EOS Group Research Articles

Effect of an extraoral scavenging device on eliminating droplets and aerosols generated in ultrasonic supragingival scaling: A randomised clinical trial.

Ultrasonic scaling is extensively applied as part of the initial therapy for periodontal diseases, which has been restricted since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic due to droplets and aerosols generated by ultrasonic devices. An extraoral scavenging device (EOS) was designed for diminishing droplets and aerosols in dental clinics. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of EOS on eliminating droplets and aerosols during ultrasonic supragingival scaling. This single-blinded, randomised controlled clinical trial enrolled 45 patients with generalised periodontitis (stage I or II, grade A or B) or plaque-induced gingivitis. The patients were randomly allocated and received ultrasonic supragingival scaling under three different intervention measures: only saliva ejector (SE), SE plus EOS and SE plus high-volume evacuation (HVE). The natural sedimentation method was applied to sample droplets and aerosols before or during supragingival scaling. After aerobic culturing, colony-forming units (CFUs) were counted and analysed. Compared with the level before treatment, more CFUs of samples throughout treatment could be obtained at the operator's chest and the patient's chest and the table surface when using SE alone (p < 0.05). Compared with the SE group, the SE + EOS group and the SE + HVE group obtained decreasing CFUs at the operator's chest and the patient's chest (p < 0.05), while no significant difference was determined between these two groups. The EOS effectively eliminated splatter contamination from ultrasonic supragingival scaling, which was an alternative precaution for nosocomial contamination in dental clinics.

Comparative effects of medium-chain fatty acids or phytobiotics-based feed additives on performance, caecum microbiota, volatile fatty acid production and intestinal morphology of broilers.

Antibiotic growth promoters have been utilized in broiler nutrition to alleviate the negative effects of the pathogenic microbes to promote performance. However, after the prohibition of antibiotics because of the increasing disclosure related to public health issues, various products have been developed as alternatives. This study was carried out to determine the effects of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) or phytobiotics (essential oils [EOs] and alkaloids [ALKs]), blended feed additives on the growth performance, jejunum histomorphology, and cecal microbiota of broiler chickens. A total of 765 male Ross 308 chicks were randomly distributed into 5 experimental groups, each having 9 replicates with 17 chicks. The experimental procedures were as follows: a control group without supplementation (T1); control group+ MCFAs and EOs blend (T2); control group+ different EOs blend (T3); control group+ ALK sanguinarine (T4); and control group+ EOs and ALK piperine mixture (T5). The results showed that, broilers fed with MCFAs blended with EOs had significantly greater body weight gain during overall period in comparision to the control and T3 groups. Further, only MCFAs blended with EOs group significantly improved jejnum morphology in comparison with the control group (p≤0.05). Besides, the MCFAs blended with EOs group significantly elevated propionate, acetate and butyrate concentration, and decreased the concentration of branch chain fatty acids in caecum (p≤0.05). The results indicated that, the combination of MCFAs and EOs seems to have improvement effects and could be preferred as an efficient feed additive in broiler production.

Incidence Rate and Associated Factors of Early Onset Sepsis Among Neonate Born at ≥35 Weeks' Gestation in Thai Tertiary Hospital.

This study aimed to find the incidence rate and associated factors of EOS in neonates with 35 weeks of gestational age or more at Panyananthaphikkhu Chonprathan Medical Center (PCMC) in order to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies to reduce neonatal mortality. A cross-sectional study was done in a single-center neonatal intensive care unit at PCMC. Data were collected from October 2016 to September 2021 from all neonates with 35 weeks of gestational age or more with EOS and randomly collected from neonates with 35 weeks of gestational age or more without EOS. The associated factors of EOS were shown as an odds ratio by multivariate analysis of binary logistic regression. In this study, 595 neonates were enrolled and divided into 2 groups - EOS group (193 neonates) and non-EOS group (402 neonates). The incidence rate of EOS was 21.23/1000 live births, comprising 2 culture-positive EOS neonates (0.22/1000 live births) and 191 culture-negative EOS neonates (21/1000 live births). The common clinical manifestations in the EOS group were respiratory distress (157 neonates, 81%), temperature instability (43 neonates, 22.3%) and poor feeding (39 neonates, 20.2%). Statistically significant relationship (p-value < 0.05) was found in prolonged rupture of membrane (OR 11.7, 95% CI: 2.54-53.88), low birth weight (OR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.25-4.4) and normal Apgar score at 5 minutes after birth (OR 0.5, 95% CI: 0.31-0.71). Our study shows that the incidence rate of culture positive EOS in late preterm and term is very low. EOS was significantly associated withprolonged rupture of membrane and low birth weight whereas lower rate of EOS was significantly associated with normal Apgar score at 5 minutes after birth. Efforts to recognize these factors early and effectively resuscitate neonates may reduce and prevent neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Paleoenvironmental potential of lacustrine sediments in the Central Highlands of Vietnam: a review on the state of research

