Increase In Percentage Change Research Articles

Intelligent salivary biosensors for periodontitis: in vitro simulation of oral oxidative stress conditions.

One of the most common oral diseases affecting millions of people worldwide is periodontitis. Usually, proteins in body fluids are used as biomarkers of diseases. This study focused on hydrogen peroxide, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and lactic acid as salivary non-protein biomarkers for oxidative stress conditions of periodontitis. Electrochemical analysis of artificial saliva was done using Gamry with increasing hydrogen peroxide, bLPS, and lactic acid concentrations. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were conducted. From EIS data, change in capacitance and CV plot area were calculated for each test condition. Hydrogen peroxide groups had a decrease in CV area and an increase in percentage change in capacitance, lipopolysaccharide groups had a decrease in CV area and a decrease in percentage change in capacitance, and lactic acid groups had an increase of CV area and an increase in percentage change in capacitance with increasing concentrations. These data showed a unique combination of electrochemical properties for the three biomarkers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) employed to observe the change in the electrode surface and elemental composition data present on the sensor surface also showed a unique trend of elemental weight percentages. Machine learning models using hydrogen peroxide, LPS, and lactic acid electrochemical data were applied for the prediction of risk levels of periodontitis. The detection of hydrogen peroxide, LPS, and lactic acid by electrochemical biosensors indicates the potential to use these molecules as electrochemical biomarkers and use the data for ML-driven prediction tool for the periodontitis risk levels.

The anti-proliferative effects of a frankincense extract in a window of opportunity phase ia clinical trial for patients with breast cancer

PurposeBoswellic acids, active components of frankincense, suppress tumor proliferation in vitro with a strong clinical trial safety profile in patients with inflammatory diseases. We performed a Phase Ia window of opportunity trial of Boswellia serrata (B. serrata) in patients with breast cancer to evaluate its biologic activity and safety.MethodsPatients with invasive breast cancer were treated pre-operatively with B. Serrata (2400 mg/day PO) until the night before surgery for a median of 11 days (SD 6 days; range: 5–23 days). Paraffin-embedded sections from pretreatment diagnostic core biopsies and post-treatment surgical excisions were evaluated using a tunnel assay and immunohistochemistry staining with Ki-67 antibodies. A non-intervention retrospective control arm consisting of core and surgical tissue specimens from untreated patients was used to compare patients treated with B. Serrata. The change in proliferation and apoptosis between diagnostic core specimens and surgical specimens was compared between the control and treatment groups using a two-tailed paired t-test.ResultsTwenty-two patients were enrolled, of which 20 received treatment, and 18 had sufficient tissue for IHC. There was an increase in percent change in proliferation from core biopsy to surgical excision in the control group (n = 18) of 54.6 ± 21.4%. In the B. serrata-treated group there was a reduction in proliferation between core biopsy and excision (n = 18) of 13.8 ± 11.7%. This difference was statistically significant between the control and B. serrata-treated groups (p = 0.008). There was no difference in change in apoptosis. There were no serious adverse events related to the drug.ConclusionBoswellia serrata inhibited breast cancer proliferation and was well-tolerated in a Phase Ia window of opportunity trial.

Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Spasticity and Walking Performance among Individuals with Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial.

