Health Status Parameters Research Articles

Turbofan engine health status prediction with neural network pattern recognition and automated feature engineering

PurposeThis study aims to present the concept of aircraft turbofan engine health status prediction with artificial neural network (ANN) pattern recognition but augmented with automated features engineering (AFE).Design/methodology/approachThe main concept of engine health status prediction was based on three case studies and a validation process. The first two were performed on the engine health status parameters, namely, performance margin and specific fuel consumption margin. The third one was generated and created for the engine performance and safety data, specifically created for the final test. The final validation of the neural network pattern recognition was the validation of the proposed neural network architecture in comparison to the machine learning classification algorithms. All studies were conducted for ANN, which was a two-layer feedforward network architecture with pattern recognition. All case studies and tests were performed for both simple pattern recognition network and network augmented with automated feature engineering (AFE).FindingsThe greatest achievement of this elaboration is the presentation of how on the basis of the real-life engine operational data, the entire process of engine status prediction might be conducted with the application of the neural network pattern recognition process augmented with AFE.Practical implicationsThis research could be implemented into the engine maintenance strategy and planning. Engine health status prediction based on ANN augmented with AFE is an extremely strong tool in aircraft accident and incident prevention.Originality/valueAlthough turbofan engine health status prediction with ANN is not a novel approach, what is absolutely worth emphasizing is the fact that contrary to other publications this research was based on genuine, real engine performance operational data as well as AFE methodology, which makes the entire research very reliable. This is also the reason the prediction results reflect the effect of the real engine wear and deterioration process.

Analysis of Independent Practice Midwifes in West Pasaman District Using Partograph in Normal Delivery Care

The maternal mortality rate (MMR) and infant mortality rate (IMR) are key performance indicators for a nation. For every Indonesian population, MMR and IMR represent one of the parameters of optimal health status. In an effort to lower the MMR, health professionals are urged to use Partograph to track the progress of labor and make appropriate decisions if pathological conditions are discovered. It has been demonstrated that the Partograph works well for both identifying irregularities in labor and preventing prolonged labor. The purpose of the study is to find out how Partograph are used by midwives at the Independent Midwife Practice in the West Pasaman district. Since the informants for this research are independent practice midwives, the qualitative descriptive research method will be used to collect data through focus group discussions (FGD), in-depth interviews, and observations. Data analysis: By deciphering, writing up, and drawing conclusions from in-depth interviews conducted with key informants and two discussion groups. The research's conclusions are based on the findings of two focus groups and two key informant interviews. Specifically, Partograph are used by independent practice midwives to aid in childbirth; some midwives have also used them to track the progression of labor, particularly for patients with birth insurance so they can claim delivery expenses. The Partograph is filled all the way, but occasionally it is filled after delivery. The only reason partography is applied is to obtain Jampersal fees; independent practical midwives are knowledgeable about partography and have a positive attitude toward it. Organizational policies and leadership for IBI are still lacking.

Evaluation of Salivary Parameters and Oral Health Status in Periodontally Healthy Subjects and Chronic Periodontitis Subjects

Introduction: Periodontal disease is a chronic disease of the oral cavity that consists of a group of inflammatory disorders affecting the supporting structures of the dentition. Saliva can be used to predict the early onset of periodontitis. Several investigations have been carried out to evaluate the salivary chemical compounds that lead to the destruction and/or protection of periodontal tissues. The present study aimed to assess and compare salivary parameters and oral health status in periodontally healthy and chronic generalised periodontitis patients. Materials and Methods: This is an in vivo study designed to compare salivary parameters (albumin, urea, total proteins, amylase, glucose and pH) of unstimulated saliva and oral health status of periodontally healthy subjects (n = 65) and chronic generalised periodontitis subjects (n = 65). Human whole unstimulated saliva was collected by spitting method with the subject seated in an upright position after refraining from oral intake for 2 h before saliva collection. Approximately 5 mL of saliva was collected and stored in graduated saliva-collecting vials and refrigerated at 4°C for 1 h. The samples were centrifuged at 2800 rpm for 10 min, and the supernatant was separated from the substrate and stored at 20°C. Next, the sample was defrosted at room temperature and centrifuged at 3000 rpm. The supernatant was separated again to determine the concentrations of glucose, amylase, urea, total protein and albumin using the respective kits and analysed using an automated analyser. Salivary pH was estimated electrometrically with the help of a pH meter. Results: A significant association was found between salivary parameters (amylase and albumin total proteins) and clinical parameters (plaque index [PI], gingival index) [GI], probing depth and calculus index in generalised chronic periodontitis subjects when compared to periodontally healthy subjects. Conclusion: The increase in salivary parameters (amylase, total proteins and albumin) was statistically significant except for salivary glucose and urea (statistically non-significant) in generalised chronic periodontitis subjects compared to the healthy subjects. As the clinical parameters (probing depth, loss of attachment, PI, GI, calculus index and decay missing filled teeth) in periodontitis subjects increased, the salivary parameters also increased, suggesting a linear relationship between the generalised chronic periodontitis and salivary parameters (total proteins, albumin and amylase).

