General Health Parameters Research Articles

Tunable White Light for Elders (TWLITE): A Protocol Demonstrating Feasibility and Acceptability for Deployment, Remote Data Collection, and Analysis of a Home-Based Lighting Intervention in Older Adults.

Sleep disturbances are common in older adults and may contribute to disease progression in certain populations (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease). Light therapy is a simple and cost-effective intervention to improve sleep. Primary barriers to light therapy are: (1) poor acceptability of the use of devices, and (2) inflexibility of current devices to deliver beyond a fixed light spectrum and throughout the entirety of the day. However, dynamic, tunable lighting integrated into the native home lighting system can potentially overcome these limitations. Herein, we describe our protocol to implement a whole-home tunable lighting system installed throughout the homes of healthy older adults already enrolled in an existing study with embedded home assessment platforms (Oregon Center for Aging & Technology—ORCATECH). Within ORCATECH, continuous data on room location, activity, sleep, and general health parameters are collected at a minute-to-minute resolution over years of participation. This single-arm longitudinal protocol collected participants’ light usage in addition to ORCATECH outcome measures over a several month period before and after light installation. The protocol was implemented with four subjects living in three ORCATECH homes. Technical/usability challenges and feasibility/acceptability outcomes were explored. The successful implementation of our protocol supports the feasibility of implementing and integrating tunable whole-home lighting systems into an automated home-based assessment platform for continuous data collection of outcome variables, including long-term sleep measures. Challenges and iterative approaches are discussed. This protocol will inform the implementation of future clinical intervention trials using light therapy in patients at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions.

Assessment of the Feasibility of a Future Integrated Larger-Scale Epidemiological Study to Evaluate Health Risks of Air Pollution Episodes in Children.

Air pollution exposure can lead to exacerbation of respiratory disorders in children. Using sensitive biomarkers helps to assess the impact of air pollution on children’s respiratory health and combining protein, genetic and epigenetic biomarkers gives insights on their interrelatedness. Most studies do not contain such an integrated approach and investigate these biomarkers individually in blood, although its collection in children is challenging. Our study aimed at assessing the feasibility of conducting future integrated larger-scale studies evaluating respiratory health risks of air pollution episodes in children, based on a qualitative analysis of the technical and logistic aspects of a small-scale field study involving 42 children. This included the preparation, collection and storage of non-invasive samples (urine, saliva), the measurement of general and respiratory health parameters and the measurement of specific biomarkers (genetic, protein, epigenetic) of respiratory health and air pollution exposure. Bottlenecks were identified and modifications were proposed to expand this integrated study to a higher number of children, time points and locations. This would allow for non-invasive assessment of the impact of air pollution exposure on the respiratory health of children in future larger-scale studies, which is critical for the development of policies or measures at the population level.

PD03-04 SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE IMPACT OF A PLANT-BASED DIET ON PROSTATE CANCER INCIDENCE AND OUTCOMES