Stroke and its associated complications are a major cause of long-term disability worldwide, with spasticity being a common and severe issue. Physical therapy, involving stretching exercises and electrical stimulation, is crucial for managing spasticity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) combined with a conventional rehabilitation program (CRP) on plantarflexor muscle spasticity and walking performance among individuals with chronic stroke. A pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT) with two groups (active NMES and placebo) was conducted at the physical therapy departments of King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Buraydah, and Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (November 2020). The assessor and participants were blinded for the group assignment. The active NMES group received exercise and stimulation at the dorsiflexor muscles on the paretic leg for 30 min for 12 sessions. The placebo group received exercise and sham stimulation at the same position and duration as the active group. Of interest were the outcomes for plantarflexor muscle spasticity measured by the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), gait speed measured by 10 m walk test (10-MWT), and functional mobility measured by functional ambulatory category (FAC). Nineteen participants were randomized into active NMES (n = 10) and sham NMES (n = 9) groups, with no significant baseline differences. Within the active NMES group, significant improvements were observed in MAS (p = 0.008), 10-MWT (p = 0.028), and FAC (p = 0.046), while only 10-MWT time improved significantly in the sham NMES group (p = 0.011). Between-group analysis showed that only MAS was significantly lower in the active NMES group (p = 0.006). Percent change analysis indicated a significantly higher increase in percent change for MAS in the active NMES group compared to the sham NMES group (p = 0.035), with no significant differences in other outcome measures. This study showed that NMES in the active group led to significant improvements in spasticity, walking performance, and functional ambulation. Further research is needed to determine the ideal parameters, protocols, and patient selection criteria for NMES interventions in stroke rehabilitation.

Delivery Outcomes and Postpartum Readmissions Associated with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Given that updated estimates of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and risks for obstetric complications including postpartum readmission may be of public health significance, we sought to analyze associated obstetric trends and outcomes in a nationally representative population. The 2016-2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database was used for this retrospective cohort study. Delivery hospitalizations to women age 15-54 with and without Ehlers-Danlos syndrome were identified. Temporal trends in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome diagnoses during delivery hospitalizations were analyzed using joinpoint regression to estimate the average annual percent change with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). To determine whether adverse obstetric outcomes during the delivery were associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were fit with unadjusted (OR) and adjusted odds ratios with 95% CIs as measures of association. In addition to analyzing adverse delivery outcomes, risk for 60-day postpartum readmission was analyzed. An estimated 18,214,542 delivery hospitalizations were included of which 7,378 (4.1 per 10,000) had an associated diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome diagnosis increased from 2.7 to 5.2 per 10,000 delivery hospitalization from 2016 to 2020 (average annual percent change increase of 16.1%, 95% CI 9.4%, 23.1%). Ehlers-Danlos syndrome was associated with increased odds of non-transfusion severe maternal morbidity (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.38, 2.45), cervical insufficiency (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.46, 3.13), postpartum hemorrhage (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.17, 1.68), cesarean delivery (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.17, 1.36), and preterm delivery (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.16, 1.56). Estimates for transfusion, placental abruption, and placenta previa did not differ significantly. Risk for 60-day postpartum readmission was 3.0% among deliveries with Ehlers-Danlos (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.37, 2.25). Ehlers-Danlos syndrome diagnoses approximately doubled over the 5-year study period and was associated with a range of adverse obstetric outcomes and complications during delivery hospitalizations as well as risk for postpartum readmission.

The prevalence of bronchodilator responsiveness of the small airway (using mid-maximal expiratory flow) in COPD - a retrospective study

BackgroundBronchodilator responsiveness (BDR) using FEV1 is often utilised to separate COPD patients from asthmatics, although it can be present in some COPD patients. With the advent of treatments with distal airway deposition, BDR in the small airways (SA) may be of value in the management of COPD. We aimed to identify the prevalence of BDR in the SA, utilizing maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) as a measure of SA. We further evaluated the prevalence of BDR in MMEF with and without BDR in FEV1 and its association with baseline demographics, including conventional airflow obstruction severity and smoking history.MethodsLung function data of ever-smoking COPD patients were retrospectively analysed. BDR was evaluated 20 min after administering 2.5 mg of salbutamol via jet nebulizer. Increase in percent change of ≥ 12% and absolute change of ≥ 200 ml was used to define a BDR in FEV1, whereas an increase percent change of MMEF ≥ 30% was used to define a BDR in MMEF. Patients were classified as one of three groups according to BDR levels: group 1 (BDR in MMEF and FEV1), group 2 (BDR in MMEF alone) and group 3 (no BDR in either measure).ResultBDR in MMEF was present in 59.2% of the patients. Of note, BDR in MMEF was present in all patients with BDR in FEV1 (group 1) but also in 37.9% of the patients without BDR in FEV1 (group 2). Patients in group 1 were younger than in groups 2 and 3. BMI was higher in group 1 than in group 3. Baseline FEV1% predicted and FVC % predicted were also higher in groups 1 and 2 than in group 3.ConclusionBDR in the SA (evaluated by MMEF) is common in COPD, and it is also feature seen in all patients with BDR in FEV1. Even in the absence of BDR in FEV1, BDR in MMEF is detected in some patients with COPD, potentially identifying a subgroup of patients who may benefit from different treatment strategies.