Cardiovascular disease prediction with machine learning techniques

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death globally. In search of advanced techniques for early detection of CVD, recent research has increasingly focused on using machine learning (ML) methods to improve the accuracy and timeliness of diagnosis. A multifactorial machine learning approach offers a comprehensive solution for cardiovascular disease detection, using vast and diverse datasets to develop predictive models that outperform traditional methods. This paper provides a comprehensive examination of various machine learning approaches and their application in the early detection of cardiovascular abnormalities, with special emphasis on their effectiveness compared to traditional diagnostic methods. The research methodology involves the implementation of several ML models trained and tested using large datasets that provide analysis covering various demographic parameters, lifestyle parameters and health status parameters. Key findings show that ML models significantly outperform traditional statistical methods in detecting early signs of CVD. The superior performance of ML models represents a promising tool for healthcare professionals, potentially leading to better strategies for preventive care and reduction of CVD-related mortality. The ongoing development and refinement of these technologies, along with improvements in data collection and interoperability between healthcare systems, will be critical to realizing their full potential in the clinical setting.

Oral Health and the Association with Blood Parameters in Neurogeriatric Inpatients without Relevant Systemic Inflammation: An Observational Study.

As little evidence is available, we report the oral health of neurogeriatric inpatients and the association with hematological parameters representing systemic health. We performed a cross-sectional investigation of 30 patients undergoing neurogeriatric early rehabilitation and excluded systemic inflammation as a trigger for oral infection (C-reactive protein >5 mg/dL). Outcomes included oral health and hygiene status and routine laboratory parameters. Patients (mean age 79 ± 6 years, mean comorbidities 7 ± 3, and mean Barthel Index at hospital admission 31 ± 18) had impaired oral health (mean 18 ± 7 of their own teeth, elevated plaque indices (2.5 ± 0.4), and bleeding on probing (26 ± 17)), representing short- and long-term reduced oral hygiene. Twenty-four (80%) patients had periodontitis. Laboratory parameters for inflammation, nutrition, and anemia did not correlate with oral health parameters (p > 0.05). The number of teeth correlated moderately with total protein (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs) = 0.524; p = 0.003). Plaque indices correlated weakly with number of teeth (rs = -0.460; p = 0.010) and periodontitis diagnosis (rs = 0.488; p = 0.006). Thus, highly vulnerable neurogeriatric inpatients had reduced oral health and hygiene independent of laboratory parameters, representing a high-risk population for oral health problems even without clinically proven systemic infection. This should be considered in future interprofessional therapy planning.

Abstract LB111: CORSA study - Telomere length measurement of 5371 Austrian colorectal cancer and adenoma patients and healthy controls: Relationships to tumor stage, course of disease and to clinical, life style and health parameters

