Group Mean Research Articles

The Impact of Housing Market Regulation Policies on the Housing Choice Behavior of Urban Residents

Abstract Housing is a social and developmental issue of public concern, which is related to the personal interests of every household and the people’s “living in a home”. The article quantifies the housing choice behavior of urban residents by the ring index of residential housing purchase price, and solves the problem of sample selection error by using the propensity to match score to match the experimental group and the control group. A double difference model is used to analyze the net effect of the implementation of housing market regulation policies on urban residents’ housing choice behavior. Parallel trend test in the experimental and control groups before and after the implementation of housing market regulation policies in 2018 shows significant differences, the ATT value of HSB after propensity score matching is positive, and the sample mean of the control group is 0.452 lower than that of the experimental group. The coefficient of the effect of housing market regulation policies on the behavior of urban residents’ housing choices is 0.351 and shows significance at the 1% level. The active implementation of housing market regulation policy can help optimize the housing purchase price index, which in turn stimulates the housing choice behavior of urban residents and promotes the stable and healthy development of the housing market.

Preparation of Platinum Nanoparticles of Biophytum reinwardtii and Evaluation of Neuroprotective Activity of MPTP-induced Parkinson’s Disease in Zebra Fish

Aim: To evaluate the Neuroprotective activity of Biophytum reinwardtii Platinum nanoparticles Methods: Biophytum reinwerdtii platinum nanoparticles were subjected to evaluation of the neuroprotection activity in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine induced zebra fishes. Experimental fishes are divided into 5 groups, each containing 8 fishes. Group I is considered a normal group; Group II is a toxic group means treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine 225 mg/kg, i.p. for 5 days; Group III, IV, and V are treatment groups means treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (225 mg/kg) with 0.3 µmol, 0.4µmol, and 0.5 µmol of Biophytum reinwardtii Platinum nanoparticles respectively for 5 days. Results: In the in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine group, locomotor activity and complex I activity are decreased, Malondialdehyde levels increased, antioxidants, and catecholamines levels decreased, whereas Biophytum reinwardtii Platinum nanoparticles treated fishes exhibit significant locomotor and increased levels of antioxidants and catecholamines. Conclusion: These results suggest that Biophytum reinwardtii Platinum nanoparticles. Showed significant neuroprotection activity in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine -induced Parkinson’s zebra fishes.

Comparison of arterial stiffness index predictors in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women

ABSTRACT The present cross-sectional study aimed to compare climacteric symptoms and arterial stiffness indices between perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. The study sample comprised 70 healthy female participants, including 27 perimenopausal (49.8 ± 3.8 years) and 43 postmenopausal (55.7 ± 4 years) individuals. Validated methods were used to assess physical activity level, quality of life, climacteric symptoms, and anthropometric data. Arterial stiffness parameters were measured using Mobil-O-Graph. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) had a higher mean in the postmenopausal group than in the perimenopause group [8.04 m/s (SD 0.79) vs 7.01 m/s (SD 0.78), p < .001). PWV was strongly correlated with peripheral (r = 0.619) and central (r = 0.632) Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) in postmenopausal group and an even stronger correlation was observed in perimenopausal group (r = 0.779 pSBP and 0.782 cSBP). BMI was a risk predictor in the perimenopausal group contributing positively to increase Pulse Pressure Amplification (PPA) (0.458, p < .05). In postmenopausal women, heart rate (HR) was a stronger predictor for central SBP, cardiac output, and total vascular resistance, whereas perimenopausal women HR influenced central diastolic blood pressure and PPA. Vascular changes initiating during perimenopause may contribute to the development of cardiovascular pathologies in the postmenopausal period. Further research with larger, representative samples is warranted to corroborate these findings.

Association Of Hyperkalemia With T-Wave Changes In Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Versus Hemodialysis Patients.

