High Inverse Correlation Research Articles

Возможности ОКТ с функцией ангиографии в диагностике передней ишемической оптической нейропатии: параметры комплекса ганглиозных клеток, диска зрительного нерва и перипапиллярной сетчатки

Purpose. Study the thickness of periapillary retina, ganglion cell complex and optic disc parameters in patients with nonarteritised anterior ischemic optic neuropathy using the spectral OCT angiography. Material and Methods. We examined 17 people (17 eyes) with unilateral non-arteritised anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (no more than 30 days from the appearance of complaints), the average age was 64.1±8.1 years. The control group consisted of 37 volunteers. All the subjects were treated with spectral OCT angiography on RTVue XR Avanti device (Optovue Inc., USA). Results. In patients with non-arteritised anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, compared to the control group, there was a statistically significant increase in the average thickness of periapillary retina nerve fiber layer from 136 to 403 µm, an increase in optic disc area and neuroretinal belt (p < 0.0001) and the absence of cupping (Cup Volume = 0). A decrease in average thickness of ganglion cell complex was found in 8 out of 17 patients, while all patients showed increases in FLV (p=0.008) and GLV (p=0.036). A direct correlation relationship between FLV (r=0.64; p<0.05) and GLV (r=0.51; p<0.05) was found, as well as a moderate negative correlation relationship between uncorrected visual acuity (r=-0.58; p<0,05), moderate direct correlation relationship between average thickness of periapillary retina nerve fiber layer and thickness of ganglion cell complex (r=0.68; p<0,05), and high inverse correlation relationship between FLV (r=-0.77; p<0,05) and GLV (r=-0.76; p<0,05). Conclusion. A comprehensive analysis of thickness of periapillary retina nerve fiber layer and parameters of ganglion cell complex using spectral OCT angiography may allow for a more accurate detection of early retinal structural abnormalities and the timely commencement of conservative therapy to preserve functional parameters. Key words: spectral OCT angiography, anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, ganglion cell complex, optic disc.

Individual prediction of development of cervical dental tissue pathology based on the parameters of oral fluid

Annotation. Significant prevalence of cervical lesions of hard dental tissues is the reason for the search for the ways to predict their development that is possible only with an individual approach to solving this problem. The aim of the study is to determine the chemical composition of the patients’ oral fluid with clinically intact hard tissues, cervical caries and wedge-shaped defect, identify its critical values and the subsequent development of the method for individual prediction of the onset of pathology in young people. To accomplish it we used JSM-6490 LV focused beam electron microscope (scanning) to determine the chemical composition of the enamel and dentin of 29 teeth and their longitudinal sections, the chemical composition of the oral fluid of 33 patients who were divided into three groups depending on the state of their hard dental tissues. The approbation of the proposed method was carried out in 45 young people, the results were compared with the data of the clinical examination of 42 patients a year later. To verify the relationship between the variables, the Pearson parametric correlation method was used based on the determination of the Brave-Pearson parametric coefficient (r) with a 95% confidence level. The reliability of the obtained results was evaluated by Student's t-test, the correlation between indicators – by Student’s test using the Z-test (Fisher’s z-test). The level of significance of differences at p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. It was determined that the values of the Ca+Na+Mg/P coefficient in enamel, dentin and oral fluid significantly differed depending on the state of hard dental tissues (p≤0.05). Moderate and high inverse correlation was revealed between Ca/P and Ca+Na+Mg/P coefficients in cervical enamel and oral fluid (p≤0.05). Obtained results became the basis for the development of the method for individual prediction of the onset of cervical pathology in young people: with the values of the Ca+Na+Mg/P coefficient higher than 22 – a low level, from 11 to 22 – an average level, lower than 11 – a high risk level. Thus, we have proved that the proposed method is informative (the predictive accuracy reaches 85%), its non-invasiveness is the basis for its widespread use. We consider the search for the ways of individual prediction of the development of cervical caries and wedge-shaped defect in young people based on the parameters of the oral fluid to be promising.

Can pollen explain the seasonality of flu-like illnesses in the Netherlands?

