Increase In Proportion Research Articles

Problems and perspectives of development of Russian turkey breeding

Turkey breeding as an independent branch of domestic poultry farming is currently one of the most promising areas of agriculture. Over the past decades, there has been an active growth in demand for the products of this sector, which entails a proportionate increase in the share of enterprises specializing in turkey breeding. The intensification of turkey breeding in Russia has led to the need to structure and standardize technological processes by developing a narrowly focused regulatory framework. In addition, the problem of ensuring the epizootic well-being of turkey farms also remains relevant today. Regular vaccination is the main measure of veterinary control, which limits or completely stops the dissemination of infections between farms. This article highlights statistical data that most fully reflect the dynamics of turkey farming development in our country; studies the existing regulatory framework governing the stages of poultry production; and also touches upon issues of specific prevention of a number of the most economically significant infectious diseases of birds.

DETERMINING THE OPTIMAL TEMPORARY WASTE DISPOSAL SITES IN THE ALANG-ALANG LEBAR SUB-DISTRICT PALEMBANG USING THE P-CENTRE LOCATION PROBLEM AND P-MEDIAN PROBLEM MODELS

The rapid development of Palembang City comes with an increase in population and a proportionate increase in waste. Providing Temporary Waste Disposal Sites (TWDS) with ideal locations is one way to address the waste problem in Palembang City. The location of the existing TWDS could be more regular and optimal. The problem of determining the optimal TWDS location can be solved by optimization science, as classified in the Set Covering Problem (SCP) model. The SCP model is divided into the -Center Location Problem and -Median Problem models. This study aims to determine the optimal locations for TWDS in the Alang-Alang Lebar Sub-District, Palembang City, by comparing the results of the p-Center Location Problem and p-Median Problem models. Initially, the Alang-Alang Lebar Sub-District had 33 TWDS. After formulating the Set Covering Location Problem and Maximal Covering Location Problem models, we obtain the optimal solution, which we then solve using the -Center Location Problem and -Median Problem models. Based on the results and discussion, the optimal TWDS can meet the demand of each village in the Alang-Alang Lebar Sub-District. The -Center Location Problem and -Median Problem models produce the same optimal TWDS, namely TWDS Pramuka 2 Street and around, TWDS Colonel Sulaiman Amin Street, TWDS Talang Kelapa Ujung, and TWDS Beside Soekarno Hatta Street. This study recommends using both models to determine the optimal TWDS.

Spatio-temporal dynamic of forest cover distribution in Omo-Shasha-Oluwa Tropical Forest Complex, Nigeria, (2014 – 2022)

: Forest Reserves (FRs) constitute a significant portion of the forested lands within protected areas, and their conservation is essential for Nigeria to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our study conducted an analysis of the dynamics of forested lands in the study area to evaluate and rank management performance over the period of 2014-2022. The forest bloc in OSO witnessed an expansion by 1.39% (3,929.67 ha) from 27.73% to 29.12% forest cover in 2014 and 2022, respectively. Forest fragments declined from 16 to 10 units for the forest bloc (>201.1 ha) with a proportionate increase in the Largest Patch Index (LPI) from 5,815.53 ha to 39,234.15 ha, in the period 2014 -2022, respectively. Omo, Ago-Owu, Ife and Shasha FRs all witnessed negative changes in the percent forest cover representing a decline of about -0.43% (529.52 ha), -37.62% (9028.8 ha), -8.54% (1217.43 ha) and -0.29% (89.55 ha), respectively. Oluwa FR had an increase in the forest cover by 17.64% or 14,596.38 ha in the period 2014 - 2022. The forest cover retention rates in the period 2014 – 2022, ranks Oluwa FR ahead of other FRs in terms of Protected Area (PA) management efficiency. The results highlight the existence of a relatively better and effective forest management system in the reserve. Landsat data are capable of providing near real-time forest cover information that can be integrated into existing tracking tools for periodically gauging management efficiency and performances across the PAs of Nigeria.