Global warming enhances atmospheric moisture loading and will likely affect monsoon strength in Vietnam. Without a long written history in Vietnam, we need to rely on geoarchives such as lake sediments to reconstruct past monsoon variability and regional paleoenvironmental fluctuations and evaluate current climatic trends. Natural lakes in the Central Highlands of Vietnam have the potential to have recorded shifts of the monsoon belt over glacial/interglacial cycles. Since 2016, the EOS Geoscience Research Group at Vietnam National University, Hanoi (EOS group) has collaborated with international partners to collect and analyze Vietnamese lake sediments to reconstruct the Pleistocene-Holocene climate history. Numerous sediment cores have been retrieved from Biển Hồ, Ia Bang, Ea Tyn, Ea Sno and Lak lakes between 2016 and 2022. Of special importance is a 25 m long sediment core from Biển Hồ Lake (Gia Lai province) covering the last 57 ka, which the team retrieved in April 2021. Sediment cores were analyzed for geochemistry, sedimentology, magnetic susceptibility, and radiocarbon dating. This paper reviews the status of our currently available sedimentary records to assess the paleoenvironmental potential of lacustrine sediments in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Current data suggest that the lakes in the Central Highlands provide reliable sedimentological and geochemical records and bear the potential to reconstruct the paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic conditions in Vietnam across several glacial periods, with a high-resolution record at least in the Holocene. The records contribute to quantifying the effects of monsoon variability and assessing the changes in hydrological conditions before and after the onset of human land use by comparing different lakes in the region. Future fieldwork will focus on retrieving longer lake sediment sequences from the Central Highlands, possibly covering the full interglacial-glacial cycle (i.e. the last 125 ka, back to MIS-5e), and on the assessment of comparable lake archives in other parts of Vietnam where the timing and character of monsoon-related climatic variations may have differed.

Protein oxidation affected the digestibility and modification sites of myofibrillar proteins from bighead carp fillets treated with hydroxyl radicals and endogenous oxidizing system

This study aimed to investigate the effect of hydroxyl radical oxidizing system (HROS) and endogenous oxidizing system (EOS, i.e., frozen storage at −20 °C) on protein oxidation, digestive properties, and peptide modification of myofibrillar proteins (MPs) in bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) fillets. The oxidation degree increased with the frozen time and H2O2 concentration as evidenced by carbonyl group generation and sulfhydryl group loss in MPs. The digestibility of protein declined gradually during frozen storage, while it increased after treatment with 5 mM H2O2 compared with no H2O2 intervention. More modification numbers and types were observed in the EOS group than HROS in digested MPs peptides, which might be due to the complexity of the frozen fillet system such as the presence of lipid. The potential conversion of α-aminoadipic semialdehyde (AAS) to α-aminoadipic acids (AAA) was observed in HROS. Additionally, the myosin heavy chain was more susceptible to oxidation among all MPs by EOS oxidation.