Hemodialysis (HD) patients often face hyperkalemia due to various reasons. Level of hyperkalemia and ECG changes may be discordant among HD patients in a significant number of patients. This study was conducted to investigate whether or not there is a unique ECG characteristic that predicts hyperkalemia in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). OBJECTIVE: To determine an association between hyperkalemia (raised serum potassium) and T- (atypical T-wave) changes on ECG in CKD patients versus HD patients. METHODOLOGY 200 patients on HD and CKD 4 &amp; 5 not on HD, fulfiling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Sampleing for seum potassium levels were done and ECG obtained. RESULTS Mean age in HD and CKD groups respectivley was 51.46 ± 26.96 and 56.16 ± 21.68 years. In HD group there were 61 males and 39 females whereas in CKD group there were 57 males and 43 females. Mean serum potassium levels were 5.20 ± 0.85 (mEq/L) in HD group whereas in CKD group mean serum potassium levels were 5.50 ± 0.62 (mEq/L). The mean T-wave duration in HD group was 168.01 ± 2.94 (msec), while in CKD group the mean T-wave duration was 173.76 ± 2.33 (msec). In HD group Pearson correlation coefficient was -0.779 with a P -value of 0.000, whereas in CKD group Pearson correlation coefficient was -0.02 with P -value was 0.985. CONCLUSION In our study, there was a negative correlation between serum K+ levels and duration of T-wave in patients on maintenance HD. T

Experiences After Stroke-Who Needs An Interdisciplinary Clinic Anyway?

Abstract Background Unmet needs, including access to rehabilitation, support and information, are experienced by a high proportion of stroke survivors after discharge from acute and rehabilitation services (McKevitt et al.,2011). All stroke patients should be offered a structured health and social care review six-months post-diagnosis (UK Guidelines on Stroke 2016). We aim to describe patients profile including their unmet needs who attended an Interdisciplinary Stroke Clinic situated within a Dublin teaching hospital. Methods Data was collected for all patients attending an Interdisciplinary Stroke Clinic from March 2023-April 2024, including demographic information, self-reported unmet needs and residual deficits identified using modified Greater Manchester Stroke Assessment Tool (GMSAT). Access to post-acute rehabilitation was recorded. Analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel. Results Clinic attendance: 251 patients, 13-month period (150males, 101females; mean age 68.7yrs; range 17.27-95.5yrs). Majority of patients attended their appointment alone (n=144). Ischaemic stroke was most prevalent stroke-type of attendees (n=160). Post-acute stroke rehabilitation was accessed in 27% of cases (68/251). Group mean Clinical Frailty Scale score was 3.5 (scale 0-8) equating to ‘managing well/vulnerable’. Regarding patient-reported unmet needs, the following themes were identified, mobility (18%), fatigue (13.5 %), pain (8.5%), memory (5.5%), speech (5%) and mood (3.6%). On GMSAT assessment, fatigue (64%), mobility (49%), falls (44%), dysphagia (30%) was the most frequently identified chronic issues. As a clinical-specialist lead clinic, most issues were dealt at clinic-level with physiotherapy intervention targeting mobility/gait/spasticity (45.4%) and speech and language therapy for swallow/language management (20%) initiated. Conclusion Data from this novel Interdisciplinary Stroke Clinic supports previous research indicating many stroke survivors continue to experience chronic issues, frequently mobility, swallowing and fatigue; some of which can be addressed by stroke-specific therapists. The importance of establishing clinical-specialist led post-acute stroke review clinics/pathways in the Irish setting is highlighted. Analysis of data pertaining to stroke patient readmission is underway.

High buttocks supine position to reduce small bowel exposure in gynecological radiotherapy

PurposeTo minimize radiation exposure to the small bowel (SB) in patients undergoing treatment for gynecological tumors by adopting a comfortable positioning method.Methods and patientsAll 76 women undergoing Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) were included in this study. Patients were immobilized in a supine position using a vacuum bag and thermoplastic cast formation. In the trial group (n = 36), patients raised their buttocks and a solid foam pad was placed under the sacral tail before immobilization. The control group (n = 40) received treatment in the standard supine position. The SB was delineated from the pubic symphysis to the total iliac bifurcation in computed tomography (CT) scans.ResultIn the trial group, a significant reduction in SB volume within the pelvic cavity was observed (mean 399.17 ± 158.7 cc) compared to the control group (mean 547.48 ± 166.9 cc), with a p-value less than 0.001. The trial group showed a statistically significant reduction in the absolute volume of irradiated SB at each dose, ranging from the low dose (10 Gy) to the high dose (45 Gy). In the control group, a negative correlation was found between SB and bladder volumes (R = -0.411, P = 0.008), whereas in the trial group, this correlation was weaker (R = -0.286, P = 0.091), with no significant relationship observed between bladder volume and SB.ConclusionThe high buttocks supine position effectively reduces SB radiation exposure without the need for bladder distension. This positioning method holds promise for reducing SB irradiation in various pelvic tumors.