Abstract CORSA study - Telomere length measurement of 5371 Austrian colorectal cancer and adenoma patients and healthy controls: relationships to tumor stage, course of disease and to clinical, life style and health parametersPetr Hanak1, Michal Kroupa1,3,4, Uttarilli Anusha1, Ludmila Vodickova1,3,4 Andrea Gsur2, Stefanie Brezina2, Pavel Vodicka1,3,4 1 Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy ofSciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic.2 Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria;3 Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic 4Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical center in Pilsen, Pilsen, Czech Republic Presenting author: Petr Hanák (e-mail: petr.hanak@iem.cas.cz)Telomeres are important parts of human chromosomes, playing a pivotal role in maintenance of genomic integrity. If their function is perturbed, it may trigger many pathologies, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In the present study, comparison of assessed relative telomere length (RTL) and tumor stage, progression of the disease and various health status and lifestyle parameters is investigated. Relative telomere length was measured in samples of DNA from peripheral blood lymphocytes of CRC patients by monochromatic multiplex qPCR. Repetitive telomere motif TTAGG was amplified from specific primer pair simultaneously with the reference albumin gene, the second one amplified from another set of primers specific to this gene. The qPCR reaction is based on intercalating dye Syto 9, which does not distinguish specific target. A separation of amplification of one target from the other one is based on division in time of both amplifications and on different levels of annealing temperatures of primer pairs. Relative telomere length was assessed in all patient samples. Obtained data correspond to our previously observed values. Here, we observe significant decreasing in RTL in the order healthy controls, adenoma and CRC patients (controls vs adenoma patients P<0.0001, controls vs CRC patients P=0.0001). Detailed statistical analyses and assignment to all relevant groups including health and lifestyle parameters is currently in progress. Acknowledgement & Funding: The study was funded by the Grant Agency of Czech Republic (21-27902S), National Institute for Cancer Research (Programme EXCELES, ID Project No. LX22NPO5102) - Funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU and Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic (NU22J-03-00028) Citation Format: Petr Hanák. CORSA study - Telomere length measurement of 5371 Austrian colorectal cancer and adenoma patients and healthy controls: Relationships to tumor stage, course of disease and to clinical, life style and health parameters [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr LB111.

Acute Toxicity Assessment of Orally Administered Microplastic Particles in Adult Male Wistar Rats.

While the effects of chronic exposure to microplastic particles (MPs) are extensively studied, the outcomes of a single treatment have received relatively less attention. To investigate MPs' potential acute toxicity, including their impact on general health status (victual consumption, sensorimotor deficits, and clinical toxicity signs) and serum biochemical parameters (markers of organ/tissue function and oxidative stress indicators), we administered thoroughly characterized MPs (1.4, 35, or 125 mg/kg), generated from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, to adult male Wistar rats via oral gavage. The MPs' short-term effects were assessed with well-established tests and methods. The results point to the absence of sensorimotor deficits and clinical toxicity signs, while levels of markers of liver, heart, and kidney function were altered in all MP groups. Decreased victual consumption and increased levels of oxidative stress indicators were evident following treatment with the two higher MP doses. Presented data indicate that examined MPs are able to initiate the development of local changes in tissues and organs within a short time frame, potentially leading to their damage and dysfunction. This study may increase the awareness of the detrimental effects of plastic contamination, as even a single exposure to MPs may provoke adverse health outcomes.

Evaluation of oral health status and immunological parameters of hospitalized COVID-19 patients during acute and recovery phases: A randomized clinical trial

Background/purposeIt is known that COVID-19 patients show many clinical oral symptoms due to the immunological mechanisms triggered by the virus. Aim of this study is to analyze the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2, and to evaluate the oral health status of hospitalized patients. Materials and methods160 patients with COVID-19 confirmed by SARS-CoV-2–specific RT-PCR testing and 160 healthy volunteers (HI) with similar age, gender and systemic status were included to compare the bio-chemical and oral manifestations. Oropharyngeal swab specimens were collected to evaluate the salivary interleukins (IL-1, IL-6, IL-10) and immunoglobulins (sIgA, sIgG, sIgM). Oral findings (DMFT, plaque index, salivary flow rate), socio-demographic information and systemic conditions were also recorded. Chi-square, Mann–Whitney U and Spearman's ratio tests were applied to determine the possible correlations between the factors (P = 0.05). ResultsThe mean DMFT scores of COVID-19 patients (12.71 ± 7.3) were significantly higher than the HI (7.39 ± 2.8), whereas cases of total or partial edentulism were more common among COVID-19 patients (P < 0.05). While plaque index scores were similar for both groups (P > 0.05), salivary parameters were found statistically different (P < 0.05). Severe and moderate cases showed higher proinflammatory interleukin levels (IL-1 = 68.74 pg/ml, IL-6 = 53.31 pg/ml) amongst all (P < 0.05). While secretory immunoglobulins were almost depleted at baseline, (sIgA = 0.11 mg/ml, sIgG = 0.21 mg/ml, sIgM = 0.08 mg/ml) they reached to threshold levels after 4 weeks. ConclusionHigher proinflammatory interleukin levels indicated that traces of ongoing “Cytokine Storm” in COVID-19 patients which can also be observed in oral environment. Poor oral hygiene and malnutrition due to edentulism can pave the way for having a severe COVID-19 infection.