Current models for flu-like epidemics insufficiently explain multi-cycle seasonality. Meteorological factors alone, including the associated behavior, do not predict seasonality, given substantial climate differences between countries that are subject to flu-like epidemics or COVID-19. Pollen is documented to be allergenic, it plays a role in immuno-activation and defense against respiratory viruses, and seems to create a bio-aerosol that lowers the reproduction number of flu-like viruses. Therefore, we hypothesize that pollen may explain the seasonality of flu-like epidemics, including COVID-19, in combination with meteorological variables.We have tested the Pollen-Flu Seasonality Theory for 2016–2020 flu-like seasons, including COVID-19, in the Netherlands, with its 17.4 million inhabitants. We combined changes in flu-like incidence per 100 K/Dutch residents (code: ILI) with pollen concentrations and meteorological data. Finally, a predictive model was tested using pollen and meteorological threshold values, inversely correlated to flu-like incidence.We found a highly significant inverse correlation of r(224) = −0.41 (p < 0.001) between pollen and changes in flu-like incidence, corrected for the incubation period. The correlation was stronger after taking into account the incubation time. We found that our predictive model has the highest inverse correlation with changes in flu-like incidence of r(222) = −0.48 (p < 0.001) when average thresholds of 610 total pollen grains/m3, 120 allergenic pollen grains/m3, and a solar radiation of 510 J/cm2 are passed. The passing of at least the pollen thresholds, preludes the beginning and end of flu-like seasons. Solar radiation is a co-inhibitor of flu-like incidence, while temperature makes no difference. However, higher relative humidity increases with flu-like incidence.We conclude that pollen is a predictor of the inverse seasonality of flu-like epidemics, including COVID-19, and that solar radiation is a co-inhibitor, in the Netherlands.

CHANGE OF STRESS CRACK IN CORN KERNEL DURING ITS PREPARATION FOR PROCESSING

The article presents the results of the study of the influence of stress crack in corn kernel on the change of its mechanical properties, namely, on the strength of kernel and its ability to grind during the technological process of preparation for processing. The research was conducted at the Dnipro Food Concentrates Plant. It is established that percentage of damage, i.e. grain impurities and foreign material (impurities), when receiving grain at the production elevator is within the norms of State standards of Ukraine (DSTU 4525:2006) – up to 7 % and not more than 1.0 %, respectively. But in the process of grain transportation this index is increasing. The maximum level of grain impurities (9.1 %) in corn grain can be observed before its preliminary cleaning on the separator BSH-100, then this indicator decreases significantly to 1.8 % in the cleaned grain, but then increases again in the technological process. Moreover, before sending grain into the degerminator the level totals 4.8 % - almost as much as when receiving grain from vehicles. One can say the same regarding the level of foreign material. Its minimum amount in the grain after pre-cleaning (0.5 %), and the maximum – at the end of the cleaning stage (7.4 %), which is much more than when receiving grain. The increase in the amount of broken grain (including that relating to impurities) in the technological process is accompanied by higher number of stress cracks in the corn kernel. During receiving, the studied grain has already had a high stress crack – 68 %. At the same time, there was more corn kernel with one crack (41 %). After transportation by a belt conveyor and the main high-performance bucket elevator, although the total stress crack increased not significantly – up to 75 %, but there were changes in the number of cracks: the number of kernels with one crack decreased to 22 %, but the number of kernels with many (three or more) cracks increased from 8 to 33 %, respectively. During further transportation and processing of corn kernel, the stress crack increased to a maximum value of 78 % (before separation on SAD-10-01), and then decreased to 72 % in the grain entering the degerminator. It is established that the decrease in corn kernel strength is influenced by both the total stress crack and its nature, i.e. the number of stress cracks in each kernel. The maximum required force for the corn kernel damage was observed exactly for grain entering the intake pit – 3.6 kg / 50 kernels. Here you can find more corn kernels stressed by only one crack (single) – 41 % or without cracks – 32 %. And the minimum effort – 3,0 kg / 50 kernels - for cleaned grain after conveyor and elevator No. 1, where the share of kernels with multiple stress crack (3 or more cracks) totaled 43 % (only 22 % of kernels were without cracks). A high inverse correlation of -0.84 was established between the number of stressed kernels with three or more cracks and the effort to break corn kernel. Based on research, it is recommended to use the index of stress crack in corn kernel to assess its quality when accepted for further processing, as this indicator is directly related to the yield of finished products. Key

Relationship between sea surface temperature and the nesting of the Olive Ridley sea turtle Lepidochelys olivacea (Testudines: Cheloniidae) in Gorgona Island, Colombian Pacific