Respiratory syncytial virus infection notification trends and interpretation of the reported case data, 2018-2021, Japan.

In Japan, as elsewhere, the COVID-19 pandemic affected the notification trends of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Here, we describe the epidemiological trends of RSV cases among children reported during 2018-2021 in Japan, based on the national surveillance system. Compared to 2018 and 2019, 2020 saw an unprecedented decrease in RSV notifications per sentinel site. However, 2021 experienced an unseasonably early and high peak in week 28 (peak week in 2018 and 2019: week 37) with a large resurgence in notifications, nationwide and across regions. Regarding age, compared to 2018 and 2019, the number and proportion of cases aged 2, 3, and ≥4-years increased substantially in 2021 but the number of cases aged <1 year decreased slightly. Furthermore, in 2021, the ratio of notifications per site from outpatient clinics to hospitals increased, suggesting a proportionate increase in clinically milder case diagnoses. Notably, RSV-attributed deaths from vital statistics also dropped substantially in 2020 and rebounded in 2021, but were fewer than in 2018 or 2019. While RSV incidence likely declined in 2020 (possibly from COVID-19 countermeasures) and increased in 2021, notifications in 2021 appeared to be associated with milder presentations. Given unpredictable RSV epidemiology, continuous monitoring and pluralistic assessments are imperative.

Effects of High Dose Bolus Cholecalciferol on Free Vitamin D Metabolites, Bone Turnover Markers and Physical Function.

High dose bolus cholecalciferol supplementation has been associated with falls and fracture, and this does not appear to be due to hypercalcaemia. The primary aim of this study was to determine the change in free vitamin D and metabolites after high dose bolus supplementation. This was a single centre, double-blinded, randomised, controlled trial of three different oral bolus doses of vitamin D3 (50,000 IU, 150,000 IU, and 500,000 IU) in otherwise healthy, vitamin D deficient (total 25-hydroxylated vitamin 25(OH)D < 30 nmol/L) postmenopausal women. Thirty-three women were randomized to one of the three treatment groups. Twenty-seven vitamin D sufficient (25(OH)D > 50 nmol/L) postmenopausal women were recruited as a concurrent control group. Participants attended five study visits over three months. We measured total 25(OH)D3 and free 25(OH)D, total and free 1,25(OH)2D, parathyroid hormone, fibroblast-growth factor-23, serum calcium, ionised calcium, urinary calcium excretion, and bone turnover markers (procollagen I N-propeptide (PINP), serum C-telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX-I) and Osteocalcin (OC)). We assessed muscle strength and function with grip strength and a short physical performance battery. Postural blood pressure and aldosterone:renin ratio (ARR) was also measured. Total 25(OH)D3 and free 25(OH)D increased in response to dose, and there were proportionate increases in total and free metabolites. Treatment did not affect serum calcium, postural blood pressure, ARR, or physical function. Bone turnover markers increased transiently one week after administration of 500,000 IU. High dose bolus cholecalciferol supplementation does not cause disproportionate increases in free vitamin D or metabolites. We did not identify any effect on blood pressure regulation or physical function that would explain increased falls after high dose treatment. A transient increase in bone turnover markers one week after a 500,000 IU bolus suggests that very high doses can have acute effects on bone metabolism, but the clinical significance of this transient increase is uncertain.

Climate policy stringency and trade in energy transition minerals: An analysis of response patterns