Spinal mobility and muscle function in middle-aged patients treated for early onset idiopathic scoliosis: compared with untreated and treated adolescent onset patients

PurposeTo determine long-term outcome in terms of spinal range of motion (ROM) and trunk muscle endurance (TME) patients treated for idiopathic scoliosis, diagnosed before the age of ten, were evaluated and compared with untreated or treated patients with idiopathic scoliosis with adolescent onset (AIS).MethodsSixty-three braced and 53 operated patients underwent examination of spinal ROM and TME. Validated questionnaires were used for evaluation of back function.ResultsA total of 116 patients were examined 26.5 years after treatment. Braced EOS patients had longer bracing time and operated EOS patients had longer fusions compared to the respective AIS groups. Braced EOS patients had similar total ROM (thoracic ROM 40°, lumbar ROM 78°) and TME (trunk flexors 140 s, trunk extensors 255 s) as untreated AIS patients (thoracic ROM 34°, lumbar ROM 88°, trunk flexor endurance 158 s, trunk extensor endurance 234 s). Braced patients also had significantly better results than braced AIS patients. Operated EOS patients were slightly but significantly stronger and more mobile compared to AIS peers. The lumbar ROM was found to affect the back function in the operated EOS group (Oswestry Questionnaire, rs = 0.49, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe braced EOS patients had mostly similar muscle strength and mobility as the untreated but younger AIS group, while the braced AIS group showed reductions of both strength and mobility. Similar significant, but small, differences were also found between operated EOS and AIS patients. Especially for muscle strength were findings at a level that would be of significant clinical importance.Levels of evidenceIII.

Low Eosinophil Phenotype Predicts Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation Use in Patients with Hospitalized Exacerbations of COPD.

RationaleEosinophilic inflammation is related to the progression and outcomes of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Till now, few studies have focused on low EOS in AECOPD.ObjectiveTo reveal the clinical characteristics, therapeutic responses and prognosis of patients hospitalized of AECOPD with low EOS.MethodsThe electronic database of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University was used. Cohort 1 included 608 patients with hospitalized AECOPD. Study population 2 consisted of 166 patients with AECOPD admission at least twice. Impact of low EOS on NIMV treatment, length of hospital stays and 12-month AECOPD-related readmission were analyzed with multivariable logistic regression model. Thirty-five hospitalized AECOPD patients were prospectively recruited as cohort 3 to explore the association between EOS and other immune cells using Spearman correlation coefficient for ranked data.ResultsEOS level was suppressed on admission in AECOPD patients, and significantly improved after hospitalized treatment (P < 0.05). For inflammatory markers, leucocytes, neutrophils and lactate dehydrogenase levels were higher, while lymphocytes, monocytes and interleukin-6 levels were lower in the low-EOS group than those in the non-low EOS group (P < 0.05). Low EOS (EOS < 50 cells/μL) was an independent risk factor of NIMV use (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.26 ~ 2.73). The EOS percentage was positively correlated with the T cell percentage (r = 0.46, P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with the natural killer cell percentage (r = −0.39, P < 0.05). The patients with low EOS had lower level of CD4+ T cell (P < 0.05) than that of patients with non-low EOS.ConclusionLow EOS might be a stable phenotype in patients with hospitalized AECOPD and could be used to inform NIMV management, hyperinflammatory state and impaired immunity situation.

Severe asthma in Kuwait population: Phenotype-based approach

BackgroundThere is increasing recognition of marked phenotypic heterogeneity within severe asthma patients. MethodsSevere asthma patients on GINA step 4 or 5 treatment, followed up at Al-Rashed Allergy center Kuwait, were evaluated for: demographics (gender, age, age of asthma onset), comorbidities (allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), obesity), blood biomarkers (total serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE), peripheral eosinophils), and sensitization to inhalants allergens. ResultsA total of 169 patients were candidates for biological treatment. Patients were divided in two groups based on level of total IgE as a “low” group with IgE<160 IU/ml (n = 55) and “high” group with IgE≥ 160 IU/ml (n = 114). Both groups were further divided in subgroups, “low” and “high”, based on absolute number of eosinophils (Eos) in peripheral blood with <300 cells/μl or ≥ 300 cells/μl. Only 10% of patients were in low IgE/low Eos while majority (46%) were in the high IgE/high Eos group. Mean age of patients was 44.1 year with domination of females (n = 123). Majority of patients were obese. AR, CRS and CRSwNP were more common in group with IgE ≥160 IU/ml, while CRS and CRSwNP in group with Eos ≥300 cells/μl. ConclusionThe majority of severe asthma patients in Kuwait are obese females with adult-onset asthma (>18 years of age) who were allergic with comorbid conditions including AR, CRS and CRSwNP, which correlates well with the level of Eos.