Introduction: Lepidochelys olivacea is the most abundant sea turtle in the Colombian Pacific and oceanographic conditions at the Eastern Tropical Pacific may have an effect on its reproductive behavior Objective: To assess the relationship between reproductive aspects of L. olivacea nesting at Gorgona island and sea surface temperature at local and regional scales. Methods: Monthly mean data of reproductive attributes associated with nesting females, nests, eggs and hatchlings were established using records from Gorgona’s National Natural Park nesting monitoring and were correlated (cross-correlations) with SST of Gorgona island and Panama Bight, and with the temperature variability of the El Niño 1+2, El Niño 3, El Niño 3.4 and El Niño 4 regions, their thermal anomalies, and the ONI and SOI indexes. Significant correlations were included in a Generalized Additive Model. Results: Highest inverse correlation since maximum correlation is 1 was established between visits to the beach, number of nesting females, number of nests, clutch size, incubation days and hatching success and Niño 1+2 region with a lag of 12 months, whereas egg diameter, egg weight, straight carapace length and width and weight of hatchlings were correlated with Niño 4 anomaly, SOI and ONI indexes. It was also found that there is a non-linear tendency to decrease number of nesting females, number of nests, clutch size, egg diameter and egg weight with regional positive anomalies. Conclusions: Nesting attributes of L. olivacea in Gorgona correlate mainly with variations in regional SST, being low at high sea surface temperatures the year prior to nesting (12-month lag).

Использование NDVI для определения содержания азота в растениях озимой пшеницы в условиях Ставропольского края

Abstract. Lack of nitrogen leads to a decrease in yield and grain quality in winter wheat plants. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor nitrogen nutrition throughout the period of growth and development of plants, which will quickly assess the need for fertilizing to obtain high yields of quality grain. Therefore, the aim of the study was to establish the possibility of using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to control the nitrogen content in winter wheat plants in the Stavropol territory. Methods. The work was performed in federal state budgetary scientific institution “North-Caucasian Federal Agricultural Research Centre” at the production of winter crops. Selection of plant samples (sheaf material) was carried out according to the generally accepted method. Repeated – 4x. Determination of the chemical composition of plant organs was carried out by the method of V. T. Kurkaev with co-authors, and the content of chlorophyll – Milaeva and Primak. Results. Since the quality of winter wheat grain directly depends on the nitrogen supply of plants, the relationships between the nitrogen content in winter wheat plants and the values of the vegetation index NDVI were studied. High correlation coefficients between these indicators are obtained. Thus, the average of Rcorr fields.in 2012 it was equal to –0.89, and in 2013 and 2014 –0.82. In addition, due to the dependence of nitrogen content on the amount of chlorophyll, it was possible to analyze the correlation between these indicators and NDVI fields, which showed that a stable relationship (inverse) is observed in the case of the amount of chlorophyll per unit biomass (mg/g), which is estimated on average at –0.79. The interrelation between grain quality and earth remote sensing data is revealed. It is most clearly seen in the case of the maximum and average NDVI for the period from the resumption of spring vegetation to full ripeness of winter wheat. Scientific novelty. For the first time in the conditions of unstable humidification of the Stavropol territory, a high inverse correlation between the vegetation index NDVI and the nitrogen content in winter wheat plants was determined, which on average is estimated by the correlation coefficient equal to –0.84.

Variations in the length of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) needles under the influence of climatic factors and solar activity in different conditions of northern taiga

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of climatic factors on the growth of pine needles in different conditions of the water regime of soil. Studies were conducted in lichen pine forests, cowberry pine forests, blueberry pine forests, shrub-sphagnum pine forest and pine on swamp in the Arkhangelsk forestry regions (northern taiga). The needle length is influenced by solar activity (the Wolf number). The effect of solar activity on increasing the needle length is greatest in optimal growing conditions. In northern taiga conditions, air temperature is the main climatic factor affecting the growth of needles. In the blueberry, cowberry and lichen pine forests, an inverse high correlation of the needle length with the night air temperature of August of the current year was revealed. The pine on swamp revealed a high correlation between the needle length and the air temperature at the end of July of the current year of needle development. In the year preceding the needle development, a high inverse correlation was found between the needle length and the temperature of mid-September in the cowberry and blueberry pine forests. In the current year, high correlations of the lengths of needles and precipitation were observed in extreme growing conditions.&lt;br /&gt;

Development and validation of a color evaluation process for sweet potato preference characterization

AbstractThis study reports on the development of a process to objectively evaluate color using descriptive analysis. Panelists established a color lexicon (hue, lightness, evenness) and a two‐dimensional reference tool. The lexicon was applied to 23 baked sweet potato cultivars, along with a flavor lexicon. Color attributes all differentiated the products; most of the variation was due to color evenness. A consumer acceptance test (n = 204) was conducted on a subset of the products and showed a strong bias for specific color attributes. Consumers liked even, light‐orange hue; however, small changes in color dimensions impacted visual appeal. Overall characterization of products is described by a three‐factor principal component analysis solution. F1 (44% variance) correlated to moist texture and a redder‐orange hue and inversely correlated to stickiness. F2 (30% variance) correlated with high evenness and inverse correlation with acidic, bitter taste, and earthy aroma. F3 (15% variance) correlated to high sweet taste and caramel aroma.Practical applicationsFor consumers, food color is an indicator of key aspects of quality such as freshness, nutritional value, and sensory properties, and thus it is critically important for consumer liking. After creation and validation of a process for the evaluation of perceived color using a trained descriptive panel, an external preference map, which included the aspects of color, was able to identify three consumer segments with a complex preference pattern. This approach could be applied to more fully characterize other horticultural or food products where color is critical to the consumer sensory experience.