Clinical characteristics and long-term treatment outcomes of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy with classic type leakage

To investigate long-term treatment outcomes of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) with classic type leakage and to compare the outcomes with those of PCV without classic type leakage. This retrospective study included 153 patients diagnosed with PCV and treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Patients showing classic type leakage on fluorescein angiography were included in the classic type leakage group (N = 40, 26.1%), and those without classic type leakage were included in the occult group (N = 113, 73.9%). The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline and 24 months, changes in BCVA, incidence of fibrosis, and lesion reactivation after initial loading injections were compared between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the baseline BCVA between the classic type leakage group (mean logarithm of minimal angle of resolution 0.67 ± 0.53[Snellen equivalents = 20/93]) and the occult group (0.55 ± 0.49[20/70])(P = 0.639). In addition, the BCVA at 24 months (0.44 ± 0.53[20/55] vs. 0.38 ± 0.41[20/47])(P = 1.000), changes in BCVA (0.22 ± 0.42 improvement[2.2 lines] vs. 0.16 ± 0.36 improvement[1.6 lines]) (P = 0.366), and lesion reactivation (P = 0.787) did not differ between the two groups. The incidence of fibrosis was higher in the classic type leakage group (37.5%) than in the occult group (14.2%) (P = 0.002). Although the incidence of fibrosis was higher in PCVs with classic type leakage, the overall treatments were not significantly different between PCVs with and without classic type leakage. In addition, substantial visual improvement was noted at 24 months, suggesting that PCVs with classic type leakage can be effectively treated with anti-VEGF therapy.

The Effectiveness of Consuming Young Green Coconut Water on Dysmenorrhea Pain in Adolescent Girls

Dysmenorrhea, characterized by stabbing menstrual pain, affects up to 90% of women globally, impacting adolescent girls' activities and concentration in school. To manage this pain, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods are essential. One accessible non-pharmacological method is consuming young green coconut water. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of young green coconut water in alleviating dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls. Conducted at five junior high schools on Java and Sumatra from May to June 2024, the quasi-experimental study used a pretest-posttest control group design. The population included 126 female students with dysmenorrhea, with a sample of 56 divided into experimental and control groups. Data were collected using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and analyzed. Results showed that the mean menstrual pain before intervention was 5.18 (moderate pain) in the experimental group and 4.68 (moderate pain) in the control group. Post-intervention, the experimental group's mean pain was 1.00 (mild pain), while the control group's was 3.43 (mild pain). Statistical analysis indicated significant pain reduction in the experimental group (p = 0.000). The study concluded that young green coconut water effectively reduces dysmenorrhea pain in adolescent girls. Schools are encouraged to educate students about non-pharmacological pain management methods like this.

Safety and efficacy of Lippia multiflora in the management of stage I hypertension: outcomes of a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionHypertension is a growing public health problem in the developing world. The chronic nature of the disease has been a driver for the use of traditional medicines. Clinical validation of such products for their safety and efficacy is thus of public health importance. We report on the clinical safety and effectiveness of a Lippia multiflora-based herbal antihypertensive (LMT-19). MethodsA randomised controlled study was conducted among 80 volunteers clinically diagnosed, per the WHO criteria, with stage I hypertension. Participants received either an aqueous infusion of LMT-19 plus a standard lifestyle and dietary recommendation based on a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet or the lifestyle and dietary recommendation alone. ResultsThe use of LMT-19 resulted in a significant decline of blood pressure over a 60-day period. Diastolic blood pressure in the LMT-19 group was found to be significantly lower compared to the control (mean diff: 8.25 (±1.50); P ≤ 0.001). Systolic blood pressure was also significantly better compared to the control group (mean diff: 12.70 ± 2.02; P ≤ 0.001). The product was also well tolerated as no adverse drug reactions were also recorded during the study. ConclusionThese outcomes suggest LMT-19 as a potential alternative remedy for management of stage I hypertension. Clinical trial registrationPan-African Clinical Trial Registry, PACTR202107733803271.