Climate policies directly affect cleaner energy technology markets, affecting price signals for greener electricity production. In turn, the manufacturing of energy technologies relies heavily on mineral inputs, posing challenges in securing mineral ores and concentrates either from local mines or overseas. This paper contributes to the mineral-energy literature by examining the impact of climate change policies on the net import demand for five essential minerals used in cleaner energy technologies: copper, aluminium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese. We examined country-level panel data from 33 countries from 1992 to 2015 to understand patterns in net imports relative to renewable generation. This metric allows the examination of technological improvements that contribute to more efficient use of imported mineral inputs in renewable energy systems. Results suggest that while both net import volumes and renewable generation have increased over time, net imports per renewable generation have continuously declined on average, suggesting that nations may have efficiently utilized imported resources to generate more than proportionate increases in cleaner energy. Moreover, results from a cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lag model show that the stringency of environmental policies significantly affects net mineral imports per renewable generation, with marked variations across minerals and countries. Notably, with stricter policies, import reliance on cobalt and aluminium per renewable energy increases in the short run and eventually declines in the long run. Import reliance for copper declines per unit of renewable energy in the short run but increases in the long run. These findings emphasize the need for tailored policies to navigate mineral trade dynamics effectively. The research contributes valuable insights to the ongoing discussions surrounding sustainable energy transitions and global mineral trade patterns.

Android malware detection using GIST based machine learning and deep learning techniques

In today’s digital world, Android phones play a vital part in a variety of facets of both professionals and individuals’ personal and professional lives. Android phones are great for getting things done faster and more organized. The proportionate increase in the number of malicious applications has also been seen to be expanding. Since the play store offers millions of apps, detection of malware apps is challenging task. In this paper, a methodology is introduced for detecting malware in Android applications through the utilization of global image shape transform (GIST) features extracted from grayscale images of the applications. The dataset comprises samples of both malware and benign apps collected from the virus share website. After converting the apps into grayscale images, GIST features are extracted to capture their global spatial layout. Various machine learning (ML) algorithms, such as logistic regression (LR), k-nearest neighbour (KNN), AdaBoost, decision tree (DT), Naïve Bayes (NB), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), extra tree classifier (ETC), and gradient boosting (GB), are employed to classify the applications according to their GIST features. Furthermore, a feed forward neural network (FFNN) is utilized as a deep learning (DL) technique to further improve the accuracy of classification. The performance of each algorithm is evaluated using metrics such as accuracy, precision and recall. The results demonstrated that the FFNN achieves superior accuracy compared to traditional ML classifiers, indicating its effectiveness in detecting malware in Android apps.

Ala-Cys-Cys-Ala dipeptide dimer alleviates problematic cysteine and cystine levels in media formulations and enhances CHO cell growth and metabolism

Cysteine and cystine are essential amino acids present in mammalian cell cultures. While contributing to biomass synthesis, recombinant protein production, and antioxidant defense mechanisms, cysteine poses a major challenge in media formulations owing to its poor stability and oxidation to cystine, a cysteine dimer. Due to its poor solubility, cystine can cause precipitation of feed media, formation of undesired products, and consequently, reduce cysteine bioavailability. In this study, a highly soluble cysteine containing dipeptide dimer, Ala-Cys-Cys-Ala (ACCA), was evaluated as a suitable alternative to cysteine and cystine in CHO cell cultures. Replacing cysteine and cystine in basal medium with ACCA did not sustain cell growth. However, addition of ACCA at 4 mM and 8 mM to basal medium containing cysteine and cystine boosted cell growth up to 15% and 27% in CHO-GS and CHO–K1 batch cell cultures respectively and led to a proportionate increase in IgG titer. 13C-Metabolic flux analysis revealed that supplementation of ACCA reduced glycolytic fluxes by 20% leading to more efficient glucose metabolism in CHO–K1 cells. In fed-batch cultures, ACCA was able to replace cysteine and cystine in feed medium. Furthermore, supplementation of ACCA at high concentrations in basal medium eliminated the need for any cysteine equivalents in feed medium and increased cell densities and viabilities in fed-batch cultures without any significant impact on IgG charge variants. Taken together, this study demonstrates the potential of ACCA to improve CHO cell growth, productivity, and metabolism while also facilitating the formulation of cysteine- and cystine-free feed media. Such alternatives to cysteine and cystine will pave the way for enhanced biomanufacturing by increasing cell densities in culture and extending the storage of highly concentrated feed media as part of achieving intensified bioproduction processes.