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022PD03-04 SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE IMPACT OF A PLANT-BASED DIET ON PROSTATE CANCER INCIDENCE AND OUTCOMES Natasha Gupta, Jacob Taylor, James Borin, Kenneth Jacobsohn, Stacey Kenfield, Scott Eggener, Hiten Patel, Carrie Price, Meena Davuluri, Nataliya Byrne, Trinity Bivalacqua, and Stacy Loeb Natasha GuptaNatasha Gupta More articles by this author , Jacob TaylorJacob Taylor More articles by this author , James BorinJames Borin More articles by this author , Kenneth JacobsohnKenneth Jacobsohn More articles by this author , Stacey KenfieldStacey Kenfield More articles by this author , Scott EggenerScott Eggener More articles by this author , Hiten PatelHiten Patel More articles by this author , Carrie PriceCarrie Price More articles by this author , Meena DavuluriMeena Davuluri More articles by this author , Nataliya ByrneNataliya Byrne More articles by this author , Trinity BivalacquaTrinity Bivalacqua More articles by this author , and Stacy LoebStacy Loeb More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002518.04AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Plant-based diets are increasingly popular and have many well-established benefits for health and environmental sustainability. Our objective was to perform a systematic review of plant-based diets and prostate cancer. METHODS: We performed a systematic search using PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, the Web of Science, AMED, Nursing and Allied Health, and CINAHL Plus in June 2020. A systematic citation search was also performed. Studies were included if they reported primary data on full plant-based dietary patterns (i.e., vegan, vegetarian, plant-based) and incidence among at-risk men for prostate cancer, or oncologic, general health/nutrition, or quality of life (QOL) outcomes among patients with prostate cancer or caregivers of patients with prostate cancer. RESULTS: A total of 31 publications were eligible for the qualitative synthesis, including 16 interventional (including 7 from the Prostate Cancer Lifestyle Trial) and 15 observational (including the EPIC-Oxford UK and Seventh Day Adventist cohorts) (Table 1). Interventional studies primarily focused on lifestyle modification including plant-based diets for men on active surveillance for localized prostate cancer or with biochemical recurrence after treatment, showing improvements in short-term oncologic outcomes alongside improvements in general health and nutritional parameters. Epidemiologic studies primarily focused on risk of prostate cancer, showing either protective or null associations for plant-based dietary patterns. Studies of the vegan diet consistently showed favorable associations with risk and/or outcomes. Gaps in the current literature include impact for long-term disease-specific outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Interventional studies showed generally favorable results of lifestyle modifications incorporating a plant-based diet with prostate cancer outcomes as well as improvements in nutrition and general health. Epidemiologic studies have shown either a lower risk of total prostate cancer or no significant difference. These results are encouraging in light of the many benefits of plant-based diets for overall health, as well as environmental sustainability and animal welfare. Source of Funding: SAK is supported by the Helen Diller Family Chair in Population Science for Urologic Cancer, SL is supported by the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the New York State Department of Health Prostate Cancer Pilot Research Grant, and a generous donation from Patricia and Michael Berns. NG is supported by grant T32HS026120 from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Agency © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e42 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Natasha Gupta More articles by this author Jacob Taylor More articles by this author James Borin More articles by this author Kenneth Jacobsohn More articles by this author Stacey Kenfield More articles by this author Scott Eggener More articles by this author Hiten Patel More articles by this author Carrie Price More articles by this author Meena Davuluri More articles by this author Nataliya Byrne More articles by this author Trinity Bivalacqua More articles by this author Stacy Loeb More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

Open-access database of literature derived drug-related Torsade de Pointes cases

Since an introduction of an ICH guidance in 2005, no new drugs were withdrawn from the market because of the causation of Torsade de Pointes (TdP). However, the risk of TdP is still a concern for marketed drugs. TdP is a type of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia which may lead to sudden cardiac death. QT/QTc interval prolongation is considered a sensitive, but not specific biomarker. To improve the effectiveness of studies’ workflow related to TdP risk prediction we created an extensive, structured, open-access database of drug-related TdP cases. PubMed, Google Scholar bibliographic databases, and the Internet, via the Google search engine, were searched to identify eligible reports. A total of 424 papers with a description of 634 case reports and observational studies were included. Each paper was manually examined and listed with up to 53 variables related to patient/population characteristics, general health parameters, used drugs, laboratory measurements, ECG results, clinical management, and its outcomes, as well as suspected drug’s properties and its FDA adverse reaction reports. The presented database may be considered as an extension of the recently developed and published database of drug cardiac safety-related information, part of the tox-portal project providing resources for cardiac toxicity assessment.

The impact of socioeconomic status, general health and oral health on Health-Related Quality of Life, Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and mental health among Polish older adults