Socio-economic Development and Carbon Productivity: A Panel Data Analysis of the World’s Largest Carbon-Emitting Countries

AbstractAs global concerns about climate change intensify, assessing the environmental efficiency of production processes through carbon productivity has become increasingly important. This study examines the impact of socio-economic development on carbon productivity in the top 18 CO2-emitting countries, which contribute approximately 82% of global CO2 emissions, over the period 1990–2019. Using a class of econometric tests to address heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence, we employ the Cross-Sectionally Augmented Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CS-ARDL) model for final estimation, ensuring robustness with Common Correlated Effects Mean Group (CCEMG) and Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimations. The empirical findings reveal that GDP per capita, Trade, and FDI increase carbon productivity while energy consumption and urbanization curtail carbon productivity. The country-specific effects indicated that 83% of the sample countries exhibit positive relationships between socio-economic development and carbon productivity, suggesting that these nations can serve as models for effective low-carbon policies. Moreover, the results demonstrate bi-directional relationships for GDP per capita, FDI, and energy use with carbon productivity and uni-causal relationship for trade and urbanization. The study highlights the need for implementing stricter regulations to improve energy efficiency and promote the adoption of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear power. Additionally, countries should incentivize green technology investments through tax breaks and subsidies, enhance international trade agreements that support the exchange of clean technologies, and develop sustainable urban planning initiatives to mitigate the negative impact of urbanization on carbon productivity.

Reliability and Preliminary Validation of a Body Image Scale Survey for Use in Bladder Cancer Patients

Introduction Extirpative bladder surgery for bladder cancer requires urinary diversion which causes cosmetic and functional changes that affect a patient’s body image and quality of life. Current health-related quality of life (HRQOL) surveys validated for use in bladder cancer patients have no dedicated domain evaluating body image. We sought to validate the ten-item Body Image Scale (BIS) for use in bladder cancer patients. The BIS is scored on a 4-point Likert scale with a maximum score of 30. Higher scores represent increasing distress. Methods With Institutional Review Board approval, native English or Spanish speaking patients who had undergone radical cystectomy and urinary diversion with either ileal conduit formation or orthotopic neobladder creation within the past 5 years for muscle-invasive bladder cancer were identified. The survey was conducted via telephone or e-mail. Surveys were scored and analyzed for reliability and validity. Results 32 patients were identified (22 men, 10 women). 25 patients had ileal conduits and 7 had orthotopic neobladders. Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient measuring internal consistency for the BIS instrument in this group was 0.926. All ten items met the response criteria (score of &gt;0 by &gt;30% respondents) in our study population. Though the ileal conduit group mean (17.4) and median (16) scores were lower than the neobladder (mean=19.1 and median=22), there was no statistically significant difference in BIS scores between the two cohorts (p=0.755). Conclusions We present a validation study for use of BIS in bladder cancer patients to be utilized in future clinical trials or psycho-oncology research.

Getting rapid diagnostic test data into the appropriate hands by leveraging pharmacy staff and a clinical surveillance platform: a case study from a US community hospital

Abstract Objectives To outline the procedural implementation and optimization of rapid diagnostic test (RDT) results for bloodstream infections (BSIs) and to evaluate the combination of RDTs with real-time antimicrobial stewardship team (AST) support plus clinical surveillance platform (CSP) software on time to appropriate therapy in BSIs at a single health system. Methods Blood culture reporting and communication were reported for four time periods: (i) a pre-BCID [BioFire® FilmArray® Blood Culture Identification (BCID) Panel] implementation period that consisted of literature review and blood culture notification procedure revision; (ii) a BCID implementation period that consisted of BCID implementation, real-time results notification via CSP, and creation of a treatment algorithm; (iii) a post-BCID implementation period; and (iv) a BCID2 implementation period. Time to appropriate therapy metrics was reported for the BCID2 time period. Results The mean time from BCID2 result to administration of effective antibiotics was 1.2 h (range 0–7.9 h) and time to optimal therapy was 7.6 h (range 0–113.8 h) during the BCID2 Panel implementation period. When comparing time to optimal antibiotic administration among patients growing ceftriaxone-resistant Enterobacterales, the BCID2 Panel group (mean 2.8 h) was significantly faster than the post-BCID Panel group (17.7 h; P = 0.0041). Conclusions Challenges exist in communicating results to the appropriate personnel on the healthcare team who have the knowledge to act on these data and prescribe targeted therapy against the pathogen(s) identified. In this report, we outline the procedures for telephonic communication and CSP support that were implemented at our health system to distribute RDT data to individuals capable of assessing results, enabling timely optimization of antimicrobial therapy.