The influence of contoured sinus endoscopy on the recurrence of nasal polyps

Objective:The aim of this stusy is to study the effect of endoscopic surgery quality on the recurrence of nasal polyps. Methods:A total of 32 patients（64 sides） with recurrent nasal polyps were collected from December 2016 to June 2018, all of which were bilateral type Ⅱ diffuse nasal polyps in stage 3. According to the post-operative pathological results, patients were divided into eosinophilic nasal polyps group（EOS） and non-eosinophilic nasal polyps group（NEOS）. All patients underwent sinus CT scan and three-dimensional reconstruction, combined with the sinus CT image performance and intraoperative findings, the quality of the patients' previous endoscopic sinus surgery was analyzed, and the CT L-M scores of sinuses before and after reoperation were compared between the two groups. Endoscopic L-K score, nasal symptoms VAS score, quality of life Snot-20 score. Results:Among 32 patients with recurrent nasal polyps, 17 cases （53.1%） of EOS nasal polyps were confirmed pathologically after surgery, and 15 cases （46.9%） of NEOS nasal polyps were confirmed. After the previous operation, the patient still has 60 sides（93.8%） of ethmoidal cells or ethmoidal septum, 56 sides（87.5%） of bone hyperplasia, 50 sides（78.1%） of bones in frontal recess air-cell or bone air-cell, and nasal cavity adhesion there were 10 sides（15.6%）, residual uncinate process 8（12.5%）, improper treatment of maxillary sinus ostia or atresia were 6（9.4%）, sphenoid sinus not open or atresia were 8（12.5%）, nasal septal deviation untreated were 4 cases（12.5%）, 1 case（3.1%） had recurrence without ethmoidal cells and residual bone interval. Patients both in the EOS group or the NEOS group were followed up with L-M score, L-K score, VAS score, and Snot-20 score after surgery, the result were significantly improved compared with the preoperative results. After follow-up of 1.5-3 years, 25 cases of polyps were completely controlled and 7 cases were partially controlled. Among them, 2 cases of EOS nasal polyps and asthma patients still had some polypoid changes in local mucosa one year after operation and was currently under medication control. Conclusion:Although the recurrence of nasal polyps is closely related to its intrinsic type, the technique of endoscopic surgery is also an important factor affecting the recurrence of nasal polyps. For patients with bilateral symmetric diffuse nasal polyps, high-quality sinus surgery of first time combined with standardized follow-up can reduce the recurrence rate of nasal polyps and prolong the relapse time.

Role of peripheral eosinophilia in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Eosinophil counts are a promising guide to systemic steroid administration for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To study the role of peripheral eosinophilia in hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). From January 2014 to May 2017, patients with AECOPD hospitalized in Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital were retrospectively stratified into two groups according to their peripheral eosinophil count: The EOS group (eosinophil count ≥ 2%) and the non-EOS group (eosinophil count < 2%). Demographics, comorbidities, laboratory data, steroid use, length of hospital stay, and COPD-related readmissions were compared between the groups. A total of 625 patients were recruited, with 176 patients (28.2%) in the EOS group. The EOS group showed a lower prevalence of infection, lower cumulative doses of prednisolone equivalents, shorter length of hospital stay, and higher number of COPD-related readmissions than the non-EOS group. There were significantly linear correlations between eosinophil percentage and number of readmissions and between eosinophil percentage and length of hospital stay (P < 0.001, Pearson's r = 0.147; P = 0.031, Pearson's r = -0.086, respectively). The EOS group and a lower percent-predicted value of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were associated with shorter time to first COPD-related readmission [adjusted hazard ratio (adj. HR) = 1.488, P < 0.001; adj. HR = 0.985, P < 0.001, respectively]. The study findings suggest that the EOS group had the features of a shorter length of hospital stay, and lower doses of systemic steroids, but more frequent readmissions. The EOS group and lower percent-predicted FEV1 values were risk factors for shorter time to first COPD-related readmission.

Early-Onset Schizophrenia Showed Similar but More Severe Olfactory Identification Impairment Than Adult-Onset Schizophrenia.