Lifestyle and behavioural changes in older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic are associated with subjective cognitive complaints

Subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) is a self-reported experience of persistently impaired cognitive functions which could be the earliest red flag of neurocognitive disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic and related restriction measures changed the lifestyle and behaviour of older adults. The aim of this study was to assess the relation of these changes and SCC status in Hungary. This cross-sectional study analysed the data of 359 elderly Hungarians who filled out the WW-FINGERS-SARS-CoV2 survey. A quarter of the respondents (n:88) reported SCC in connection with the pandemic. We compared sociodemographic features, health status, lifestyle, and social life parameters between subjects with reported SCC and without. To eliminate the potential interrelation across group differences, stepwise logistic regression was applied. Participants with SCC showed the following characteristics, compared to individuals without: (1) they were older; (2) they were more likely to be women; (3) they had a higher number of chronic disorders; (4) showed more prominent impairment in physical mobility; (5) had worse sleep quality; (6) spent less time with family; and (7) used internet more frequently during the pandemic (all p’s < 0.001). Logistic regression highlighted that only two parameters were related to SCC status independently, the physical mobility (ability to walk 500 m without difficulties; OR = 1.186; p < 0.001; 95%CI = 1.101, 1.270) and changes in time spent with grandchildren (OR = 1.04; p = 0.015; 95%CI = 1.008, 1.073). Our study draws attention to the importance of physical mobility and quality time with family as key factors in the cognitive well-being of elderly people.

Assessment of the health status and pharmacological treatment of neonates with osteogenesis imperfecta – 20-year single-centre observations

Introduction and objective: Osteogenesis imperfecta is a heritable bone dysplasia resulting in reduced bone mineral density. Fractures of long bones, which are the dominant symptom of osteogenesis imperfecta, can be diagnosed already in foetal life. Multiple fractures are associated with severe pain, which may cause deterioration of the newborn’s general condition, respiratory and circulatory disorders, and reduced general motor activity. The aim of the study was to summarise the experience resulting from many years of care and treatment of neonates with osteogenesis imperfecta types II and III. Materials and methods: The study included 53 newborns with osteogenesis imperfecta hospitalised at the Department of Paediatrics, Newborn Pathology and Bone Metabolic Diseases in the years 2001–2021. All children underwent a babygram and an assessment of their health status, including calcium and phosphorus metabolism parameters. Results: In 67.3% of cases, the mother was informed before delivery that she would give birth to a sick child. The general condition of the newborns was moderately severe to severe in 43.4%. Physical examination revealed abnormal body proportions related to previous fractures in 98.1% of patients, including long bones of limbs. More than 10 fresh bone fractures were diagnosed in 34% of children. Conclusions: Prenatal diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta indicates its severe course (multiple fractures) in the neonatal period. Therefore, it requires care in a specialised centre that will provide safe, symptomatic pharmacological treatment (bisphosphonates) to reduce both pain and the risk of further bone fractures.

Mycotoxin sequestering agent: Impact on health and performance of dairy cows and efficacy in reducing AFM1 residues in milk

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the exposure to a diet naturally contaminated with mycotoxins on lactation performance, animal health, and the ability to sequester agents (SA) to reduce the human exposure to AFM1. Sixty healthy lactating Holstein cows were randomly assigned to two groups: naturally contaminated diet without and with the addition of a SA (20 g/cow/d AntitoxCooPil® −60% zeolite-40% cell wall-). Each cow was monitored throughout lactation. The concentration of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in feed and M1 (AFM1) in milk, health status, and productive and reproductive parameters were measured. AFB1 concentration in feed was very low (2.31 μg/kgDM). The addition of SA reduced the milk AFM1 concentrations (0.016 vs. 0.008 μg/kg) and transfer rates (2.19 vs. 0.77%). No differences were observed in health status, production and reproduction performance. The inclusion of SA in the diet of dairy cows reduce the risk in the most susceptible population.

