.17 E-05). The results of MR-Egger regression, weighted median, and weighted mode methods were consistent with those of the IVW method. Sensitivity analyses revealed that horizontal pleiotropy was unlikely to distort the causal estimates. Collectively, our MR analysis revealed that basal metabolic rate appears to be causally affecting the length of menstrual cycles. Our findings reflect novel insights into the role of energy metabolism on menstrual disturbances. However, the molecular mechanisms should be investigated. Future MR analysis is warranted to confirm our findings by controlling for potentially relevant confounders, including obesity and age. Nevertheless, our findings have perturbations to elucidate causal pathways explaining obesity in relevant conditions, including PCOS. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Exploration of Novel Antibacterial and Anti-adhesive Formulations from three Chemically Characterized Essential oils: Optimization using experimental design methodology

In this study, experimental design approach coupled with MIC assay were used to determine the combined treatment effect of three Moroccan essential oils (EOs) derived from Ammi visnaga (AVEO), Mentha suaveolens (MSEO) and Lavandula stoechas (LSEO), against S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa, as well as to predict the optimal formulations of these EOs to inhibit bacterial adhesion on the stainless steel (304L SS) surface. EOs were obtained via hydrodistillation and then, their volatile content was analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). The antibacterial activity was evaluated using disc-diffusion, microdilution assays. Moreover, the anti-adhesive effect was assessed using two complementary methods, including contact angle measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds in AVEO, MSEO and LSEO. The main identified components were piperitenone oxide (52.04%) and pulegone (19.78%) for MSEO; and camphor (23.97 %) and menthol (21.5%) for LSEO. Whereas, AVEO was mainly characterized by the presence of linalool (30.24 %). The antibacterial assays showed that all EOs are able to inhibit the bacterial growth at low concentration (MIC ranged from 0.015 to 4 v/v (%)). The optimization of mixtures antibacterial effect has demonstrated the synergistic effect between the three EOs. The optimal mixture predicted against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus corresponded to 30%/42%/28%, 50%/50%/0%, 43%/30%/27%, and AVEO, LSEO and MSEO, respectively. The contact angle assessment indicated that LSEO, MSEO, AVEO and their optimal mixtures remarkably inhibit bacterial adhesion by the alteration of the physico-chemical properties of 304L SS surface. These results are confirmed by SEM analysis, and proved that EOs formulation was able to inhibit more than 80% of bacterial adhesion to 304L SS surface. In light of these findings, EOs mixtures recommended here, can be applied as a promoting and eco-friendly agent for combating the formation of biofilms on stainless steel surface.

Effect of predators on Anopheles arabiensis and Anopheles funestus larval survivorship in Homa Bay County Western Kenya

BackgroundThe rise of insecticide resistance against malaria vectors in sub-Saharan Africa has resulted in the need to consider other methods of vector control. The potential use of biological methods, including larvivorous fish, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) and plant shading, is sustainable and environmentally friendly options. This study examined the survivorship of Anopheles arabiensis and Anopheles funestus larvae and habitat productivity in four permanent habitat types in Homa Bay county, western Kenya.MethodsPredator densities were studied in a laboratory setup while habitat productivity and larval survivorship was studied in field setup.ResultsFish were observed as the most efficient predator (75.8% larval reduction rate) followed by water boatman (69%), and dragonfly nymph (69.5%) in predation rates. Lower predation rates were observed in backswimmers (31%), water beetles (14.9%), water spiders (12.2%), mayflies (7.3%), and tadpoles (6.9%). Increase in predator density in the field setup resulted in decreased Culex larval density. Larval and pupa age–specific distribution was determined and their survivorship curves constructed. Combined larvae (Stage I–IV) to pupa mortality was over 97% for An. arabiensis and 100% for An. funestus. The highest larval stage survival rate was from larval stages I to II and the lowest from larval stage IV to pupa. Stage-specific life tables indicated high mortality rates at every developmental stage, especially at the larval stage II and III.ConclusionDetermination of the efficiency of various larval predators and habitat productivity will help with the correct identification of productive habitats and selection of complementary vector control methods through environmental management and/or predator introduction (for instance fish) in the habitats.

Mechanical stress in the urbanized Roman Phoenician coast

ObjectiveSkeletal populations from Byblos, Beirut, and Tyre were studied to assess mechanical stress along the Roman Phoenician coast. MaterialsThe sample included 153 adult skeletons. MethodsSkeletal remains were macroscopically assessed for osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc disease (IDD), and Schmorl’s nodes. ResultsThe Byblos population experienced higher levels of mechanical stress than the Beirut and Tyre ones. Sex-based differences were also found in all skeletal assemblages with males likely engaging in physically more demanding tasks. ConclusionsThe variation in mechanical stress, and associated physically demanding tasks, between these populations can be attributed to their differing political and economic status during the Roman period; textual sources highlight the economic and political dominance of Beirut and Tyre, emanating from their status as coloniae. SignificanceThis study represents one of the first attempts to investigate mechanical stress in coastal Phoenicia during the Roman period. It provides valuable insights into the biocultural structure of understudied communities at the periphery of the Roman world, and can serve as a basis for further future research into the occupational patterns of Phoenician communities. LimitationsThe contextual information for these skeletal populations is very limited and does not allow secure conclusions regarding their representativeness. The sample sizes are also rather small, especially when divided per sex and age. Suggestions for Further ResearchFurther investigation employing complementary methods such as cross-sectional geometric properties and entheseal changes is needed to reconstruct the occupational patterns of these communities, taking into account cultural, environmental, and temporal factors.