Distribution of surgical smoke particles within a simulated laparoscopic cavity utilizing an AirSeal® system

An exploratory study was performed to determine the distribution of surgical smoke particulate matter (SSPM) and evacuation times within an AirSeal® System and a traditional insufflation access system in various simulated surgical scenarios. Identified trends showed statistical significance when setting the AirSeal® System to Low smoke evacuation that it reduces the percentage of particulate matter at the Access Port opening. Additionally, it was observed that when utilising a laparoscopic tool a similar trend in particle distributions were seen between either insufflation and access system at the opening of the Access Port and trocar. Evacuation times for SSPM removal within the AirSeal® System showed an overall average to ≥95% reduction of 5.64 min within the surgical cavity, 3.69 min at the Access Port opening, and 3.61 min within the smoke evacuation line. The overall average for the traditional insufflation and access system was 9.38 min within the surgical cavity and 6.06 min at the trocar opening. Results showed that when using the traditional system compared to the AirSeal® System, it resulted in a percent change increase in evacuation times of 66.31% within the surgical cavity and 64.23% at the trocar opening.

Shifting Personal Protective Equipment Usage Found Amongst Nurses

Background: Personal protective equipment (PPE) has been around since the 14th century and the importance of it is unmeasurable. The COVID-19 pandemic left the world with a shortage of PPE mainly due to a resulting supply and demand problem. However, following peak COVID-19 pandemic PPE supplies began to normalize, yet hospital nurses’ focus on upholding proper PPE standards were markedly dwindling nationwide. Objective: The aim of this research study was to better understand the correlating factors playing a role in the noticeable change in hospital nurse attitudes regarding PPE usage. Methods: A mixed research design study was implemented over three weeks from January 2022 to February 2022 and included critical care registered nurses. A 27 open and closed-ended question survey was distributed via Survey Monkey to allow for qualitative and quantitative data collection. Data Analysis: A percent change was performed on quantitative data and a thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative data. Results: There was an 18.17% percent change increase in PPE supplies on the chosen critical care hospital units and consistent identifiable themes of fear, anxiety, and frustration in regards to PPE when working with COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: This survey did identify a reported shift in PPE usage amongst critical care nurses since peak COVID-19 pandemic. This shift could be due to many identifiable factors such as PPE accessibility, emotional resentments towards PPE supply, financial burden, PPE nursing education, and physical injuries from PPE wear.