Effectiveness of Comprehensive Lifestyle Interventions on Disease Activity and Quality of Life in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Pakistan

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune illness that significantly lowers quality of life in its victims. Although pharmaceutical therapies are the norm, more focus is being paid to lifestyle changes as a means of controlling disease activity. Objectives: The impact of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention program on patients' quality of life and disease activity with systemic lupus erythematosus was assessed in this research. Methodology: Total 100 individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus were enrolled in a randomized controlled experiment and split into two groups: the intervention group (n = 50) and the control group (n = 50). Over a six-month period, the intervention comprised stress management, consistent exercise, and dietary adjustments. Changes in the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) Scores were the primary endpoint; quality of life, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were the secondary objectives. Results: The SLEDAI scores of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group (mean change: -4.2 vs. -1.3, p&lt;0.01). Improvements in the SF-36 survey's physical and mental components showed a substantial increase in quality of life. Furthermore, there were higher drops in blood serum CRP and ESR levels in the intervention group (CRP: -3.5 mg/L vs. -1.2 mg/L, p≤0.05; ESR: -10 mm/hr vs. -3 mm/hr, p≤0.05). Conclusion: Diet, exercise, and stress management are examples of lifestyle therapies that have been shown to dramatically lower disease activity and enhance quality of life in SLE patients. The inclusion of lifestyle adjustments in standard SLE treatment procedures is supported by these findings.

French Loanwords in English cr-phonaesthemic group

Introduction. The article examines the influence of French borrowings on the process of development of phonaesthemic sound symbolism in the English language. Phonaesthemes work as a language instrument of semantic structuring of meanings of groups of words with similar form. The article aims to identify how French borrowings influenced the set of semes characteristic of the English phonaesthemic group cr-.Methodology and sources. The preselected 62 English words with the initial cr- consonant cluster borrowed from French, were analyzed for their possible influence on the respective English phonaesthemic group. 25 words were confirmed to be phonaesthemic. The words were selected from the Oxford English Dictionary by targeted sampling. Etymology, if necessary, was further verified after French etymological dictionaries Le Littré and Trésor. Theoretical framework for this research are the works of Mikhalev (phonosemantic field theory), Leonardi (on Latin phonaesthemes) and Bottineau (on French iconic words). Methods applied in the research are etymological and phonosemantic analyses. French loanwords included and not included in the English phonaesthemic group were analysed separately.Results and discussion. The data analyses have shown that in case the shared semes of the CR- word group in the donor language coincide with those of the recipient language, loanwords seem to augment and strengthen the tendency to form phonaesthemic groups. Otherwise, new words remain outside the English phonosemantic field of the group in question. Phonotactic restrictions may also leave such loanwords outside the studied phonaesthemic group. French loanwords of Germanic origin seem to demonstrate stronger sustainability in language as compared to those of Latin origin. Words of French origin appear to be onomatopoeic only.Conclusion. The results of the study demonstrate that French loanwords had a limited effect on the English cr- phonaesthemic group. French loanwords have expanded the group and strengthened the tendencies formed within the native English word group.