BackgroundThe study aims to evaluate the impact of socioeconomic status, general health and oral health parameters on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and mental health in elderly urban residents of South-Western Poland.MethodsThe 500 residents of Wroclaw, aged 65 and older provided demographic and personal information as well as their medical history. A patient's oral condition were determined based on the clinical oral examination.Quality of Life was assessed using Euro-Quality of Life (EQ-5D), Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).The association between exposure (socioeconomic status, general health and oral health) and outcome (HRQoL, OHRQoL and mental health variables) were analyzed with the use of four models: P – Poisson model, NB-Negative Binomial model, ZIP – Zero Inflated Poisson model, ZINB – Zero Inflated Negative Binomial model.ResultsThe best model turned out to be the ZINB model, in which a negative binomial distribution in the count equation is assumed. In this model, only 13 independent variables had a significant effect on HRQoL, OHRQoL, and mental health. HRQoL assessed with the EQ-5D is significantly influenced by: living conditions 0.133 (95% CI: 0.001, 0.267, p = 0.049), income -0.348 (95%CI: -0.466, -0.230, p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus 0.437 (95%CI: 0.250, 0.624, p < 0.001), myocardial infarction 0.454 (95% CI: 0.151, 0.757, p = 0.003), stroke 0.543 (95%CI: 0.094, 0.992, p = 0.018) and renal disease 0.466 (95% CI: 0.206, 0.726, p < 0.001). Factors negatively affecting OHRQOL are: the need for oral treatment 0.278 (95%CI: 0.104, 0.452, p = 0.002), the number of missing teeth 0.053 (95%CI: 0.039, 0.067, p < 0.001) and gender 0.271 (95%CI: 0.015, 0.527, p = 0.038) and age -0.025 (95%CI: -0.042, -0.008, p = 0.003). An important factor influencing the level of depression assessed by the PHQ-9 questionnaire may be the material condition -0.225 (95%CI: -0.349, -0.101, p < 0.001). It should be emphasized that living with other people may be a factor that significantly increases the probability of avoiding the occurrence of depression symptoms.ConclusionThe study concerning elderly residents of the macroregion in Poland found the impact of socioeconomic, general health and oral health parameters on Health-Related Quality of Life, Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and mental health. Research on the quality of life of the elderly at the local level allowed to assess the factors linked to quality of life of older adults.

Effect of dietary modified zeolite (clinoptilolite) on growth performance of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) in the recirculating aquaculture system

In this study, the effects of six different dietary levels of commercial surface-modified clinoptilolite (Minazel Plus® [MP]; 0, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 g kg−1) were observed for fingerling gilthead sea bream in recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for 60 days. All experimental groups showed higher final weight, weight gain and specific growth rate compared with the control group, with 2 g kg−1 MP showing the highest levels (p < 0.05). Feed conversion ratio was lower than the control group in all MP-supplemented groups (p < 0.05). No significant effects on survival rates were detected among the groups. Body indices as viscerosomatic index and hepatosomatic index and blood parameters (haematocrit, haemoglobin, white blood cell and red blood cell, glucose and alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes) were not significantly different among the groups. The addition of zeolite in feed did not show any differences in whole-body protein and fat levels. Therefore, feed supplementation with 2 g kg−1 surface-modified clinoptilolite has been evaluated as safe and supportive of general health and growth parameters in the culture of Sparus aurata in the RAS.

Synergistic action of Viteselen with anti-Fasciola drug as a tool for improving fertility and hemato-biochemical biomarkers in Fasciola infected sheep.

Fasciolosis causes public health problems and economic losses all over the world. The present study aimed to evaluate the synergistic action between Viteselen (anti-oxidant) and specific anti-Fasciola drug [Triclalbendazole (TCBZ)] for improving the body condition of F. gigantica naturally infected sheep with reference to some hematological and biochemical biomarkers in their sera. Animals were divided into five groups include G-1 as control non-infected animals, G-2 to G-5 are Fasciola naturally infected animals. G-2 are non-treated animals, G-3 treated with TCBZ, animals in G-4 were injected by Viteselen and those in G-5 were treated by both TCBZ and Viteselen. The results revealed a significant decrease in mean eggs in feces and F. gigantica circulating antigens (FCAg) in sera of TCBZ treated sheep after the 1st week post treatment. Complete disappearance of eggs from feces of drug treated groups was recorded at 21st d.p.t. While the value of FCAg decreased to negative at 14th d.p.t. The highest significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the estimated hematological parameters (RBCs, Hb and TLC), liver enzymes (AST and ALT), oxidative stress and anti-oxidant markers (TAC, MDA, SOD and GSH) and reproductive hormones (Progesterone and Estradiol) was recorded in animals in G-5 followed by G-3. While non-significant improvement was recorded in animals in G-4 in comparison with those in the control group. This improvement increased with increasing the time post treatment. In conclusion; using of Viteselen in association with specific anti-parasitic drug improved the general health parameters and reproductive performance of the investigated sheep.

Epitheliocystis in wild marine fishes and its relation with anthropogenic pollution.