S879 Race Stratified Trends in Hospitalizations for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Flare: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) describes a state of chronic, intermittent gastrointestinal inflammation, and remains a significant cause of inpatient morbidity. This study provides data on the nationwide trend of hospitalizations for IBD in the United States, after stratification by race. Given the significance that socioeconomic factors play on access to health care, we aim to examine the influence of household income on trends of hospitalizations for IBD in each of the major ethnic groups. Methods: The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project’s (HCUP) National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was sourced for data involving adult hospitalizations for patients admitted with IBD (2005 to 2014). ICD-9 codes were used to query patients, and analysis of trend data was conducted using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel χ2 test of linear association. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The main outcome was percent change in number of admissions over the study period, stratified by race. Our secondary outcome analyzed race stratified trends in the percent of patients belonging to the four quartiles of family income. Analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: 232,910 adults were admitted from 2005 to 2014 with a primary diagnosis of IBD; UC (N= 81,232; 34.9%) CD (N= 151,678; 65.1%). Over the study period, White (CAU) patients with IBD were the single cohort with a decreasing trend in the number of admissions, and a decrease in percent change from 2005 to 2014 (%Δ = -7.55%). All other races had increasing trends in admissions and an increase in percent change of admissions. African American’s (AA: %Δ = +32.3%), Hispanic’s (HSP: % Δ = +29.3), Asians Native American, and others (%Δ = +27.8). Linear by linear association was significant (p ≤ 0.001) for all aforementioned trends (Figure 1, Table 1). By the study's end, AA patients had the greatest proportion of their cohort belonging to the poorest quartile of household income (Q1; AA: 47.2%, HSP: 35.70% CAU: 20.9%), and entered this quartile at the quickest rate (Figure 2). Conclusion: Healthcare disparity remains a complicated and costly burden. Research has shown the patients belonging to lower socioeconomic classes have limited access to healthcare, reduced health literacy, and environmental realities that contribute to increased morbidity and mortality. Our findings of increasing IBD-related hospitalizations and a greater percentage of minority patients in the poorest quartile highlight the impact of socioeconomic determinants.Figure 1.: (a, b): Display of the trend in IBD-related admissions stratified by race as proportions of the total number of IBD patients admitted (2005-2014). Linear by linear association was significant (p ≤ 0.001) for all aforementioned trends.Figure 2.: (a, b, c): Display of the yearly trend in patients belonging to one of the four quartiles of family income. (Q1) $1 - $45,999, (Q2) $46,000 - $58,999, (Q3) $59,000 - 78,999, (Q4) $79,000+Table 1.: Temporal trends in IBD-related admissions stratified by race proportions. Linear by linear association was significant (p ≤ 0.001) between groups.

Strengthening surveillance of consumer products in Canada: the vaping example.

The overall objective of this study was to demonstrate how information collected by the Consumer Product Safety Program ("the Program") can be used to identify emerging hazards. Specifically, this study characterized and quantified trends associated with vaping reports received by the Program over the past five years. Data collated by the Program were extracted for the period from 1 January, 2015 to 30 September, 2019. The data were summarized using descriptive statistics and trends were quantified for annual percent change. In order to compare characteristics of vaping reports, the proportionate injury ratios (PIRs) and corresponding 95% CIs were used to compare vaping-related injuries to all other reports received by the Program. A total of 71 vaping-related reports were received between 1 January, 2015 and 30 September, 2019. During this period, the annual percent change increase in the number of reports received was approximately 73% annually (p < .05). Among the reported injuries, 41% were burn injuries. Proportionally, there were more vaping reports involving males (PIR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.51-2.36) and individuals between the ages of 15 and 19 years (PIR = 11.53; 95 % CI: 4.95-26.8) as compared to all other reports submitted to the Program. While the number of reports relating to vaping products is small, the results of this analysis suggest that certain groups, including males and youth, are more likely to be the subject of a vaping-related incident.

The longitudinal association of changes in diurnal cortisol features with fasting glucose: MESA

Little is known about the longitudinal association between fasting glucose (FG) and the diurnal cortisol profile among those with normal fasting glucose (NFG), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and diabetes. To assess the temporality of the relationship between cortisol and glucose, we examined the association of: A) change (Δ) in diurnal cortisol curve features with ΔFG; B) prior annual percent change in FG with diurnal cortisol curve features; and C) baseline cortisol curve features with ΔFG over 6 years among participants with NFG, IFG and diabetes in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. The main outcome measures were: A) 6-year ΔFG (n = 512); B) diurnal cortisol curve features (wake-up cortisol levels, cortisol awakening response, total area under the curve, overall decline slope and bedtime cortisol) (n = 1275); and C) 6-year ΔFG (n = 700). After full multivariable adjustment among participants with diabetes, each annual percent change increase in wake-up cortisol, total area under the curve (AUC), and overall decline slope was associated with a significant increase in FG over 6 years in all models (all p < 0.05). A 1% prior annual increase in FG was associated with a 2.8 % lower (−2.8 %; 95 % CI: −5.3 % to −0.4 %) bedtime cortisol among participants with NFG at baseline. A 1 % flatter overall decline slope was associated with a 0.19 % increase in subsequent annual % change in FG over 6 years among participants with diabetes. Among participants with diabetes there was a positive association of change in wake-up cortisol, total AUC and overall decline slope with change in FG. Baseline overall decline slope was positively associated with change in FG among the baseline diabetes group. These results suggest a detrimental role of cortisol contributing to glycemia among individuals with diabetes.