Directional Relationship Between Vitamin D Status and Prediabetes: A New Approach from Artificial Neural Network in a Cohort of Workers with Overweight-Obesity

Objective: Despite the increasing literature on the association of diabetes with inflammation, cardiovascular risk, and vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations, strong evidence on the direction of causality among these factors is still lacking. This gap could be addressed by means of artificial neural networks (ANN) analysis.Methods: Retrospective observational study was carried out by means of an innovative data mining analysis—known as auto-contractive map (AutoCM)—and semantic mapping followed by Activation and Competition System on data of workers referring to an occupational-health outpatient clinic. Parameters analyzed included weight, height, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), percentage of fat mass, glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), creatinine, total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, fibrinogen, homocysteine, C-reactive protein (CRP), diastolic and systolic blood pressure, and 25(OH)D.Results: The study included 309 workers. Of these, 23.6% were overweight, 40.5% were classified into the first class of obesity, 23.3% were in the second class, and 12.6% were in the third class (BMI > 40 kg/m ). All mean biochemical values were in normal range, except for total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, CRP, and 25(OH)D. HbA1c was between 39 and 46 mmol/mol in 51.78%. 25(OH)D levels were sufficient in only 12.6%. Highest inverse correlation for hyperglycemia onset was with BMI and waist circumference, suggesting a protective role of 25(OH)D against their increase. AutoCM processing and the semantic map evidenced direct association of 25(OH)D with high link strength (0.99) to low CRP levels and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Low 25(OH)D led to changes in glucose, which affected metabolic syndrome biomarkers, first of which was homeostatic model assessment index and blood glucose, but not 25(OH)D.Conclusions: The use of ANN suggests a key role of 25(OH)D respect to all considered metabolic parameters in the development of diabetes and evidences a causation between low 25(OH)D and high glucose concentrations.

Correlation between heliogeophysical factors and osmotic pressure of blood plasma in patients with arterial hypertension with different temperament

The relation between heliogeophysical factors and the osmotic pressure of blood plasma in patients with arterial hypertension with different temperaments is analyzed. It is found that with increasing solar activity (Wolf numbers and radio flux wavelength 10,7 cm), is closely related increase in atmospheric pressure, air temperature and γ-background (within normal limits) in the workplace examinees. It was revealed that in choleric and sanguine patients there is a reliable high inverse correlation relationship between heliogeophysical, meteorological factors and total peripheral vascular resistance, while the phlegmatic and melancholic - the average direct and direct high correlation relationship. Antihypertensive therapy with diuretics with increased solar activity, combined with an increase in the atmospheric pressure, γ-background and the air temperature in the workplace, due a decrease in total peripheral vascular resistance at the choleric and sanguine and increase in total peripheral vascular resistance in healthy individuals and phlegmatic patients and melancholic. The presence of significant and reverse correlation relationship between the total peripheral vascular resistance and osmotic pressure of blood plasma in choleric and sanguine and significant, but a direct correlation - the phlegmatic and melancholic indicates the inclusion of an adaptive process various physiological mechanisms, which determines the need to consider the temperament at solar biospheric relations bonds.

P53 modeling as a route to mesothelioma patients stratification and novel therapeutic identification

BackgroundMalignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an orphan disease that is difficult to treat using traditional chemotherapy, an approach which has been effective in other types of cancer. Most chemotherapeutics cause DNA damage leading to cell death. Recent discoveries have highlighted a potential role for the p53 tumor suppressor in this disease. Given the pivotal role of p53 in the DNA damage response, here we investigated the predictive power of the p53 interactome model for MPM patients’ stratification.MethodsWe used bioinformatics approaches including omics type analysis of data from MPM cells and from MPM patients in order to predict which pathways are crucial for patients’ survival. Analysis of the PKT206 model of the p53 network was validated by microarrays from the Mero-14 MPM cell line and RNA-seq data from 71 MPM patients, whilst statistical analysis was used to identify the deregulated pathways and predict therapeutic schemes by linking the affected pathway with the patients’ clinical state.ResultsIn silico simulations demonstrated successful predictions ranging from 52 to 85% depending on the drug, algorithm or sample used for validation. Clinical outcomes of individual patients stratified in three groups and simulation comparisons identified 30 genes that correlated with survival. In patients carrying wild-type p53 either treated or not treated with chemotherapy, FEN1 and MMP2 exhibited the highest inverse correlation, whereas in untreated patients bearing mutated p53, SIAH1 negatively correlated with survival. Numerous repositioned and experimental drugs targeting FEN1 and MMP2 were identified and selected drugs tested. Epinephrine and myricetin, which target FEN1, have shown cytotoxic effect on Mero-14 cells whereas marimastat and batimastat, which target MMP2 demonstrated a modest but significant inhibitory effect on MPM cell migration. Finally, 8 genes displayed correlation with disease stage, which may have diagnostic implications.ConclusionsClinical decisions related to MPM personalized therapy based on individual patients’ genetic profile and previous chemotherapeutic treatment could be reached using computational tools and the predictions reported in this study upon further testing in animal models.