Epitheliocystis is a fish disease with recorded in increasing numbers globally. Here we show that (a) pollution-exposed wild marine fishes have higher infection prevalence than nonexposed individuals from reference sites, suggesting that anthropogenic pollution predisposes individuals to this disease in natural systems, (b) the effect of pollution on infection status did not vary significantly between two sympatric fish species, and (c) infected and noninfected individuals from both species did not differ significantly in selected immune and general-health parameters, a result that deserves further study with increased sample sizes.

Safety of 0.5% hydrogen peroxide mist used in the disinfection gateway for COVID-19.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a reactive chemical used in a wide range of applications. Most importantly, it is used for sterilization process in health care environment. In the present study, safety assessment of 0.5% of H2O2 and its mist intended to be used in the disinfection gateway for COVID-19 was evaluated. Skin irritation and repeated-dose inhalation toxicity studies were carried out in rabbits and rats, respectively. In Skin irritation study, New Zealand white rabbits were exposed topically with 0.5% H2O2 solution and observed for 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. For repeated-dose inhalation toxicity study, Wistar rats (both male and female) were exposed (whole body exposure) to 0.5% of H2O2 mist, at a concentration of 11.022 (low dose—2-min exposure), 22.044 (medium dose—4-min exposure), and 55.11mg/kg (high dose/high dose recovery—10-min exposure) body weight, daily for 7 days. Rats in the high-dose recovery group (55.11mg/kg—10-min exposure) were kept for another 7 days without any exposure. A toxicological evaluation was done based on general health parameters, hematology, serum biochemistry, gross necropsy, and histopathological data. The results of the study indicated that there was no skin irritation potential induced on exposure of 0.5% of H2O2 to rabbits. Similarly, the inhalation toxicity of 0.5% of H2O2 mist imparts no evidence of hematological, biochemical, gross pathology, or histopathological abnormalities in rats. Further, at the laboratory condition stimulated, the NOEL was found to be 55.11mg/kg body weight. Hence, the present study concluded that 0.5% H2O2 or its mist used in the disinfection gateway for COVID-19 failed to induce any skin irritation in rabbits or inhalation toxicity in rats. Graphical abstract

The Effects of Supplementing Whole Milk with Juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus) Aromatic Water on Growth and General Health Parameters of Holstein Calves

The illness of the calves during the suckling period suppresses the growth of calves and causes them to be removed from the breeders. In the present study, it was investigated whether Juniper aromatic water (JOW) would be suitable for promoting healthy growth performance of suckling Holstein calves. Twelve newborn calves (n=3, in each group) were randomly selected and assigned to the following four treatments: Control, 50, 100 and 200 ml JOW supplemented milk per day. The supplementation of JOW showed an increase in calves’ live weight and body measurements. In addition, the supplementation of whole milk with JOW decreased the frequency of occurrence of calves’ diarrhea and disease. The best result was observed in the supplementation of whole milk with 50 ml JOW. The findings of the study showed that Juniper aromatic water, a by-product, can be used safely in the healthy rearing of calves.

Evaluation of long-term radiological findings, pulmonary functions, and health-related quality of life in survivors of severe COVID-19.

ObjectiveIt was aimed to evaluate long‐term radiological changes in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients, to investigate pulmonary function, exercise capacities, and health‐related quality of life results.MethodsSixty‐five patients with severe COVID‐19 pneumonia were evaluated in the sixth month after discharge from the hospital. Spirometry, 6 min walking test (6MWT), and short form of health‐related quality of life scale (SF‐36) were applied in the sixth month. Chest computed tomography (CT) was performed and the findings were grouped according to lung involvement.ResultsForty‐nine male and 16 female patients were included in the study. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)% values of 18 patients (30.5%), forced vital capacity (FVC)% values of 27 patients (45.8%), and 6MWT of 13 patients (23.2%) were found lower than expected in the sixth month. On the SF‐36 scale, physical function, energy‐vitality, social functionality, pain, and general health parameters were found lower than normal. Minimal interstitial changes in chest CT were seen in 26 patients. Nine patients had lung area involvement between 10% and 50% of the surface, there was a correlation between FEV1% and FVC% values in this group. There was severe pulmonary fibrosis in four patients. There was a correlation between pulmonary function and physical function and general perception of health from SF‐36 scale subparameters.ConclusionFunctional and radiological abnormalities were detected in a significant number of patients in the sixth month after severe COVID‐19 pneumonia. A systematic monitoring plan must be established to assess and properly manage the long‐term problems that may arise.