DECENTRALISED PLANNING: ALLOCATION AND UTILISATION OF FUND FOR TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT AT PANCHAYATH LEVEL

Even after 75 years of Indias independence, the country still suffers from social inequality to some extent, especially the segregation or backwardness among different castes. Caste backwardness is still present in the country. It is a fact that living in a backward state, they are often unable to experience the benefits of the countrys progress. The people belonging to the tribal groups cling to their traditional culture and still live in geographically remote areas. India adopted decentralised planning through which local governments obtain more decision-making powers and can address local needs. But even now its benefits were not completely trickle down to many of the marginalized sections living in the society. This study aims to examine financial assistance provided through Panchayat institutions for the development of Tribal population. Different kinds of funds were distributed through Panchayath Institutions but flow of fund was not maintaining a proportionate increase over the years.

Self-Reported Speed Compliance and Drivers Speeding Behaviour in Cameroon

Speeding is a significant global issue, with disparities in speed and safety outcomes between low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs). This study aims to address speed research gaps in LMICs by examining the prevalence of self-reported speeding and factors influencing drivers’ speeding behavior using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). An online survey involving 387 anonymous drivers was conducted in Yaoundé. Results showed that all drivers reported exceeding speed limits, with 81% exceeding them by 5 km/h, 12% by 10 km/h, and 7% by more than 10 km/h in urban areas. On highways, 54% reported exceeding the limit by more than 10 km/h. Age, driver’s license, and gender showed significant associations with speed limit non-compliance. This study’s results suggest that the TPB can be useful in assessing speeding behavior, as the inclusion of TPB variables led to a more than 50% proportionate increase in speeding behavior variance. Structural equation modeling revealed attitude towards speeding as the strongest predictor of speeding intention, along with certain demographics indirectly influencing speeding behavior through speeding intention. Perceived behavioral control and speeding intention directly influenced speeding behavior. These findings emphasize the potential of interventions targeting attitude, intentions, and perceived behavioral control to modify speeding behavior and improve road safety.

Design and Fabrication of a Biomimetic Smart Material for Electrochemical Detection of Carbendazim Pesticides in Real Samples with Enhanced Selectivity.

Agricultural products are vitally important for sustaining life on earth and their production has notably grown over the years worldwide in general and in Brazil particularly. Elevating agricultural practices consequently leads to a proportionate increase in the usage of pesticides that are crucially important for enhanced crop yield and protection. These compounds have been employed excessively in alarming concentrations, causing the contamination of soil, water, and air. Additionally, they pose serious threats to human health. The current study introduces an innovative tool for producing appropriate materials coupled with an electrochemical sensor designed to measure carbendazim levels. The sensor is developed using a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) mounted on a glassy carbon electrode. This electrode is equipped with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for improved performance. The combined system demonstrates promising potential for accurately quantifying carbendazim. The morphological characteristics of the synthesized materials were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) technique. The analytical curve was drawn using the electrochemical method in the range of 2 to 20 ppm while for HPLC 2-12 ppm; the results are presented as the maximum adsorption capacity of the MIP (82.4%) when compared with NIP (41%) using the HPLC method. The analysis conducted using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) yielded a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.0 ppm and a repeatability of 5.08% (n = 10). The results obtained from the analysis of selectivity demonstrated that the proposed electrochemical sensor is remarkably efficient for the quantitative assessment of carbendazim, even in the presence of another interferent. The sensor was successfully tested for river water samples for carbendazim detection, and recovery rates ranging from 94 to 101% were obtained for HPLC and 94 to 104% for the electrochemical method. The results obtained show that the proposed electrochemical technique is viable for the application and quantitative determination of carbendazim in any medium.