Effect of sleep on upper airway dynamics in obese adolescents with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

The biomechanical basis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) may influence upper airway dynamics. In this study, we investigate dynamic changes during respiration in wakefulness and sleep in obese adolescents with and without OSAS. Respiratory-gated dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the retropalatal and retroglossal regions was performed with simultaneous measurement of SpO2 and nasal-oral mask airflow and pressure. Airway cross-sectional area (CSA) was determined using AMIRA. Percent change in CSA was calculated from five continuous tidal breaths in states of wakefulness and sleep. Mixed effects models were used to evaluate interactions between group (OSAS/control), site (retropalatal/retroglossal), and stage (wake/sleep). We studied 24 children with OSAS (mean age 15.49 ± 2.00 years, mean apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] 16.53 ± 8.72 events/h) and 19 controls (mean age 14.86 ± 1.75 years, mean AHI 2.12 ± 1.69 events/h). Groups were similar in age, sex, height, weight, and BMI Z-score. Participants with OSAS had a 48.17% greater increase in percent change of airway CSA during sleep than controls (p < 0.0001), while there was no difference between groups during wakefulness (p = 0.6589). Additionally, participants with OSAS had a 48.80% increase in percent change of airway CSA during sleep as compared with wakefulness (p < 0.0001), whereas no such relationship was observed in controls (p = 0.5513). This study demonstrates significant effects of sleep on upper airway dynamics in obese children with OSAS. Dynamic MRI with physiological data can potentially provide further insight into the biomechanical basis of OSAS and assist in more effective management.

25-Year Trends in Stage-Specific Incidence Rates for Bladder Cancer in a Large Statewide Registry

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer (BC) is a common genitourinary malignancy with over 80,000 new cases diagnosed annually and over 17,000 associated deaths. OBJECTIVE: We review 25-years of BC incidence (1993-2017) within the state of Pennsylvania to better define incidence, geographic distribution, and trends over time. METHODS: The Pennsylvania Cancer Registry was reviewed for statewide and component county age-adjusted BC incidence rates and stage distribution. Chloropleth maps plotting statewide and county-specific incidence rates across time were created using the GeoDa statistical package. RESULTS: 93,476 cases of BC were recorded in Pennsylvania from 1993 to 2017. Age-adjusted annual rates of BC over the study interval were stable at 24.5 patients per 100,000 (range, 22.7–25.6). However, annual rates of distant disease increased from 0.5 to 1.1 patients per 100,000 (p &lt; 0.001) with an average percent change increase of 6.6% over the study interval. The annual percent distribution of distant disease doubled from 2.3% to 5.1% (p &lt; 0.001) with a greater increase in women compared to men. Chloropleth maps highlighted growing “hot spots” of bladder cancer incidence in the northwestern, northeastern, and southeastern portions of the state. CONCLUSIONS: While BC incidence in the state of Pennsylvania has remained relatively stable over the past 25 years, a concerning increase in distant disease was observed. Geospatial investigation implicates higher risk regions. Further studies are necessary to delineate the underlying etiologies for these observations.