Evaluation of dried papaya pomace meal in laying hen diets.

In the search for alternative feed resources for laying hens, papaya pomace is available as industrial by‐product but information on its nutritive value is lacking. Dried papaya pomace was included in a common laying hen diet at 0%, 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% to evaluate its effect on egg production performance, egg quality and general health parameters in Bovan brown layers. For every inclusion level, three cages with ten 20‐week‐old layers were used, making a total of 120 hens. The effect of dried papaya pomace inclusion on egg production, egg quality and general health parameters was evaluated. Dried papaya pomace inclusion improved egg production and laying by 6.15% and 17% respectively, while it significantly decreased feed conversion ratio by 7.5%. Eggshell weight, thickness and strength of PP5 were higher than the control by 0.3 g, 0.8 mm and 0.43 kg/cm2, respectively. There was a significant improvement in albumin weight (by 1.5 g/L), albumin height (2.1 mm), yolk weight (0.4 g/L), yolk height (0.4 mm), yolk colour (4.4 points) and Haugh unit (8 points) due to PP5 treatment. Inclusion of papaya pomace at a level of 7.5% of layers diet had negative effect on Egg production, feed conversion ratio and interior and exterior egg quality traits. Inclusion of papaya pomace affected significantly serum total cholesterol, serum triglyceride, serum low density lipoprotein, serum high density lipoprotein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and white blood cell count. However, all blood traits of the experimental animals were within the normal ranges reported for layers. Inclusion of papaya pomace in 5% of layers commercial diets improves egg production and quality without negative impact on health while decreasing feeding cost.

277 Tunable White Light for Elders (TWLITE): A feasibility study of a home-based sleep intervention

Abstract Introduction Sleep disturbances are common in elderly patients and may contribute to disease progression in certain populations (e.g., Alzheimer’s Disease). Light therapy is a simple and cost-effective intervention to improve sleep. Primary barriers to light therapy are 1) poor acceptability to use of devices and 2) inflexibility of current devices to deliver beyond a fixed spectrum and throughout the entirety of the day. However, dynamic, tunable lighting integrated into the native home lighting system can maximize short-wavelength light in the morning and minimize short-wavelength light in the evening, thus entraining circadian rhythms and treating sleep disturbances, and overcome these limitations. We determined the feasibility of implementing a whole-home tunable lighting system as a potential sleep intervention. Methods Tunable LED lights were installed throughout the homes of healthy older adults already enrolled in an existing study with embedded home assessment platforms (ORCATECH study; n=4 subjects in n=3 homes). In ORCATECH, continuous data on room location, activity, sleep, and general health parameters are collected at minute-to-minute resolution over months to years of participation. This single arm longitudinal design collected participants’ light usage in addition to ORCATECH outcome measures. Primary outcomes for this pilot study included the feasibility and patient acceptability. Exploratory outcomes were sleep metrics (sleep time, latency, efficiency), mobility (room transitions and actigraphy), and overall health indices (weekly body weight, self-report general health questionnaires) both pre- and post-intervention. Results Two subjects terminated the study citing technical difficulties with the lights and a preference for brighter illumination. Of the remaining 2 participants, sleep metrics were explored over a 12-month period spanning pre- and post-installation of lights. Nightly duration in bed was compared with minute-to-minute room entry data and actigraphy with high inter-measure reliability. Conclusion These data support that tunable whole-home lighting systems are reasonably acceptable and feasibly implemented using an automated platform for continuous data collection. Quantification of sleep over long periods of time is robust and reliable in the home environment of elderly subjects. These results will inform implementation of future large-scale lighting intervention studies in patients at risk for developing Alzheimer’s Disease. Support (if any) Hartford Gerontological Center Interprofessional Award, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, OHSU ORCATECH