EFFECTIVENESS OF AVERRHOA BILIMBI L. LEAF EXTRACT ON TOTAL LEUKOCYTES, LYMPHOCYTES, AND MONOCITES OF FREE-RANGE CHICKEN

Star fruit leaves contain the active compound tannin. Tannin extracts in star fruit leaves have effectiveness as antibacterials and may also have anthelmintic activity. The utilization of belimbing wuluh leaves as a traditional medicine is beneficial to reduce the use of synthetic antibiotics that have a negative impact on native chickens, which cause resistance and residues for consumers. Blood picture is one of the parameters of animal health status because blood has an important function in the physiological regulation of the body. This study aims to determine the total leukocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes in Gallus domesticus with Averrhoa bilimbi leaf extract treatment. The research was conducted from April-November 2023. A total of 200 grams of Averrhoa bilimbi leaf powder was dissolved with 1,400 mL aqua Proinjection. Then continued with evaporation to produce concentrated extracts and treatment using concentrations; P1: 25%, P2: 30%, and P3: 35% of the extract. The study with 5 treatments and 5 replicates was administered by daily feeding with a duration of 21 days. Blood samples were examined at the Animal Health Laboratory, Department of Animal Husbandry, Politani Negeri Kupang using the Hematology Analyzer VH-22 Labomec Inc. Data analysis using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), if there are real differences then proceed with the Duncan Test. It can be concluded that the use of star fruit leaf extract concentrations of 25%, 30%, and 35% increases the total value of leukocytes and monocytes, while the value of lymphocytes is below normal values. The best and most effective is at 25% concentration. It is hoped that further research will be carried out on chickens of the same age and body weight so that the pharmacokinetic effects can be seen.

A health status estimation method based on interpretable neural network observer for HVs

Estimating the health status is a crucial step in learning about the health of hypersonic vehicles beforehand. The estimation results can be used to detect abnormal states and provide data reference for fault diagnosis. However, certain conventional neural network-based estimate techniques rely heavily on data and have limited model interpretability, which challenges the accuracy of the estimation results. This research aims to address the problems of data dependency and model interpretability in estimation models. In this study, a block interpretable neural network model with constraints on the trajectory and attitude equations is established. On the basis of the interpretable neural network model, two health status estimation methods are proposed: one that is unsupervised and the other that is supervised. Additionally, in the supervised health status estimate approach, an FC-LN-Mish structure is created to fit the relationship between the fault residual and the fault state parameters. The results indicate that the proposed estimation methods can fit the system mechanism relationship more accurately, improve the model interpretability, reduce data dependency, and ensure high estimation efficiency and precision. The FC-LN-Mish structure can reduce the missed detection rate and false detection rate to some extent, and perform better than other models under the low fault deviation degree. In conclusion, the interpretable neural network model-based observers accurately observe the health status parameters of rudders and RCS, reduce data dependence and data processing costs, and have better performance under high uncertainty interference. It provides effective method for online health estimation.

Oral health and self-rated health in community-dwelling older adults in Colombia

BackgroundThe relationship between oral health and specific health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or cognitive impairment, has been extensively studied. However, the effect of oral health status on self-rated health has not been assessed. This could be relevant in older people considering that poor self-rated health status and oral diseases are highly prevalent in this population. The aim of this study was to determine the association between different parameters of oral health and self-rated health status (SRHS) in Colombian community-dwelling older adults.MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of the SABE-Colombia study performed in 2015. The dependent variable was defined as the SRHS status assessed by the question "Compared with other people, your age: Do you consider your health status to be better, equal, or worse?” We considered four independent variables: total edentulism considering the high prevalence in older people, the GOHAI score to assess self-rated oral health, and the use of fixed and removable dental prostheses as potential modifiers of oral health. An adjusted ordinal logistic regression was performed by each independent variable.ResultsAfter the exclusion of missing data, 17,945 persons were included in the final analysis. A total of 10.6% reported worse SRHS, 37.6% reported equal SRHS, and 51.6% reported better SRHS. The worse SRHS group was older and had a higher proportion of dependence, cognitive impairment, and depressive symptoms. The frequency of total edentulism and the lower mean score of GOHAI were significant in the worse SHRS group. An ordinal logistic regression for each independent variable was performed, finding that edentulism increases the probability of worse SHRS, while the GOHAI and use of removable or fixed dental prostheses increase the probability of better SRHS.ConclusionWe found an association between total edentulism, GOHAI Index, the use of dental prostheses (both removable and fixed), and self-rated health status, showing the relevance of oral health status to self-rated health status independent of comorbidities and geriatric syndromes. This result supports the inclusion of oral health evaluation in comprehensive geriatric assessment.