Tracing obscured galaxy build-up at high redshift using deep radio surveys

Context. A fundamental question of extra-galactic astronomy that is yet to be fully understood, concerns the evolution of the star formation rate (SFR) and supermassive black hole (SMBH) activity with cosmic time, as well as their interplay and how it impacts galaxy evolution. A primary focus that could shed more light on these questions is the study of merging systems, comprising highly star-forming galaxies (SFGs) and active galactic nuclei (AGN) at the earliest stages of galactic formation. However, considering the challenges associated with identifying these objects, it is essential to explore complementary selection methods across multiple wavelengths. Aims. The primary objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of a sample of high-redshift (z > 3) far-infrared (far-IR) and radio-emitting galaxies in the highest possible spatial resolution. The aim is to study the properties of this population, such as their morphological characteristics, and to explore the interplay of SFR and SMBH activity at this epoch. Methods. In order to select the galactic population of our interest, we employed two selection criteria that have frequently been used as separate methods in the literature. In more detail, we selected galaxies that present relatively compact radio morphologies at 1.4 GHz (i.e., an angular size smaller than 10 arcsec) as well as a far-IR spectrum that peaks in flux at λ ≥ 350 μm (i.e., flux350 μm > flux250 μm). For these selection criteria, we used the COSMOS and ECDF-S fields, two of the most extensively observed astronomical fields currently available, which provide high spectral and spatial resolution at a multi-wavelength scale. By accepting only galaxies that satisfied these selection criteria, we derived a sample of eight galaxies that were identified either photometrically or spectroscopically at z > 3 from literature studies and by our team. Results. A thorough investigation of available optical, near-IR, and millimetre (mm) imaging reveals a possible merging scenario in five out of eight cases in our sample. Additionally, available multi-wavelength photometry strongly suggests active star formation at the 103 M⊙ yr−1 level in massive systems (stellar masses of M⋆ ∼ 1011 M⊙) co-hosting an active SMBH. Conclusions. Comparison of these results with previous studies, suggests that our selection method preferentially identifies galaxies hosting an active SMBH, as well as a strong SFG component, resulting in high SFR and IR luminosity. An additional examination of the efficacy of the radio and far-IR selection criteria provides further support for their combined application in selecting co-evolving AGN and star formation activity at high redshift. In this regard, future use of these selection criteria on radio and far-IR/mm observations of statistically larger galaxy samples is of high interest.

Integrative Health An Overview for Nursing Practice.

Conventional Western medicine is considered a mainstream approach to healthcare, whereas non-mainstream approaches have included complementary and alternative medicine, referred to as CAM. Today, integrative medicine combines complementary and conventional approaches to care. This article describes terminology and features of complementary, alternative, and integrative methods, and the newer field of integrative nursing. A brief biblical perspective on integrative medicine is offered.

Perspectives of Evidence-Based Therapy Management.

Therapeutics that specifically address biological processes often require a much finer selection of patients and subclassification of diseases. Thus, diagnostic procedures must describe the diseases in sufficient detail to allow selection of appropriate therapy and to sensitively track therapy response. Anatomical features are often not sufficient for this purpose and there is a need to image molecular and pathophysiological processes. Two imaging strategies can be pursued: molecular imaging attempts to image a few biomarkers that play key roles in pathological processes. Alternatively, patterns describing a biological process can be identified from the synopsis of multiple (non-specific) imaging markers, possibly in combination with omics and other clinical findings. Here, AI-based methods are increasingly being used. Both strategies of evidence-based therapy management are explained in this review article and examples and clinical successes are presented. In this context, reviews of clinically approved molecular diagnostics and decision support systems are listed. Furthermore, since reliable, representative, and sufficiently large datasets are further important prerequisites for AI-assisted multiparametric analyses, concepts are presented to make data available in a structured way, e. g., using Generative Adversarial Networks to complement databases with virtual cases and to build completely anonymous reference databases. Molecular imaging and computer-assisted cluster analysis of diagnostic data are complementary methods to describe pathophysiological processes. Both methods have the potential to improve (evidence-based) the future management of therapies, partly on their own but also in combined approaches. · Molecular imaging and radiomics provide valuable complementary disease biomarkers.. · Data-driven, model-based, and hybrid model-based integrated diagnostics advance precision medicine.. · Synthetic data generation may become essential in the development process of future AI methods..

Yoganın Egzersize Entegrasyonu ve Core Stabilizasyon ile İlişkisi

Yoga is one of the complementary methods used by many clinicians and physiotherapists today to support general rehabilitation programs. It is also increasingly used as a complementary treatment for psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and symptoms of various medical conditions, including pain affecting the spine, musculoskeletal disorders, and diseases such as cancer and asthma. In addition to these benefits, it is also reported that yoga has positive effects on the cognitive system. In this mini review, the purpose of this study is to examine the effects of yoga and yoga practice on core stability. Our clinical suggestion is that core-focused Yoga and Yoga method may be used to enhance the lumbopelvic stability, and core region muscles.