Crop conversion impacts on runoff and sediment loads in the Upper Sunflower River watershed

The Mississippi River alluvial floodplain is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the United States. In recent decades, factors of economic forces and government policies have driven crop selection and respective farming management changes in this region. This study quantified the effects of changes in crop conversion and farming management practices to discharge and sediment loads in the Upper Sunflower River watershed. Farming and climate conditions were dynamically characterized in space and time by integrating annual crop yield at the county scale, annual crop irrigation in the field scale, and an enhanced description of precipitation. This information was used as input into the Annualized Agricultural Non-Point Source (AnnAGNPS) watershed pollution model to describe existing conditions and simulate alternative scenarios. Simulations considering high irrigation adoption indicated 15% average annual percent change increase in short-term flow during the months of June, July, and August at the outlet. Conversely, simulations considering future trends in crop conversion to corn/soybean production indicates a potential reduction in average annual sediment loads for clay and silt, respectively, to 4.6 Mg/ha and 0.41 Mg/ha from 5.5 Mg/ha and 0.44 Mg/ha for existing conditions. As irrigation increases and crop production continues to shift towards corn/soybeans, these findings support the development of responsible irrigation management strategies designed for efficient water usage coupled with implementation of in field conservation practices for reduced sediment loads.

The Protective Effects of Increasing Serum Uric Acid Level on Development of Metabolic Syndrome

BackgroundIt has not been determined whether changes in serum uric acid (SUA) level are associated with incident metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between changes in SUA level and development of MetS in a large number of subjects.MethodsIn total, 13,057 subjects participating in a medical health check-up program without a diagnosis of MetS at baseline were enrolled. Cox proportional hazards models were used to test the independent association of percent changes in SUA level with development of MetS.ResultsAfter adjustment for age, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, fat-free mass (%), estimated glomerular filtration rate, smoking status, fasting glucose, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and baseline SUA levels, the hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for incident MetS in the second, third, and fourth quartiles compared to the first quartile of percent change in SUA level were 1.055 (0.936 to 1.190), 0.927 (0.818 to 1.050), and 0.807 (0.707 to 0.922) in male (P for trend <0.001) and 1.000 (0.843 to 1.186), 0.744 (0.615 to 0.900), and 0.684 (0.557 to 0.840) in female (P for trend <0.001), respectively. As a continuous variable in the fully-adjusted model, each one-standard deviation increase in percent change in SUA level was associated with an HR (95% CI) for incident MetS of 0.944 (0.906 to 0.982) in male (P=0.005) and 0.851 (0.801 to 0.905) in female (P<0.001).ConclusionThe current study demonstrated that increasing SUA level independently protected against the development of MetS, suggesting a possible role of SUA as an antioxidant in the pathogenesis of incident MetS.

Analysis of aerosol composition data for western United States wildfires between 2005 and 2015: Dust emissions, chloride depletion, and most enhanced aerosol constituents.

This study examines major wildfires in the western United States between 2005 and 2015 to determine which species exhibit the highest percent change in mass concentration on day of peak fire influence relative to preceding nonfire days. Forty-one fires were examined using the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) data set. Organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) constituents exhibited the highest percent change increase. The sharpest enhancements were for the volatile (OC1) and semivolatile (OC2) OC fractions, suggestive of secondary organic aerosol formation during plume transport. Of the noncarbonaceous constituents, Cl, P, K, NO3-, and Zn levels exhibited the highest percent change. Dust was significantly enhanced in wildfire plumes, based on significant enhancements in fine soil components (i.e., Si, Ca, Al, Fe, and Ti) and PMcoarse (i.e., PM10-PM2.5). A case study emphasized how transport of wildfire plumes significantly impacted downwind states, with higher levels of fine soil and PMcoarse at the downwind state (Arizona) as compared to the source of the fires (California). A global model (Navy Aerosol Analysis and Prediction System, NAAPS) did not capture the dust influence over California or Arizona during this case event because it is not designed to resolve dust dynamics in fires, which motivates improved treatment of such processes. Significant chloride depletion was observed on the peak EC day for almost a half of the fires examined. Size-resolved measurements during two specific fires at a coastal California site revealed significant chloride reductions for particle aerodynamic diameters between 1 and 10 μm.