Practical experience of using disease-modifying drugs for lumbosacral dorsalgia

Pain in the lumbosacral localization occurs in more than 70% of people and the main contingent of those who seek medical help are patients of working age [1]. The causes of its occurrence are degenerative and dystrophic processes of intervertebral discs and facet joints and muscle tonic reactions. Combined disease-modifying drugs (chondroprotectors) are highly effective in the complex treatment of such diseases. In a group of 39 patients, a study was conducted of the efficiency of the use of modern chondroprotector Flexinovo for nonspecific pain in the lower back, 1 tablet per day for 3 months, with an assessment of the patient's condition during 6 months. A statistically significant decrease in pain intensity according to a visual analogue scale is achieved by the end of the course of treatment, with an increase in the effect by the end of the observation from 6.00 (5.00; 6.00), pc-6m &lt;0.001Z, 4.50 (4.00; 6.00), p3m-6m &lt;0.001 and 1.00 (1.00; 2.25), respectively. Also, the intensity of neuropathic pain decreases according to the DN4 scale, with dynamics from the moment of screening (3 (2; 3), pc-3m &lt;0.001) to the end of the drug use (1 (1; 2) and follow-up 1 (1; 2), (p3m-6m = 0.46). During the observation period, there was a positive effect on the quality of life according to the SF-36 scale with an improvement in general health parameters over time from 52 (50; 62) to 72 (72; 77), respectively (p &lt;0.001). Less pronounced improvements were noted in this sample on the scale of emotional functioning - 33.3 (33.3; 66.7) and 66.7 (66.7; 100), accordingly (p &lt;0.001). All the studied patients showed clinically significant satisfaction with the treatment.

Association between self-efficacy and general health: a cross-sectional study of the nursing population

BackgroundThe present research aimed to explore the association of self-efficacy and general health among nurses.MethodsThis was a descriptive-analytical. A total of 470 nurses were selected through the stratified sampling method. To collect the required data, GSE-10 and GHQ-28 were used. Independent-sample T-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, Chi-squared test, and regression were also used to analyze the obtained data.ResultsThe results reveal a statistically significant correlation between general health and self-efficacy (t=-6.72, p < .001). Among general health parameters, social functioning has significantly predicted self-efficacy.ConclusionsAs shown in the present findings, an acceptable level of self-efficacy can positively affect all aspects of nurses’ general health.

Predicting the Risk of Postoperative Complications in Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Resection of Primary Liver Tumors.

Minimal-invasive techniques are increasingly applied in clinical practice and have contributed towards improving postoperative outcomes. While comparing favorably with open surgery in terms of safety, the occurrence of severe complications remains a grave concern. To date, no objective predictive system has been established to guide clinicians in estimating complication risks as the relative contribution of general patient health, liver function and surgical parameters remain unclear. Here, we perform a single-center analysis of all consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic liver resection for primary hepatic malignancies since 2010. Among the 210 patients identified, 32 developed major complications. Several independent predictors were identified through a multivariate analysis, defining a preoperative model: diabetes, history of previous hepatectomy, surgical approach, alanine aminotransferase levels and lesion entity. The addition of operative time and whether conversion was required significantly improved predictions and were thus incorporated into the postoperative model. Both models were able to identify patients with major complications with acceptable performance (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) for a preoperative model = 0.77 vs. postoperative model = 0.80). Internal validation was performed and confirmed the discriminatory ability of the models. An easily accessible online tool was deployed in order to estimate probabilities of severe complication without the need for manual calculation.

NEONATE HEALTH AND CALF MORTALITY IN A DECLINING POPULATION OF NORTH AMERICAN MOOSE (ALCES ALCES AMERICANUS).

Moose (Alces alces americanus) populations in many areas along the southern extent of the North American moose range, including Minnesota, have experienced decline. Ascertaining neonate health and cause-specific mortality is critical where calf survival is low and understanding underlying causes of population dynamics is important. To investigate moose neonate health and causes of mortality, we studied 43 calves shortly after parturition during 2013-15 and 2018. The observed natural calf mortality rate was 84% by the following January of each calving season. Most natural calf mortalities were caused by black bear (Ursus americanus) or wolf (Canis lupus) predation or associated injuries (71%) but also included stillbirth (16%), orphaning (7%), generalized bacterial infection (3%), and hunter harvest (3%). Neonate health was evaluated in 27 calves by hematology, serum biochemistry profile, and maternally derived immunoglobulin. General health parameters were mostly within an expected range for normal health and adequate maternal immunoglobulin transfer. Importantly, these data contribute to a growing body of literature on moose neonate health and is the first report, to our knowledge, of maternally derived immunity in moose neonates.