Background“Early-onset schizophrenia” (EOS) is defined as disease with onset before the age of 18 years. This subset of schizophrenia exhibits worse cognitive function and carries a worse prognosis than adult-onset schizophrenia (AOS). Olfactory impairment has been found in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. However, most research has focused on olfactory impairment in patients with AOS: olfactory function in EOS is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the olfactory identification ability in EOS, and its relationship with negative symptoms.MethodsWe compared olfactory function between two independent samples: 40 patients with EOS and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs); as well as 40 patients with AOS and 40 age- and sex-matched HCs. The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test was administered.ResultsThe EOS group and AOS group exhibited worse olfactory identification ability than HCs; impairment correlated significantly with negative symptoms. Olfactory identification was worse in patients suffering EOS compared with those suffering AOS.ConclusionOlfactory identification impairment may be a trait marker of schizophrenia.

Richness of sputum microbiome in acute exacerbations of eosinophilic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background:The eosinophilic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is known to be more sensitive to corticosteroid. The sputum microbiome has been shown to affect COPD prognosis, but its role in acute exacerbations of eosinophilic COPD is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the dynamic changes of the airway microbiome in patients with acute exacerbations of eosinophilic COPD.Methods:Fifty-seven patients with acute exacerbations of COPD from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University between June 2017 and June 2018 were divided into two groups. Patients with eosinophils ≥300 cells/μL in the peripheral venous blood were assigned to the eosinophilic group (Eos) and the rest to the non-eosinophilic group (Noneos). All patients received similar treatment including inhaled budesonide according to the guidelines. The induced sputum microbiome was analyzed on the 1st and 7th day of treatment using the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) method. The levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 were measured in the plasma and the sensitivity to corticosteroids was determined in isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Quantitative data were compared between the two groups using the independent samples t test or Mann-Whitney U test. Categorical data were evaluated using Chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test.Results:Twenty-six patients were classified into Eos group and 31 patients were classified into Noneos group. Prior to treatment, the alpha diversity (Shannon index) (2.65 ± 0.63 vs. 2.56 ± 0.54, t = 0.328, P = 0.747) and the structure of the sputum microbiome were similar in the Eos group and the Noneos group. After 7 days of treatment, alpha diversity increased in both groups, while the microbiome richness (Ace index) was significantly lower in the Eos group (561.87 ± 109.13 vs. 767.88 ± 148.48, t = −3.535, P = 0.002). At the same time, IL-6 (12.09 ± 2.85 pg/mL vs. 15.54 ± 2.45 pg/mL, t = −4.913, P < 0.001) and IL-8 (63.64 ± 21.69 pg/mL vs. 78.97 ± 17.13 pg/mL, t = −2.981, P = 0.004) decreased more significantly in the Eos group, and the percentages of inhibition of IL-8 at dexamethasone concentrations 10−8 to 10−6 mol/L were significantly higher in the Eos group than those in the Noneos group (all P < 0.05).Conclusions:The induced sputum microbiome richness decreased more significantly following treatment in the Eos patients compared to the Noneos patients. The lower plasma inflammatory factor levels and the higher percentage of inhibition of IL-8 might be due to higher corticosteroid sensitivity in Eos patients.

Early and very early-onset schizophrenia compared with adult-onset schizophrenia: French FACE-SZ database.

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical symptomatology in patients with Early‐Onset Schizophrenia (EOS, N = 176), especially the subgroup Very Early Onset Schizophrenia (VEOS) and Adult Onset Schizophrenia (AOS, N = 551).MethodIn a large French multicentric sample, 727 stable schizophrenia patients, classified by age at onset of the disorder, were assessed using standardized and extensive clinical and neuropsychological batteries: AOS with onset ≥ 18 years and EOS with onset < 18 years (including 22 VEOS < 13 years).ResultsThe importance of better diagnosing EOS group, and in particularly VEOS, appeared in a longer DUP Duration of Untreated Psychosis (respectively, 2.6 years ± 4.1 and 8.1 years ± 5.7 vs. 1.0 years ± 2.5), more severe symptomatology (PANSS Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale scores), and lower educational level than the AOS group. In addition, the VEOS subgroup had a more frequent childhood history of learning disabilities and lower prevalence of right‐handedness quotient than the AOS.ConclusionThe study demonstrates the existence of an increased gradient of clinical severity from AOS to VEOS. In order to improve the prognosis of the early forms of schizophrenia and to reduce the DUP, clinicians need to pay attention to the prodromal manifestations of the disease.

Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio in Neonates: A Predictor of Early onset Neonatal Sepsis.

BackgroundNeonatal sepsis (NS) is a common systemic disease that causes morbidity and mortality in newborns. But there is no ideal biomarker that can be used in the early diagnosis of NS. In recent studies, platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has been reported to play a critical role in the inflammatory process. In this study, we aimed to contribute to the research about whether or not PLR can be used as an early predictor of the diagnosis of NS.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted among the newborns born in İzmir Buca Maternity and Pediatric Hospital between March 2015–February 2016. During these twelve months, 611 neonates with Early-Onset Sepsis (EOS) were admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit. One hundred and forty-nine neonates with suspected EOS, 67 neonates with proven EOS and 92 healthy neonates were enrolled in the study.ResultsPlatelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) values of the three groups were calculated 56.5 ± 17.8 vs. 62.4± 14.9 vs. 15.3 ± 2.1, respectively. PLR values of suspected or proven EOS group were significantly higher than the control group. PLR has AUC 0.89 to 0.93, the cutoff value of 39.5 to 57.7, the sensitivity of 88.9% to 91.3% and specificity of 94.7% to 97.6%, the positive predictive value of 94.3% to 97.4%, and negative predictive value of 88.6% to 91.8% in suspected and proven sepsis diagnosis.ConclusionsOur results suggest that PLR can be used as a parameter in the prediction of neonatal sepsis.

Neonatal early-onset blood stream infection caused by group B Streptococcus: analysis of 55 cases

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics, prenatal risk factors and antibiotic resistance of neonatal early-onset blood stream infection caused by group B Streptococcus (GBS) and to provide evidence for the management of GBS infection. Methods From January 1, 2001 to May 31, 2017, 55 neonates diagnosed with GBS-associated early-onset blood stream infection in the International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital were enrolled. They were divided into two groups: GBS early-onset sepsis (GBS EOS) group (n=40) and bacteremia group (n=15). Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed and compared between the two groups with two independent-samples t test and Chi-square test. Results The incidence of neonatal GBS-associated early-onset blood stream infection was 0.31‰(55/179 738). Those neonates with bacteremia had no clinical manifestations. However, in the GBS EOS group, the main manifestations were respiratory abnormalities [respiratory distress (35%, 14/40) and apnea (10%, 4/40)], jaundice (40%, 16/40) and poor perfusion [low blood pressure, etc. 32%(13/40)], and the main abnormal results of blood routine test were increased C-reaction protein [>10 mg/L, 100% (40/40)] and elevated white blood cell count [>25×109/L, 78% (31/40)]. Compared with GBS EOS group, bacteremia group had a lower rate of vaginal delivery [1/15 vs 52% (21/40), χ2=9.549, P=0.002] and higher rates of maternal fever [15/15 vs 55% (22/40), χ2=10.034, P=0.002], chorioamnionitis [15/15 vs 68% (27/40), χ2=6.384, P=0.012] and empirical administration of antibiotics to infants [15/15 vs 70% (28/40), χ2=5.759, P=0.016]. All tested GBS strains were susceptible to penicillin, ampicillin and vancomycin, but resistant to clindamycin (42%, 22/53) and erythromycin (46%, 24/52). Conclusions GBS is one of the predominant pathogens causing neonatal early-onset blood stream infection. Respiratory distress, apnea, jaundice and poor perfusion are the main manifestations. Penicillin and ampicillin are the treatment choice for neonatal early-onset GBS infection. Active and appropriate intrapartum management of pregnancies with high risk of intrauterine GBS infection as well as prophylactic prescription of antibiotics to infants may help to prevent or alleviate the symptoms of neonatal early-onset blood stream infection. Key words: Bacteremia; Streptococcus agalactiae; Streptococcal infections; Microbial sensitivity tests; Infant, newborn