#2496 Effect of semaglutide on kidney outcomes in people with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease in the SELECT trial

Abstract Background and Aims Obesity is an important risk factor for declining kidney function and albuminuria. Secondary analyses of cardiovascular outcome trials in people with type 2 diabetes suggest that the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist semaglutide has the potential to reduce kidney function deterioration. Semaglutide reduced the primary endpoint of major adverse cardiovascular events by 20% in the randomised controlled SELECT trial in people with overweight or obesity without diabetes. The present report is the prespecified analysis on secondary and exploratory kidney outcomes in SELECT. Method The main kidney endpoint was the time from randomisation to first occurrence of a 5-component nephropathy composite comprising: death from kidney causes; initiation of chronic kidney replacement therapy (dialysis or transplantation); onset of persistent estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) &amp;lt;15 mL/min/1.73 m2; persistent ≥50% reduction in eGFR compared with baseline; or onset of persistent macroalbuminuria. Persistence was defined as at least two measures at least 4 weeks apart. Patients were randomised to once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg or placebo. Blood and urine samples for eGFR and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) were collected at screening, at 20, 52, 104, 156, 208 weeks of follow-up and at the end of treatment. Analyses were of in-trial data and used Cox regression and mixed models for repeated measures. Results A total of 8803 patients were assigned to semaglutide and 8801 to placebo. The median follow-up was 182 weeks. The main composite nephropathy endpoint occurred in fewer of those assigned semaglutide (1.8% [155/8803]) than placebo (2.2% [198/8801]): hazard ratio 0.78 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63, 0.96]; p = 0.02 (Fig. 1). This effect on the main endpoint was driven by the treatment effect on onset of macroalbuminuria and, to a lesser extent, persistent ≥50% reduction in eGFR. At the prespecified 104-week time point, eGFR had declined less in the semaglutide than placebo arm, giving a treatment effect of 0.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 [95% CI 0.43, 1.06]; p &amp;lt; 0.001 (Fig. 2A). The treatment effect on eGFR at 104 weeks was 0.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 [95% CI 0.26, 0.89] among those with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (N = 15 638) at baseline and was 2.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 [95% CI 1.00, 3.38] in those with eGFR &amp;lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (N = 1908) at baseline. At 104 weeks the proportionate increase in UACR was less in the semaglutide than the placebo arm, with a treatment effect of –10.7% [95% CI –13.2, –8.2]; p &amp;lt; 0.001 (Fig. 2B). The treatment effect on UACR at 104 weeks was –8.1% [95% CI –10.6, –5.6], –27.2% [95% CI –35.3, –18.1] and –31.4% [95% CI –54.9, 4.3] in those with normo- (N = 14 848), micro- (N =1968) and macroalbuminuria (N = 325) at baseline, respectively. Semaglutide was not associated with any excess of acute kidney injury, regardless of baseline eGFR. Conclusion These prespecified secondary analyses suggest a beneficial effect of once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg on a composite kidney endpoint in people with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease. Significant benefits for both eGFR and UACR were found, including clinically relevant lesser eGFR decline in those with baseline eGFR &amp;lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2.

Evaluating the Cumulative Effects of Fundamental Radiation Safety Measures on Health Professionals in Cath Lab

Objectives: The significant rise in modern cath lab units has led to a proportionate increase in cath lab procedures and subsequent radiation environment may elevate the occupational radiation exposure to staff. This study aimed to assess the collective impact of fundamental radiation safety devices in the cath lab on decreasing occupational radiation exposure to staff. Methods: This study was conducted in our cath lab room, equipped with a Siemens Artis cath lab unit. Measurements were performed using RaySafe X2 detectors and Thermo Luminescent Dosimeters (TLDs). Dose assessments were conducted without safety measures and then found a considerable reduction of dose by adding basic radiation safety measures. Findings: The use of lead aprons resulted in a substantial reduction( 92%) in radiation dose. The effect of time and distance versus dose was plotted. The impact of lead flaps and the use of a ceiling suspension shield quantify reductions in scattered doses. The cumulative impact of each safety measure was calculated, and the outcome indicates a 99% reduction in dose. The importance of utilizing all available protective measures when working with radiation cannot be overstated. It is essential for maximizing safety, minimizing risks, and fostering a culture of safety within radiation environments like cath labs. Novelty: This is a thorough assessment of different radiation protection strategies in the specific setting of a Cath lab. It not only evaluates individual measures but also considers their combined impact and the calculation based on the exit dose from the patient. Keywords: Cardiologist, Radiation Dose, Interventional Radiology, Radiation protection, Cath lab

Participant characteristics and exclusion from phase 3/4 industry funded trials of chronic medical conditions: meta-analysis of individual participant level data

ObjectivesTo assess whether age, sex, comorbidity count, and race and ethnic group are associated with the likelihood of trial participants not being enrolled in a trial for any reason (ie,...