The effect of third-generation aromatase inhibitors on aromatase avtivity in visceral adipose tissue

Pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of metabolic syndrome (and other conditions characterized by the growth of fat mass and decreased adiponectin content) is associated with an imbalance of sex hormones, which develops under the influence of increased aromatase activity in adipose tissue. Drugs of the aromatase inhibitors therapeutic group are able to suppress the course of the aromatase reaction in the central and peripheral organs and tissues. The aim of our study was to establish the relationship between levels of serum adiponectin and adipose tissue aromatase avtivity in Syrian hamsters of different ages and gender with experimental metabolic syndrome and study the effect of aromatase inhibitors on these indicators. Experimental metabolic syndrome in animals was induced by a high-fat and fructose diet. The drugs were administered during the 21-st day in doses of 3.086 (exemestane), 0.309 (letrozole) and 0.126 mg/kg (anastrozole). The aromatase activity of the visceral adipose tissue was determined by the modified kinetic method based on the amount of the reaction product estradiol converted from testosterone. The content of estradiol in adipose tissue homogenate and serum adiponectin levels were measured by the immune enzyme method. The results showed a high inverse correlation between serum adiponectin and adipose tissue aromatase activity in hamsters. Aromatase inhibitors caused a decrease in the adipose tissue aromatase activity and increase in serum adiponectin levels. Letrazol demonstrated the greatest effect, it reduced aromatase activity in adipose tissue by 72–84% and increased serum adiponectin content by 1.6–1.8 times. At the same time, intra-group correlation of the studied parameters was significant. The results show the relationship between adiponectin level and adipose tissue aromatase activity and ability to change these rates by the way of aromatase inhibitors, which may be useful in clinical practice. Third-generation aromatase inhibitors are promising drugs for metabolic syndrome treatment and require further study in clinical trials.

VALIDATION OF THE RUSSIAN SHOULDER PAIN LEVEL TEST-QUESTIONARY FOR DETECTION OF PATIENTS WITH SUBACROMIAL IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME

Despite multiple available international scales for assessment of anatomical and functional features of shoulder joint, no unified Russian survey for shoulder joint assessment in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) has been developed so far.Purpose — to develop and validate a test-questionary for shoulder pain (SSp) to diagnose SIS in patients with chronic pain syndrome in the shoulder joint.Material and Methods. Score for shoulder pain (SSp) was validated based on 252 questionnaires including the group of 144 patients with SIS and control group of 108 patients without SIS. age of patients ranged from 50 to 80 years. clinical diagnosis was established using integral clinical and imaging examinations. Internal consistency of survey was evaluated by calculating the cronbach’s alpha. Significance of each question was assessed by calculation of odds ratio (OR). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and validation threshold for SIS diagnostics were determined by measuring the area under curve (auc). Re-testing reliability was evaluated by intra-class correlation coefficient (Icc) in 60 patients with an interval of 1–3 days. convergent validity was assessed with aSeS and VaS scores. Results. Informative value of the full version of SSp was as follows: 97% sensitivity, 90% specificity, 0.96% auc (95% cI 0,93–0,98), р0,0001. youden’s index (j) equaled 0.88. Validity threshold for SIS diagnostics was above 18. Intra-class correlation coefficient (Icc) was 0,98 (95% cI 0,98–0,99). The authors reported a high inverse correlation with aSeS scale ρ = -0,9498 (r = -0,95; p0,001) and direct correlation with VaS scale ρ = 0,8279 (r = 0,83; p0,001). application of a logic regression resulted in a suggested short version of survey which included 13 questions with threshold for SIS diagnosis above 14 scores. This provided for improvement of intra-test reliability up to 0,93 (95% cI up to 0,91) and the level of clinical use of the short survey version.Conclusion. Short version of survey for shoulder pain (SSp) consisting of 13 questions was validated for clinical use and SIS diagnostics in patients of elderly and middle age with chronic shoulder pain.