Lateral column lengthening versus subtalar arthroereisis for pes planovalgus in patients with cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Although pes planus, a common deformity in children with cerebral palsy (CP), is predominantly treated through lateral column lengthening (LCL), subtalar arthroereisis (SA) has also gained popularity for this purpose. This systematic review was conducted to compare surgical outcomes between LCL and SA for pes planovalgus in children with CP. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were comprehensively searched for relevant articles reporting the outcomes of LCL and SA in the target population. Surgical outcomes were evaluated in terms of radiographic parameters and postoperative complications. This review included 22 studies involving patients undergoing LCL (LCL group) and 9 studies involving those undergoing SA (SA group). LCL outperformed SA in terms of corrections in the talonavicular coverage angle (8.1°-42.1° vs. 8.0°-30.7°), anteroposterior talo-first metatarsal angle (12.3°-33.7° vs. 9.8°-21.4°), and calcaneal pitch angle (2.5°-29.7° vs. 3.5°-8.0°). Furthermore, the risk of postoperative complications, such as recurrence, pain, undercorrection, and overcorrection, was higher in the LCL group than in the SA group. However, the risks of reoperation and implant-related problems were higher in the SA group than in the LCL group. A meta-analysis of two randomized studies revealed that improvement in calcaneal pitch angle was significantly greater in the LCL group than in the SA group (mean difference: 2.09°; P = 0.0488). LCL outperforms SA in correcting pes planus-related radiographic parameters in patients with CP. However, postoperative complications appear to be more common after LCL than after SA. https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2024-5-0126, Identifier 202450126.

Inter-laboratory variation for urine albumin among laboratories in a Swedish external quality assessment scheme 2005–2023

IntroductionIncreased albuminuria is associated with elevated mortality. Urine albumin (U-ALB) above 20 mg/L or albumin-to-creatinine ratio (U-ACR) of 3 g/mol are indicative of moderately increased albuminuria. Due to limited standardization among U-ALB methods, diagnosis of increased albuminuria might prove difficult. Materials and methodsData from Equalis’s external quality assessment scheme for low U-ALB levels during 2005–2023 were categorized according to manufacturer and divided into central laboratory (CLAB) and point-of-care testing (POCT) methods. Manufacturer median values were compared to total group mean consensus values and manufacturer CV% was compared at different U-ALB levels. ResultsCLAB was generally closer to consensus values and had lower CV% than POCT at U-ALB levels around 20 mg/L. For CLAB, Roche methods were approximately equal to consensus U-ALB, Abbott 4 % above, and Siemens 5 % below. For POCT, HemoCue was 1 % below, Siemens 7 % above, and Abbott 8 % below. For U-Creatinine, all manufacturers generally had a good agreement differing on average by 1–4 % from consensus. ConclusionsAlthough U-ALB methods generally meet The National Kidney Disease Education Program (NKDEP) recommendations of method bias less than 13 % and imprecision less than 30 %, differences among manufacturers have increased over the last years, with 2023 showing the largest differences between methods. This highlights the need for guidelines for albuminuria and ACR to take method differences into consideration, but also for implementation of suitable urine reference materials.

Effect of time restricted eating versus current practice in dietetics on glycaemic control and cardio-metabolic outcomes in individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes: Protocol for a multi-centre, parallel group, non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial

BackgroundTime restricted eating (TRE) is a dietary strategy that may improve metabolic health. However, no studies have compared TRE with current practice (CP) in dietetics. HypothesisTRE will not be inferior to CP to improve glycaemic control in individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). MethodsThis parallel group, randomised, non-inferiority, controlled trial randomised 247 participants by site and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) into TRE or CP (1:1) for 12 months. Participants were aged 35–70 years, with a body mass index (BMI) >25 but <45 kg/m2, and score ≥15 on the Australian type 2 diabetes risk (AUSDRISK) assessment, without a diagnosis of T2D. Study visits were balanced between groups and all participants received five consultations at 0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 months. TRE followed a self-selected 9 h eating window (≥0600 and ≤1900), whereas CP followed Australian dietary guidelines. OutcomesThe primary endpoint is the estimate of group mean difference (TRE vs CP) of HbA1c at 4 months in a covariate linear regression adjusting for stratification factors and sex. Secondary efficacy outcomes at 4 and 12 months are changes in fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR and nocturnal glucose by continuous glucose monitor incremental area under the curve and change in HbA1c at 12 months. Other endpoints are exploratory and will not be adjusted for multiplicity. ConclusionsWe will determine whether TRE is an alternate strategy to current practice in dietetics to improve glucose control.Trial registration:NCT04762251; 21 Feb 2021.