A Comparative Study on Serum Levels of “Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin” Between Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris and Healthy Individuals: A Case-Control Study

Abstract Background: Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a cytokine initially implicated to be associated with allergic disorders inducing Th2 response. Emerging studies have shown that TSLP is also involved in autoimmune diseases. In psoriasis, TSLP acts in synergy with T cell-derived CD40L to promote the release of IL-23 from dendritic cells. IL-23 is responsible for the inappropriate immune reaction and keratinocyte proliferation in psoriasis. Targeting TSLP could be a novel therapeutic approach in the treatment of psoriasis. Objective: To compare the serum levels of TSLP between patients with psoriasis and healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: A prospective hospital-based case-control study was carried out on 38 patients with psoriasis. The severity of psoriasis was graded into mild, moderate, and severe according to PASI. A total of 30 healthy individuals with matched age and sex were taken as controls. 5 ml of venous blood was collected, centrifuged, and the collected serum was stored at -80°C until quantitative assessment by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Results: TSLP has been found to be significantly elevated in the sera of cases (0.1380178 pg/ml) than in controls (0.1125974 pg/ml). There was also a significant proportionate increase in the mean TSLP with the mean PASI score. Limitations: The sample size was small and we could not follow-up the cases to study the changes in TSLP levels with remission of the lesions. Conclusion: We found that serum TSLP was elevated in psoriasis patients and correlated with disease severity, indicating a possible pathogenetic role.

NuSTAR detection of a broad absorption line in IGR J06074+2205

BeXRB pulsar IGR J06074+2205 using NuSTAR observations. The temporal and spectral characteristics of the source are investigated. We detect coherent X-ray pulsations of the source and determine the spin period evolution. Using the current spin period data of the source, we show that the source is spinning down at 0.0202(2) sday−1. The pulse profiles are found to evolve with energy and luminosity. Another interesting feature of the source is that the pulse profiles are dual peaked. The dual-peaked pulse profile is characterized by a decreasing secondary peak amplitude with increasing energy. We also observed a proportionate increase in the primary peak amplitude as the energy increases. The pulse fraction exhibits an overall increasing trend with the energy. The X-ray continuum of the source indicates the existence of a characteristic absorption feature with a centroid energy ∼55 keV, which may be interpreted as a cyclotron line. We estimate the corresponding magnetic field strength to be ∼4.74×1012 G. A peculiar ‘10 keV’ absorption feature is observed in the X-ray spectra of the second observation. The luminosity measurements predict that the source may be accreting in the sub-critical regime.

Studies on structural, optical, thermal and low energy shielding for gamma rays for the ZSBP glasses

By employing the melt-quenching technique, the ZnO–SrO–B2O3–PbO (ZSBP) glasses have been successfully fabricated. The derivative of Absorption Spectra Fitting (DASF) method was used to study the energy band gap (Eg) of the glasses which decreases from 3.57 eV to 3.39 eV. The structural properties have been studied using the Raman spectroscopy. The glass transition temperature (Tg) decreases with increase in concentration of the lead oxide. The current study examines the radiation shielding properties at 30.80–444 keV. The addition of PbO to the glasses resulted in a proportionate increase in the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), suggesting a diminishing tendency in radiation transmission. At 30.80 keV, the MAC values are extremely high and range from 18.06 to 21.11 cm2/g. As density rises, the half value layer (HVL) decreases. In addition, the average HVL (HVL‾) decreases. The glass thickness required to reduce the radiation intensity to 90 %, 50 %, 25 %, and 10 % of its initial value is investigated at an energy of 35.80 keV. The T90 %, T50 %, T25 %, and T10 % values are 0.0020, 0.0132, 0.0264, and 0.0439 cm, respectively. The results suggest that a greater thickness of the radiation barrier is necessary to attain the necessary degree of attenuation.