Adjusted Plasma Chloride and Bicarbonate Concentrations: An Approach to Identifying Acid–Base Disorders

Chloride disorders (hypochloremia, hyperchloremia) and bicarbonate disorders (hypobicarbonatemia, hyperbicarbonatemia) are common in clinical medicine and indicate metabolic and/or respiratory acid-base disorders. The normally inverse relationship between chloride and bicarbonate concentrations in the blood is altered, however, by changes in fluid balance, i.e., water excess or deficit, with resulting changes in sodium and other electrolyte concentrations and by anion gap metabolic acidosis, which lowers bicarbonate concentrations but not the chloride concentrations. We used formulas derived over a decade ago that utilize dry slide laboratory technology to adjust plasma chloride and bicarbonate concentrations for changes in water balance, as reflected in changes in plasma sodium concentrations and in the plasma anion gap. We then prospectively validated these formulas in 736 consecutive adults, 499 having abnormal basic metabolic panel results and 237 having normal panel results, using modern wet laboratory technology. Plasma chloride and bicarbonate concentrations were inversely correlated (2-tailed P-value <0.0001), but the correlations were only modest (Spearman r: -0.48 for the abnormal group and -0.41 for the normal group). After adjusting the plasma chloride and bicarbonate concentrations using the 2 prior formulas, the inverse correlations were very high, with Spearman r: -0.998 for the abnormal group and -0.999 for the normal group. Adjusting plasma chloride and bicarbonate concentrations for any water imbalance and anion gap alterations leads to very high inverse correlations between these 2 anions, allowing accurate assessment of either subtle or overt acid-base disorders.

Content of chemical elements in the liver of cattle with fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis

The concentration of chemical ements (Pb, Cd, Cu, As, Zn, Hg, Fe, Co, Mn) in the liver of healthy cattle and those affected by Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium lanceatum in Poltava region (central part of Ukraine) was determined. The research was carried out by the method of atomic and absorption spectrometry carried out at the Regional State Laboratory of Veterinary Medicine in Poltava region. The liver samples (n = 30) from healthy cattle black-and-white breed and those affected by F. hepatica and D. lanceatum were taken at the meat processing plant. The ages of the cattle ranged from 6 to 8 years. The samples were immediately cooled, transported to the laboratory and stored at –20 °C for further analysis. The results of the research determined the average indicators of concentration of some toxic elements in the livers of healthy cattle and those infected by the trematodes. The content of chemical elements in the liver of healthy animals and those affected by fasciola can be represented in the form of a decreasing rank number: Zn &gt; Fe &gt; Cu, and for dicrocoeliosis, respectively, Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Cu. It has been established that Cu and Zn are involved in the metabolic processes of the body of trematodes, which is confirmed by our research. The presence of F. hepatica and D. lanceatum in the body of cattle significantly reduces the level of copper and zinc, with a high inverse correlation dependence on the intensity of infection, thus indicating the possibility of their accumulation by helminths. Concentration of Cu and Zn in the liver of cattle with fasciolosis was 6.82 ± 0.29 and 35.77 ± 1.93 mg/kg, while for animals with dicrocoeliosis it was 3.90 ± 0.25 and 41.91 ± 2.22 mg/kg. The content of cobalt and manganese in the liver of healthy animals was, respectively, 0.05 ± 0.01 and 1.95 ± 0.06 mg/kg. In the case of Fasciola parasitising in the liver tissue, the level of cobalt (0.10 ± 0.02) and manganese (2.55 ± 0.16) significantly increased, positively correlating with the intensity of the infection, indicating no effect on the exchange and bioaccumulation of these elements by helminths.

In vivo confocal Raman spectroscopy for intrinsic aging and photoaging assessment