Oral health status and cardiovascular risk profile in Cameroonian military population

BackgroundPeriodontal diseases (PD) seem to appear today as predictors of some cardiovascular diseases (CVD). There is a lack of data on the oral health among Cameroonian military population, and its relationship with CVD.PurposeInvestigate on the link between oral health of Cameroonian military from the Ngaoundéré garrison and their cardiovascular risk profile.Participants and methodsA cross-sectional study at the Fifth Military Sector Health Center in Ngaoundéré was conducted. General health parameters assessment was done according to the World Health Organization STEPS manual for surveillance of risk factors for non-communicable chronic diseases and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. The periodontal status was assessed using Dutch Periodontal Screening Index.ResultsTwo hundred and five participants who were officers and non-commissioned officers (aged 47 ± 08 and 32 ± 08 years respectively), with 86.4% of men were included. Smoking was associated to periodontitis (OR = 4.44 [1.73–11.43], p = 0.0031). Quality of oral hygiene was associated to high cardiovascular risk profile, poor/good (OR = 3.96 [1.07–14.57], p = 0.0386) and medium/good (OR = 3.44 [1.11–10.66], p = 0.0322).ConclusionLifestyle as tobacco consumption and poor oral hygiene were associated to CVD among military, and this call for change.

Metabolomic profiling for juvenile Chinook salmon exposed to contaminants of emerging concern

Both targeted and non-targeted metabolomic analyses were conducted on juvenile ocean-type fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) residing in two estuaries receiving wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent and one reference estuary. The data show that the metabolome patterns for fish from the two WWTP-receiving estuaries were more similar to each other compared to that for the reference site fish. Also, a comparison of the metabolome for fish from the reference site and fish from a hatchery upstream of one of the effluent-receiving estuaries indicated no differences, implying that residency for fish in the contaminated estuary resulted in major changes to the metabolome. Based on general health parameters including whole-body lipid content and condition factor, plus the availability of prey for these fish, we conclude that juvenile Chinook salmon in these contaminated estuaries may have been experiencing metabolic disruption without any overt signs of impairment. Additionally, a non-targeted analysis was performed on hatchery summer Chinook salmon from a laboratory study where fish were dosed for 32 days with feed containing 16 of the most common contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) detected in wild fish. In the laboratory experiment a relationship was observed between dose and the number of liver metabolites that were different between control and treatment fish. Laboratory fish were exposed to only 16 CECs, but are generally exposed to hundreds of these compounds in contaminated aquatic environments. These results have implications for the health of juvenile Chinook salmon and the likelihood of a successful life cycle when exposed to effluent-related chemicals.

Early complications of radical cystectomy with various types of urine diversion: prognostic factors analysis

Objective: to analyze factors predicting complications in a series of radical cystectomies (RCs) performed for bladder cancer over a 10-year period at the National Center of Oncology (Baku).Materials and methods. From July 2008 to December 2017 we retrospectively selected 257 consecutive cases of RC with pelvic lymphadenectomy and various options of urine diversion for bladder malignant neoplasms. Information on preoperative prognostic factors, including demographic parameters, as well as general patient health parameters, tumor characteristics and factors concerning the operation was obtained from medical records. We analyzed perioperative factors using monovariant logistic regression, where the endpoints were development of any complication (I–V degrees according to Clavien–Dindo classification), as well as severe complication (III–V grades) within 30-days after RC were considered the endpoints. After the missing data on preoperative bacteriological urinalysis were multiply imputed, a multivariate logistic regression has been performed with odds ratio (OR) calculation.Results. During the 30-day period, complications were registered in 111 (43.2 %) patients, severe complications – in 48 (18.7 %). Multivariate analysis revealed the following independent predictors of any postoperative complications after RC: local cT4 tumor extension (OR 4.52; p = 0.002), age (OR 1.87; p = 0.017), positive bacteriological urine analysis (OR 2.16; p = 0.032) and number of performed RCs (OR 0.89; p = 0.038). Severe postoperative complications were associated with positive urine culture (OR 4.05; p = 0.002) and age (OR 2.44; p = 0.013).Conclusion. Our study revealed the following independent factors, which were significantly associated with the risk of any complication or severe complication after RC: local cT4 tumor extension, age, positive urine bacteriological analysis before the intervention and a small number of surgeries or positive urine culture and age, respectively.