Effects of nasal polyps and allergy rhinitis on quantitative evaluation of subjective and objective assessment of chronic rhinosinusitis

Objective:To investigate the effect of nasal polyps and allergy rhinitis on disease assessment of chronic rhinosinusitis, and to analyze the correlation between subjective and objective scores. Method:A total of 253 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis were enrolled from June 2016 to June 2017, and the clinical data such as sex, age, comorbidity, diagnosis and treatment were summarized. All patients were grouped as with or without nasal polyps, with or without eosinophilia, with or without allergic rhinitis group, and assessed by the visual analogue scale(VAS), Lund-Mackay CT score and Lund-Kennedy score respectively. The difference of the three grades in each group were analyzed by statistic analysis. The correlation between the three grades was analyzed. Result:Two hundred and fifty-three cases of chronic rhinosinusitis were included in the analysis. There were 143 males and 110 females with an average age of 44.44±15.44 years old, mostly in the 41-65 age group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). The scores of VAS, Lund-Mackay CT and Lund-Kennedy in the nasal polyp group were significantly higher than those in the non-nasal polyp group (P<0.05). The nasal endoscopy score of patients with allergic rhinitis was higher than that of non-allergic rhinitis group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference between VAS score, CT and endoscopic score in EOS group (P>0.05). There was a positive correlation between VAS score and nasal endoscopy score or CT score (P<0.01) in patients of non-allergic rhinitis or eosinophilia group, but there was no correlation (P>0.05) in patients with allergic rhinitis or eosinophilia group. There was no correlation when two or three factors exist at the same time beteen the nasal polyp, allergic rhinitis and EOS group (P>0.05), whereas show up positive correlation on non-merged group (P<0.01). Conclusion:Chronic rhinosinusitis complicated with nasal polyps or allergic rhinitis can significantly increase the subjective and objective symptoms of patients. There are differences between subjective symptoms and objective tests in the patients with nasal polyps, allergic rhinitis and EOS factors. Therefore, clinical attention should be paid to the impact of allergic factors on patients, using a variety of subjective and objective evaluation atrategies to evaluate the condition of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis comprehensively, to provide a basis for personalized diagnosis and treatment.

Overlapping and disease specific trait, response, and reflection impulsivity in adolescents with first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Schizophrenia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are developmental disorders with shared clinical characteristics such as cognitive impairments and impulsivity. Impulsivity is a core feature of ADHD and an important factor in aggression, violence, and substance use in schizophrenia. Based on the hypothesis that schizophrenia and ADHD represent a continuum of neurodevelopmental impairments, the aim was to identify overlapping and disease specific forms of impulsivity. Adolescents between 12 and 17 years of age were assessed with the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-aged Children - Present and Lifetime Version. Subjects with early-onset, first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders (EOS) (N = 29) or ADHD (N = 29) and healthy controls (N = 45) were compared on two performance measures (Information Sampling Task, Stop Signal Task) and a subjective personality trait measure of impulsivity (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, Version 11 (BIS-11)). Significantly increased reflection impulsivity was observed in ADHD but not in the EOS group. No significant response inhibition deficits (stop signal reaction time) were found in the two clinical groups. The ADHD and the EOS group showed significantly increased motor, attentional, and non-planning subtraits of impulsivity. Impaired pre-decisional information gathering appeared to be specific for ADHD while the information gathering was not significantly reduced in subjects with EOS. Neither the ADHD nor EOS group showed impaired response inhibition but shared increased personality subtraits of attentional, non-planning, and motor impulsivity although the latter was significantly more pronounced in ADHD. These increased subtraits of impulsivity may reflect diagnostic non-specific neurodevelopmental impairments in ADHD and EOS in adolescence.