Change in Serum Bilirubin Level as a Predictor of Incident Metabolic Syndrome.

AimSerum bilirubin level was negatively associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in previous cross-sectional studies. However, bilirubin variance preceding the development of MetS has yet to be investigated. We aimed to determine the effect of change in bilirubin concentration on the risk of incident MetS in healthy Korean adults.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective longitudinal study of subjects who had undergone at least four yearly health check-ups between 2006 and 2012. Of 24,185 total individuals who received annual check-ups, 11,613 non-MetS participants with a baseline bilirubin level not exceeding 34.2 μmol/l were enrolled. We evaluated the association between percent change in bilirubin and risk of incident MetS.ResultsDuring 55,407 person-years of follow-up, 2,439 cases of incident MetS developed (21.0%). Baseline serum bilirubin level clearly showed no association with the development of MetS in men but an independent significant inverse association in women which attenuated (hence may be mediated) by elevated homeostatic model assessment index 2 for insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR). However, increased risk for incident MetS was observed in higher percent change in bilirubin quartiles, with hazard ratios of 2.415 (95% CI 2.094–2.785) in men and 2.156 (95% CI 1.738–2.675) in women in the fourth quartile, compared to the lowest quartile, after adjusting for age, smoking status, medication history, alanine aminotransferase, uric acid, estimated glomerular filtration rate, fasting glucose, baseline diabetes mellitus prevalence, systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, and body mass index. The hazard ratios per one standard deviation increase in percent change in bilirubin as a continuous variable were 1.277 (95% CI 1.229–1.326) in men and 1.366 (95% CI 1.288–1.447) in women.ConclusionsIncreases in serum bilirubin concentration were positively associated with a higher risk of incident MetS. Serum bilirubin increment might be a sensitive marker for the development of MetS.

Efficacy and Safety of Bisphosphonates for Low Bone Mineral Density After Kidney Transplantation: A Meta-Analysis.

In patients with low bone mineral density (BMD) after kidney transplantation, the role of bisphosphonates remains unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of bisphosphonates.We retrieved trials from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from inception through May 2015. Only randomized controlled trials that compared bisphosphonate-treated and control groups of patients with low bone mineral density after kidney transplantation were included. The primary outcomes were the percent change in BMD, the absolute change in BMD, and the BMD at the end of study at the lumbar spine. The results were expressed as the mean difference (MD) or relative risk (RR) with the 95% confidence interval (CI). We used a random-effects model to pool the outcomes.We included 17 randomized controlled trials with 1067 patients. Only 1 included trial was found to be at low risk of bias. The rest of the included studies were found to have high to uncertain risk of bias. Compared with the control group, those who received bisphosphonates had a significant increase in percent change in BMD (mean difference [MD] = 5.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.22-7.79, P < 0.00001) and absolute change in BMD (MD = 0.05, 95% CI 0.04-0.05, P < 0.00001), but a nonsignificant increase in BMD at the end of the study (MD = 0.02, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.05, P = 0.25) at the lumbar spine. Bisphosphonates resulted in a significant improvement in percent change in BMD (MD = 4.95, 95% CI 2.57-7.33, P < 0.0001), but a nonsignificant improvement in absolute change in BMD (MD = 0.03, 95% CI -0.00 to 0.06, P = 0.07) and BMD at the end of the study (MD = -0.01, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.02, P = 0.40) at the femoral neck. No significant differences were found in vertebral fractures, nonvertebral fractures, adverse events, and gastrointestinal adverse events.Bisphosphonates appear to have a beneficial effect on BMD at the lumbar spine and do not significantly decrease fracture events in recipients. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously due to the lack of robustness and the heterogeneity among studies.