Dietary plant soot supplementation improves the intestinal health status of farmed American eels (Anguilla rostrata)

The current study evaluated the effect of different dietary plant soot supplementation levels on the intestinal health status of American eels (Anguilla rostrata) cultured in concrete tanks. Nine concrete fish tanks were randomly divided into three groups and fed the diets with plant soot (PS) supplementation levels at 0, 3 g/kg, and 5 g/kg, respectively. After a feeding trial for 60 days, the intestinal tissues were sampled to measure health status parameters. The D-lactate level and DAO activity in the serum of the PS5 group were significantly lower than those of the PS0 group (P &lt;0.05). Compared with the PS0 group, the villi length of the intestine in both PS3 group and PS5 group increased significantly (P&lt;0.05). The muscular thickness of the intestine of the PS5 group was significantly higher than the PS0 group (P&lt;0.05). The microvillus density of the intestine of the American eel was increased obviously in the PS5 group. The intestinal microbiota composition of plant soot groups was beneficially regulated with certain probiotics’ higher relative abundances and some pathogenic bacteria’ lower relative abundance. In conclusion, dietary 5 g/kg plant soot supplementation could benefit the intestinal health of farmed American eels.

Health status analysis is comparable in HM3 patients with different preoperative grades of mitral regurgitation

BackgroundThe guidelines for mechanical circulatory support of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation do not recommend the routine replacement or repair of the mitral valve at the time point of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We investigated different parameters of health status including exercise capacity, anxiety and depression after LVAD implantation in patients with different preoperative grades of mitral regurgitation (MR).MethodsA single-center analysis of health status was performed including 45 patients with HeartMate 3 (HM 3) implantation using the 12-items Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS) questionnaires. The study groups were classified according to echocardiographically defined preoperative grade of MR. The group without severe MR comprised 33 patients; the group with severe MR comprised 12 patients.ResultsDemographic and preclinical characteristics as well as LVAD complications such as thrombosis and bleeding events were comparable between LVAD patients with severe and not severe MR (p > 0.05). Severe MR resolved in all patients after LVAD implantation and improved to moderate, mild or no MR in both groups in a period ranging from 6 months until 2 years. The analyses of SF-12 questionnaire revealed that the physical (p = 0.44) and mental health (p = 0.64) was comparable. The grade of anxiety (p = 0.34) and depression (p = 0.44) was comparable between the groups. Exercise capacity measured by the 6 min walk test correlated positively with the SF-12-determined physical health (p < 0.01, r = 0.518) and negatively with the HADS anxiety (p = 0.01, r = −0.399) and depression (p < 0.01, r = −0.570) scores.ConclusionsOur data showed that the health status is comparable in HM 3 patients with different preoperative MR severities in the post-LVAD period. Preoperative severe MR resolves in the majority of patients early after LVAD implantation and is not associated with concomitant mitral valve repair or replacement at the time of LVAD implantation.

Dung treated by high-temperature composting is an optimal bedding material for suckling calves according to analyses of microbial composition, growth performance, health status, and behavior

Bedding materials are important for suckling buffalo calves. Treated dung has been used as a bedding material for dairy cows but the lack of an appropriate safety assessment limits its application. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of treated dung (TD) as a bedding material for suckling calves by comparing TD with rice husk (RH) and rice straw (RS) bedding materials. The TD was prepared through high-temperature composting by Bacillus subtilis. Thirty-three newborn suckling buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis, 40.06 ± 5.79 kg) were randomly divided into 3 bedding material groups (TD, RH, and RS) and bedded with 1 of the 3 bedding materials for 60 d. We compared cost, moisture content, bacterial counts, and microbial composition of the 3 bedding materials, and investigated growth performance, health status, behavior, rumen fermentation, and blood parameters of bedded calves. The results showed that TD contained the fewest gram-negative bacteria and coliforms on d 1 and 30 and the lowest relative abundance of Staphylococcus throughout the experiment. The RH and TD bedding materials had the lowest cost. Calves in the TD and RS groups showed a higher dry matter intake, and final body weight and average daily gain in the TD and RS groups tended to be higher than in the RH group. Calves in the TD and RS groups had a lower disease incidence (diarrhea and fever), fewer antibiotic treatments, and lower fecal score than calves in the RH group. Higher contents of IgG, IgA, and IgM were observed in calves of the TD and RS groups than in calves of the RH group on d 10, indicating higher immune ability in TD and RS groups. Furthermore, TD bedding increased the butyric acid content in the calf's rumen, whereas RS bedding increased the acetate content, which might be attributed to the longer time and higher frequency of eating bedding material in the RS group. Considering all of the above indicators, we concluded that TD is the optimal bedding material for calves based on economics, bacterial count, microbial diversity, growth performance, and health status. Our findings provide a valuable reference for bedding material choice and calf farming.