How well do lower femoral neck-shaft angles match native anatomies in patients with deformed coxa vara hip? A retrospective chart review

Background and objectives: Patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) may have femoral deformities classified as either coxa vara, coxa valga, or physiologic. Understanding patients' anatomies is of importance for surgeons in an effort to tailor not only surgical approach, but also implant selection, and ultimately ensure optimal outcomes. The goal of the present study is to determine the efficacy of implanting a lower neck shaft angle (NSA) femoral stem in patients with coxa vara deformities and determine short-term clinical outcomes. Design: A retrospective chart review study. Methods: The study took place at The Texas Center for Joint Replacement in Plano, Texas. Two patient groups, clinical outcomes group and EOS group, were used for this study. The clinical outcomes group contained 55 patients who had undergone primary THA surgery from June 2013 to June 2015 by the senior author. The EOS group contained 36 patients who had undergone primary THA, and completed both preoperative and postoperative biplanar X-rays (low dose imaging device EOS) to obtain three-dimensional reconstructions of the skeletal system from October 2015 to November 2016. Operations were performed in all hips through the anterior supine intermuscular approach utilizing a 123° NSA femoral stem, which was lower than the NSA (133°) found in standard femoral stem implants. Outcome measures: Pre- and postoperative Harris hip scores used to assess clinical outcomes following surgery. Pre- and postoperative femoral offset, NSA, and femur length determined by EOS. Results: In the EOS group, mean femoral offset decreased by 3.5 mm, from 41.08 mm preoperatively to 37.6 mm postoperatively. Mean femoral NSAs decreased by 0.02°, from 123.02° preoperatively to 123.00° postoperatively. Mean femur length decreased by 2.4mm, from 404.2 mm preoperatively to 401.8 mm postoperatively. In the clinical outcomes group, mean Harris hip scores rose from 47 preoperatively to 93 postoperatively. Hip flexion range of motion improved from 87.5° preoperatively to 98° postoperatively. Conclusion: The lower NSA femoral stem examined in this study was proven to accurately restore NSA by 0.03°, femoral offset by 3.47 mm, and femur length by 2 mm, all within clinically documented satisfactory ranges without no revisions, suggesting excellent clinical outcomes in patients with coxa vara hip deformities. THA surgeons may consider utilizing femoral stems with a lower NSA in an effort to adequately restore hip function in patients with coxa vara hip deformities. Trial registration: This is a retrospective chart review study, therefore registration was not required.

Predictive Thermodynamic Models for Ionic Liquid–SO2 Systems

Two types of predictive thermodynamic models, i.e., the UNIFAC model and GCLF EOS (group contribution lattice fluid equation of state), were applied to predict the solubility of SO2 in ionic liquids (ILs). The group interaction parameters were estimated by correlating the solubility data of SO2 in ILs exhaustively collected from the articles published until July 2015. It was verified that both the UNIFAC model and GCLF EOS could be used for predicting the solubility of SO2 in ILs, but the UNIFAC model gives results that are better than those of GCLF EOS. The UNIFAC model then was used to identify the structure–property relation for SO2 solubility and selectivity of CO2 to SO2, whereas GCLF EOS was used to investigate the volume expansivity of ILs upon the addition of SO2. The results showed that volume expansivity is independent of the different combinations of cations and anions and exhibits a linear relationship with SO2 solubility in ILs.

Prediction of methanol content in natural gas with the GC-PR-CPA model

Produced reservoir fluids are principally composed of hydrocarbons but contain also impurities such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and nitrogen. These fluids are saturated with the formation water at reservoir conditions. During production, transportation and processing ice and/or gas hydrates formation may occur. Gas hydrate and ice formation are a serious flow assurance and inherently security issues in natural gas production, processing and transport. Therefore, inhibitors are usually injected as a hydrate inhibitor and antifreeze. For example, methanol is often used for hydrate inhibition or in some cases during start up, shut down or pipeline plug removal. Therefore impurities, water and methanol usually end up in natural gas conditioning and fractionation units. These units produce end user pipeline gas subject to local specifications and natural gas liquids like ethane, LPG or heaviers. This is why the accurate knowledge of methanol content at different operating conditions is important. In this study, a group contribution model, the GC-PR-CPA EoS (Hajiw et al., 2015) (Group Contribution – Peng-Robinson – Cubic-Plus-Association), is successfully applied for hydrocarbons systems containing methanol. Predictions of phase envelopes of binary systems as well as partition coefficients of methanol in hydrocarbons mixtures are in good agreement with experimental data.