BackgroundIn vivo confocal Raman spectroscopy is a non-invasive method to assess either the epidermis or the dermis composition. Few studies have focused on dermis collagen alterations through intrinsic aging and photoaging. ObjectiveThis study evaluated the in vivo Raman spectra from the dermis of a photoexposed site versus a non-photoexposed region in different age groups, and evaluated the correlation between peak intensities and age, photoaging score and the amount of collagen assessed with histology and high frequency ultrasound (HFUS). MethodsFifteen volunteers aged 28–82 years were divided into three groups according to forearm photoaging degree. In vivo Raman spectra from the dermis were collected on the dorsal forearm (chronically photoexposed skin) and on the proximal medial arm (non-photoexposed skin). Cross-sectional images of the skin were obtained using a 20MHz ultrasound unit exactly on the same sites, which were further submitted to punch biopsies for histologic study (collagen I immunohistochemistry, picrosirius red staining and Verhoeff). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) were taken in the spectral region of 796cm−1–996cm−1 to determine its potential to discriminate between different groups. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient of individual peak intensities and ratios with age, clinical score and the amount of collagen assessed by ultrasound and histology were calculated. ResultsPCA of pairs of groups and OPLS-DA could discriminate the intrinsically from the photoaged skin and the young group from the elderly one, with important contribution of the 938cm−1 and 855cm−1 peaks intensities. The intensity of the peaks in 855cm−1 and/or 938cm−1 presented moderate correlation with age (rho=0.579, p=0.049) and moderate to high inverse correlation with HFUS echogenicity (rho=−0.710, p=0.010) and collagen I immunohistochemistry (rho=−0.833, p=0.005) in the non-photoexposed region. The I1275/I1450 intensities ratio presented moderate to high correlation coefficients with age (rho=−0.730, p=0.007), photoaging score (rho=−0.594, p=0.042), HFUS echogenicity (rho=0.760, p<0.001) and histology (collagen I immunohistochemistry (rho=0.643, p=0.024), picrosirius (rho=0.773, p=0.005) and Verhoeff (rho=−0.727, p=0.011)) in the photoexposed site. ConclusionThe wavenumber region between 798 and 994cm−1 is useful for the analysis of dermal collagen alterations through the intrinsic aging process, while photoaging is better assessed by the I1275/I1450 intensities ratio. This is the first skin aging study to show a correlation between Raman peaks and the amount of collagen assessed by HFUS and histology.

Effortful swallow with resistive electrical stimulation training improves pharyngeal constriction in patients post-stroke with dysphagia.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of effortful swallow combined with surface electrical stimulation as a form of resistance training on pharyngeal constriction function in post-stroke patients with dysphagia. Nineteen patients post-stroke with dysphagia received 20 min effortful swallow training with resistive electrical stimulation for 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Electrical stimulation was applied on the infrahyoid area as resistance against hyoid elevation. Stimulation intensity was adjusted daily up to the maximum tolerable level of the participant. Blinded biomechanical measurements of the extent of hyoid elevation were taken and the pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR) determined after training. The change of the PCR and the relationship between hyoid elevation and the PCR were evaluated. The post-training PCR was significantly decreased compared to pre-training PCR (P < 0·05). There was a high inverse correlation between the hyoid elevation and the PCR (r = -1·992, P < 0·05). Effortful swallow with resistive electrical stimulation training increases pharyngeal constriction. It can be used as a treatment to improve pharyngeal constriction in patients with dysphagia.

Abstract P1-11-02: A comparison of models (physician, the Van Nuys prognostic index, the Memorial-Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center DCIS nomogram)to predict ipsilateral breast events in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast after breast-conserving surgery failed to replicate results of the oncotype DCIS recurrence score

Abstract Purpose: To compare ipsilateral breast event (IBE) risks in patients with DCIS of the breast post-lumpectomy, as estimated by breast radiation oncologists, the Van Nuys Prognostic Index (VNPI) studies, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) DCIS nomogram, and the 12-gene DCIS Recurrence Score assay. Materials/Methods: 12-gene DCIS Recurrence Score of 91 DCIS lumpectomy cases were identified from our practice. Clinicopathologic factors (excluding DCIS score) were summarized for blinded review. 3 radiation oncologists independently estimated the 10-year IBE risk and rated the impact of age/menopausal status, tumor morphology, tumor span, and margin width. Corresponding VNPI and MSK nomogram estimates were generated. Differences and correlations between the IBE estimates and clinicopathologic factors were evaluated with univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Median age was 60, 25% margins &amp;lt; 3 mm, 48% DCIS span &amp;gt; 10 mm, 48% would have been ineligible for E5194. All comparisons were initially examined for similarity (non-significant differences) and susequently tested for a significant correlation. In three possible physician comparisons only 1 (AA-CL) had similar IBE estimates and strong correlation (r=0.792). Comparison of physicians to either VNPI nomogram or MSK DCIS calculator had similar estimates with strong correlation in only 2 of 6 possible comparisons in the all cases and the E5194 eligible patient cohorts respectively; and in 1 of 6 comparisons in the E5194 ineligible cohort. The DCIS Recurrence Score showed no strong correlation in regard to similar IBE estimates for any comparisons including either physicians, VNPI nomogram or MSK DCIS calculator. Tumor size was highly correlated with all physician IBE estimates (r = 0.547 to 0.799), while margin size showed moderate to high inverse correlations (r = -0.324 to -0.619). All 3 physicians rated margin width as having the most impact on their IBE risk estimates, then tumor morphology and tumor span. Source of EstimateAll Cases (n = 91)E5194 Eligible (n = 47)E5194 Ineligible (n = 44)DCIS Score15.1%, 5.3 (14.0-16.2)14.2%, 4.8 (12.8-15.6)16.1%, 5.7 (14.3-17.8)MSK DCIS Nomogram (Rudloff et al., 2010)18.8%, 7.7 (17.2-20.4)23.4%, 18.6 (19.6-27.3)16.1%, 4.1 (14.9-17.3)21.7%, 9.4 (18.8-24.6)VNPI studies23.4%, 18.6 (19.6-27.3)15.6%, 15.5 (11.0-20.1)31.9%, 18.1 (26.4-37.4)AA18.9%, 14.1 (16.0-21.9)11.7%, 8.8 (9.1-14.3)26.6%, 14.7 (22.2-31.1)CL19.9%, 11.8 (17.5-22.4)14.5%, 6.6 (12.5-16.4)25.8%, 13.3 (21.7-29.8)DC26.8%, 13.9 (23.9-29.7)19.8%, 5.9 (18.1-21.6)34.2%, 16.1 (29.3-39.1) Conclusion: IBE risk estimates for this cohort of DCIS cases vary significantly among commonly available clinical predictive tools and individual physician estimates. Surgical margins and tumor size continue to factor prominently in physician decision algorithms. In our observations, neither the VNPI nomogram, MSK DCIS calculator nor physician IBE risk estimates have similar values with strong enough correlation to reliably replicate the DCIS Recurrence Score. Citation Format: Leonard C, Lei R, Antell A, Nowels M, Fryman S, Howell K, Dennis C. A comparison of models (physician, the Van Nuys prognostic index, the Memorial-Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center DCIS nomogram)to predict ipsilateral breast events in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast after breast-conserving surgery failed to replicate results of the oncotype DCIS recurrence score [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-11-02.