The role of Perifoveal Arteriolar Tortuosity in Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) images as an early indicator of hypertensive retinopathy.

To assess the value of increased perifoveal retinal vascular tortuosity in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images as a biomarker of early hypertensive retinopathy and compare its clinical sensitivity and accuracy with traditional morphological changes used for Scheie classification. OCTA images of 81 eyes (40 eyes from 20 hypertensive subjects and 41 eyes from 21 control subjects) were obtained retrospectively. Hypertensive retinopathy changes in randomized eyes were graded according to the Scheie classification, and perifoveal vessels were traced in a masked fashion. Tortuosity values of the perifoveal vessels were then calculated along with interobserver agreement in determining the morphometric values. There were no differences in perifoveal venular tortuosity between the hypertensive and control groups (Mean = 1.13 ± 0.04 vs. 1.13 ± 0.03), but significant differences existed for arterioles (Mean = 1.14 ± 0.05 vs. 1.11 ± 0.04). Tortuosity measurements demonstrated a significant interobserver agreement (p < 0.001), while Scheie ratings had a poor interobserver agreement (p = 0.735). There was a significant difference in Scheie classification between the hypertensive and control groups (Mean = 1.06 ± 0.54 vs. 0.50 ± 0.43, p = 0.005). OCTA-based perifoveal retinal arteriolar tortuosity may be a potential reliable biomarker with certain advantages for detecting early hypertensive retinopathy than morphological changes used for the Scheie classification. This may have broad applications and establish important parameters in utilizing OCTA for screening protocols, considering the importance of early detection of systemic hypertension.

Effects of cow feed efficiency, longevity, heterosis, and lifetime productivity on profitability of heifer selection and cow-calf operations

This study investigated factors influencing heifer replacement and cow-calf profitability using 361 cows (born 2011-2018) at the Lacombe Research and Development Centre, Alberta, Canada. Profitability was measured by marginal returns (MR) incorporating feed costs, heifer opportunity cost, calf and cull revenues, and a premium for cows retained in the herd. The study evaluated the linear effects of lifetime productivity, feed efficiency (residual feed intake adjusted for off-test backfat thickness; RFIfat), and genomic retained heterozygosity, an indicator of heterosis, on MR, feed costs, total costs, and net revenue (NR). Lifetime productivity, defined by the cumulative weight of calves weaned, was positively associated with MR and NR (P &lt; 0.01). RFIfat influenced total cost, MR, and NR (P &lt; 0.05), with MR improved by $168.50 cow-1 yr-1 for each unit decrease in RFIfat, although regression and group mean comparisons were not fully consistent. Genomic retained heterozygosity positively impacted MR and NR, with a 10% increase enhanced MR and NR by $21.80 and $20.50 cow-1 yr-1, respectively. Cow breed type did not affect longevity, MR, or NR. In conclusion, RFIfat and genomic diversity were important factors to consider in heifer replacement decisions when lifetime DMI was estimated as described in the present study.

Workshop Writing in Composing Paragraph to Improve Students' Writing Skills at SMA Negeri 1 Sampolawa'S Eighth Grade

The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not using collaborative writing to compose paragraphs improves students' writing abilities at SMA Negeri 1 Sampolawa's VIII grade students. It also sought to determine whether or not using collaborative writing sparks students' interest in writing. An experiment using a quassi design was used in this study. Cluster random sampling was utilized as the sample-taking technique, with two classes out of three being taken. 25 students from the XI IPA-2 class were separated into an experimental group by the researcher. and the XI IPA-1 class, which served as the control group, had 25 students. As a result, 50 students made up the research sample. The test and questionnaire served as the study instrument. The research tool was categorized using multiple methods. Pretest, posttest, and questionnaire were those.The results of this study demonstrated that, following treatment with the collaborative writing approach, students' English writing proficiency increased. Based on the experimental group's pretest mean score of 65.97 and posttest mean score of 77.23. The research's hyphotesis resulted in notable effects. Based on the average student perception score of 3,87—a very high level—it is determined.