Severe ocular chemical injury in the UK: a British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit study.

Severe ocular chemical injury is a potentially devastating condition which most commonly affects men of working age. Workplace injuries previously accounted for the majority of incidents, but there has been a recent increase in assaults involving corrosive substances throughout the UK. The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence and demographics of severe ocular chemical injury and describe current surgical management practices. Cases were prospectively ascertained through the British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit monthly reporting system during 2019-21. In total, 20 cases involving 29 eyes met the inclusion criteria. The reported incidence of severe ocular chemical injury during the pre-pandemic period of the study was 0.24 per million. Cases due to alleged assault have become more common than workplace injuries. A total of 81% patients had persistent complications at 6 months requiring ongoing treatment, and 60% patients required surgical intervention. Although there are limitations with the case ascertainment methods, severe ocular chemical injury remains rare within the UK. There has been a proportionate increase in cases related to alleged assault compared with previous similar studies. Amniotic membrane grafting remains the most commonly performed surgical procedure in these patients.

Feasibility and practicality of a simulated placement: an exploratory pilot of a novel training method for postgraduate psychology students in the wake of COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective In 2020, COVID-19 caused a drastic interruption to face-to-face postgraduate psychology placements in Australia, prompting the development of a simulated placement. This pilot project represents a preliminary evaluation of the program by exploring the feasibility of a simulated placement as a novel training modality for competence development in postgraduate psychology training. Method Students enrolled in a simulated postgraduate psychology placement in 2021 completed an online survey at the end of the placement. Acceptability, perceived competency and experience of the placement were assessed. Chi-square goodness of fit tests were used to evaluate the difference between rates of completion and the length of time it took to complete placement requirements between students enrolled in face-to-face placements in 2019 and 2020, and the simulated placement in 2021. Results The results showed an increase in proportion of students who completed the simulated placement than previous face-to-face placements and that students were able to complete training and meet competence in shorter time frames. Students reported increased psychological competency and confidence to practice at the completion of the simulated placement. Conclusions A simulated psychology placement is a novel teaching modality that may be feasible in the development of perceived psychological competence and confidence in postgraduate psychology students.

The importance of intravenous glucose tolerance test glucose stimulus for the evaluation of insulin secretion

For 100 years, the Intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) has been used extensively in researching the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus and AIRg—the IVGTT-induced acute insulin response to the rapid rise in circulating glucose—is a key measure of insulin secretory capacity. For an effective evaluation of AIRg, IVGTT glucose loading should be adjusted for glucose distribution volume (gVOL) to provide an invariant, trend-free immediate rise in circulating glucose (ΔG0). Body weight-based glucose loads have been widely used but whether these achieve a trend-free ΔG0 does not appear to have been investigated. By analysing variation in AIRg, ΔG0 and gVOL with a range of IVGTT loads, both observed and simulated, we explored the hypothesis that there would be an optimum anthropometry-based IVGTT load calculation that, by achieving a trend-free ΔG0, would not compromise evaluation of AIRg as an index of beta cell function. Data derived from patient and research volunteer records for 3806 IVGTT glucose and insulin profiles. Among the non-obese, as gVOL rose, weight increased disproportionately rapidly. Consequently, the IVGTT glucose load needed for an invariant ΔG0 was progressively overestimated, accounting for 47% of variation in AIRg. Among the obese, ΔG0 was trend-free yet AIRg increased by 11.6% per unit body mass index, consistent with a more proportionate increase in weight with gVOL and a hyperinsulinaemic adaptation to adiposity-associated insulin resistance. Simulations further confirmed our hypothesis by demonstrating that a body surface area-based IVGTT load calculation could provide for a more generally invariant IVGTT ΔG0.