Relationship between sleep architecture and blood pressure dynamic change in patients with sleep apnea syndrome

To investigate sleep architecture and blood pressure dynamic change in patients with Sleep apnea syndrome by electrocardiogram-based cardiopulmonary coupling analysis system. Seventy-nine sleep disorder participants (PSQI≥8) were enrolled. Electrocardiogram-based cardiopulmonary coupling analysis device and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were synchronously used to evaluate sleep architecture and blood pressure circadian rhythm. The patients were divided into SAS group (47 participants) and non-SAS group (32 participants) according to the Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) that calculated by CPC device. The data of sleep architecture and blood pressure variability were compared between two groups. Compared with non-SAS group, SAS group have less proportion of deep sleep, more proportion of light sleep, higher mean blood pressure in 24 hours and daytime, lower nocturnal blood pressure dipping, faster mean heart rate in night time (P<0.05). AHI has moderate inverse correlation with deep sleep time, wake/dream time (-0.6≤r<-0.3), moderate positive correlation with light sleep time (0.3<r≤0.6), high inverse correlation with nocturnal blood pressure dipping (r=-0.785, P=0.000), moderate positive correlation with mean diastolic blood pressure (r=0.425, P=0.019). Our study shows that less proportion of deep sleep, more proportion of light sleep, 24 hours mean blood pressure and nocturnal blood pressure increase in the patients with Sleep Apnea Syndrome. The severity of Sleep Apnea Syndrome has a positive correlation with the severity of abnormal sleep architecture and the degree of blood pressure elevation.

Temperamentos afectivos y edad de inicio en pacientes bipolares tipo II

Actualmente es imperante contar con indicadores que posibiliten realizar una detección temprana y correcta del trastorno bipolar en general, y del tipo II, en particular. Los temperamentos afectivos constituyen estilos de reactividad emocional temporalmente estables a lo largo del ciclo vital, con una importante base biológica. Dada la escasez de investigaciones al respecto, se exploraron posibles asociaciones entre la edad de inicio de 32 pacientes eutímicos con diagnóstico de trastorno bipolar tipo II y los temperamentos afectivos ciclotímico, depresivo, irritable, ansioso e hipertímico. Los participantes presentaron una edad media de 51,5 años (rango intercuartil 8) y el 65,6% de la muestra estuvo constituida por hombres. Se encontró una correlación inversa elevada y significativa, entre la edad de inicio del trastorno bipolar y el temperamento depresivo. Entre los temperamentos ciclotímico, irritable y ansioso, las correlaciones fueron significativas pero moderadas e inversas. El temperamento hipertímico no mostró una asociación significativa con la edad de inicio. Al implementar análisis de regresión lineal multivariados, no se encontraron modelos satisfactorios. Evaluar los temperamentos afectivos de manera sistemática, en individuos vulnerables a presentar un trastorno afectivo, debiera ser incorporado al conjunto de técnicas de evaluación habituales.