Analysis of Climate Variability and Drought Frequency Events on Limpopo River Basin, South Africa

This study has analyzed the climate variability and meteorological drought events over Limpopo River Basin. The Limpopo Basin is shared by four countries, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. The total catchment is approximately 408,000 km2. The main governing factor for rainfall patterns in the basin is the movement of the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). In this study the drought event has been analyzed using standardized precipitation index (SPI). The SPI quantifies the precipitation deficit for multiple time scales and reflects the impact of droughts on the availability of water resources. The long year`s daily average monthly precipitation for the whole area indicates that the precipitation is variable and there is no any clear trend. The relative percentage change of average monthly precipitation of the 1992-2001 compared to 1961-1991 period using WATCH Climate data of the River basin indicates that, a positive value increase in percentage change is observed for the whole months of the year. High magnitude deviation in maximum and minimum temperature in the month of July 2001 observed with respect to 1961-2000 period. 5.2 and 7.9 degree centigrade respectively. The long term SPI analysis indicates that there was an extended accumulated sever dry condition that is prolonged from 1991 up to 1992 over the basin. Generally, this study indicates that there is a frequent meteorological drought events and unpredictable climate variability in the basin. Therefore farmers should take a precaution to adjust their farming system and to overcome drought events for better agricultural productivity.

Effects of Fractionated Methanolic Leaf Extract of Gongronema latifoliumon CCl4-induced Wistar Albino Rats

The general aim of this study is to assess the effects of fractionated methanolic leaf extract of Gongronema latifoliumon CCl4-induced wistar albino rats. Fifty-four (54) Wistar albino rats were divided into seven treatment groups. Group A was given feed and water, Group B was injected with olive oil intra peritoneally, while the rest of the groups (C, D, E, F and G) were injected intra peritoneally with a single dose of CCl4(148 mg/kg). After 36 hours of induction, group E, F and G were given 100 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight of n-butanol fraction of methanol leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium by oral gavage. Group D was given 100 mg/kg of silymarin (standard drug) whereas group C served as CCl4-induced group. At the end of 28 days of treatment, there were significant (P < 0.05) reduction in PCV, Hb concentration and serum protein levels as well as a significant (P < 0.05) increase in percentage change in liver weights of CCl4-induced control rats when compared with the induced treated groups. Liver marker enzymes studies showed that there was significant (P < 0.05) increase in the serum activities of ALT, AST, ALP and bilirubin concentrations in CCl4-induced control group when compared with the induced treated groups. Antioxidant assay on the liver homogenate showed that there was significant (P < 0.05) decrease in SOD, CAT, GPx and a significant increase (P < 0.05) in MDA of CCl4-induced control rats when compared to the normal control rats. These findings suggested that n-butanol fraction of methanol leaf extract of G. latifolium may have anti-hepatotoxic and antioxidative effects against CCl4-induced liver damage rats.

Night-eating symptoms and 2-year weight change in parents enrolled in the QUALITY cohort.

The timing of food intake may be implicated in weight gain. This study tested the hypothesis that symptoms commonly associated with night-eating syndrome are related to measures of weight gain in adults. Parents participating in QUALITY (Québec Adipose and Lifestyle InvesTigation in Youth) completed the night eating questionnaire (NEQ) at baseline (2005-2008) and at follow-up (2008-2010). Height and weight were measured and self-report questionnaire data were available for 388 parents (59% female, mean (s.d.) age: 41.8±5.7, mean (s.d.) body mass index (BMI): 29.6±5.7). Linear regression models were used to test the associations between baseline night-eating symptoms (NEQ scores, night-eating behaviours) and percent change in each of BMI and waist circumference (WC). A high NEQ score predicted a small increase in percent change in BMI in nonobese parents but a decrease among those who were severely obese. Nocturnal ingestions of food predicted an increase in percent change in BMI; however, the effect size was small. Morning anorexia predicted an increase in percent change in WC. Certain night-eating symptoms may predict measures of weight gain in adults but the effects seem small and the findings need to be confirmed in more symptomatic samples.