Serum butyrylcholinesterase as a marker of COVID-19 mortality: Results of the monocentric prospective observational study

The COVID-19 pandemic represents an excessive burden on health care systems worldwide and the number of patients who require special care in the clinical setting is often hard to predict. Consequently, there is an unmet need for a reliable biomarker that could predict clinical outcomes of high-risk patients. Lower serum butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity was recently linked with poor outcomes of COVID-19 patients. In line with this, our monocentric observational study on hospitalized COVID-19 patients focused on changes in serum BChE activity in relation to disease progression. Blood samples from 148 adult patients of both sexes were collected during their hospital stay at the Clinics of Infectiology and Clinics of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Trnava University Hospital in alignment with routine blood tests. Sera were analyzed using modified Ellman's method. Patient data with information about the health status, comorbidities and other blood parameters were collected in pseudonymized form. Our results show a lower serum BChE activity together with progressive decline of BChE activity in non-survivors, while higher stable values were present in discharged or transferred patients requiring further care. Lower BChE activity was associated with higher age and lower BMI. Moreover, we observed a negative correlation of serum BChE activity with the routinely used inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein and interleukin-6. Serum BChE activity mirrored clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients and thus serves as a novel prognostic marker in high-risk patients.

Oral Health Status and Salivary Parameters in Stroke Patients at a Tertiary Hospital

Introduction: Dental caries and impaired salivary function are very common but undertreated. The aim of this study was to investigate the oral health status and salivary parameters of stroke patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 54 stroke and 54 non-stroke patients attending rehabilitation treatment at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Decay, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and plaque scores were used to evaluate patients’ oral health. Salivary parameters such as salivary cortisol, salivary flow rate, pH and buffering capacity were measured. Salivary cortisol was analysed using Cobas E6000 automated immunoassay. Results: Among the 54 stroke patients, the majority were Malays 72.2% and 63.0% were male, with a mean age of 48.1 (14) years. There was a significant difference of dental caries between stroke patients, at 17.6 (4.26), compared to 15.7 (5.38) for non-stroke patients (p=0.042). Only 53.7% of stroke patients had good oral hygiene, compared to, 85.2% among non-stroke patients’ (p-value= 0.001). Salivary parameters showed no significant differences (p&gt;0.05). However salivary cortisol levels were higher in stroke patients 5.2(5.1) nmol/L) than in non-stroke patients 4.0 (3.6) nmol/L). There was no significant correlation between salivary parameters and DMFT index (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Stroke patients had more dental caries and poor oral hygiene compared to non-stroke patients. Salivary parameters showed no significant difference between stroke and non-stroke patients.

Influence of Umbilical Cord Blood Biochemical Parameters and Disease Condition on the Expression of the TSG-6 Gene in Umbilical Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of secreting different substances, including the anti-inflammatory protein TSG-6, which can be useful in the treatment of diseases with inflammatory reactions. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of the TSG-6 gene in MSCs derived from the umbilical cord. For better understanding of the anti-inflammatory properties of MSCs, we additionally assessed the expression of some interleukins (ILs). MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group included 45 patients after delivery, aged from 21 to 46 years; the average patient age was 33 years. MSCs were isolated enzymatically from umbilical cord Wharton's jelly, in vitro cultured, and characterized using flow cytometry; qPCR was performed to assess expression of the studied genes. The expression of genes of a number of pro-inflammatory ILs in MSCs was investigated in relation to the health of patients (coexistence of hypertension), the level of leukocytes, pCO2, and hemoglobin in the blood. RESULTS Our research showed that the expression of the TSG-6 gene in MSCs depends on coexisting diseases in the patient and the biochemical parameters of umbilical cord blood, including the important role of cord blood pH. We found that the levels of IL2 and IL6 expression were correlated with pCO2, and IL6 expression were correlated with pO2. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that maternal health status and cord blood biochemical parame-ters could affect the anti-inflammatory properties of MSCs; however, this needs to be confirmed in a future study.