Index Parameters Research Articles

The role of second trimester uterine artery Doppler in predicting obstetric and neonatal outcomes in abnormal first trimester maternal serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and free β-human chorionic gonadotropin values.

This study aims to determine whether second-trimester uterine artery (UtA) Doppler combined with first-trimester abnormal pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-Hcg) levels predicts adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes. This study of 289 pregnant women included 196 with normal PAPP-A and free β-HCG values (control group) and 93 with abnormal values (study group) in the first-trimester screening test. Second-trimester UtA Doppler sonography was done in these pregnancies. The perinatal prediction and screening potential of UtA Doppler pulsatility index (PI) parameters were examined in the study group. UtA PI >95 percentile increased birth before the 37th week by 4.46 times, birth before the 34th week by 7.44 times, preeclampsia risk by 3.25 times, fetal growth restriction (FGR) risk by 4.89 times, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission rates by 3.66 times in the study group (p < 0.05 for all). UtA PI >95 percentile had 49.2% sensitivity and 82.1% specificity for birth before 37 weeks. For birth before 34 weeks, sensitivity was 80.0% and specificity 65.0%. FGR has 70.5% sensitivity and 67.1% specificity. Screening for preeclampsia has 66.6% sensitivity and 61.9% specificity. Adding UtA Doppler in the second trimester to pregnancies with abnormal PAPP-A and/or free β-Hcg values in the first trimester may be a useful screening method for adverse outcomes.

Integrating satellite and model data to explore spatial-temporal changes in aerosol optical properties and their meteorological relationships in northwest India

This study aims to analyze the temporal and spatial distribution of Aerosol Optical Properties across Northwest India using aerosol data from MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) and OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) sensors from 2003 to 2022. Therefore, this study investigated the decadal, interannual, and seasonal changes in aerosol optical properties, vegetation index, and meteorological parameters in the northwest Indian region (8 boxes). Using GIOVANNI (Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) Online Visualization and Analysis Infrastructure), we retrieved daily and monthly Aqua and Terra MODIS products of aerosol optical depth (AOD), Angstrom exponent (AE), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and OMI aerosol index (AI) to examine the spatiotemporal variations by using statistical approaches. The results demonstrated that the decadal averages of aerosol properties showed values of AOD 0.35 (Aqua) and 0.34 (Terra) and AE 1.20 (Aqua) and 1.10 (Terra) with the highest levels during the post-monsoon. Notably, the mean interannual concentrations of AOD and NDVI consistently surpass 0.3, and AE and AI exceed 1 in most locations, underscoring the persistence of high aerosol loading. Also, the study revealed a negative decadal change in AOD of about −8.24 %, while AE, AI, and NDVI showed positive decadal changes of about 9.24 %, 15.09 %, and 12.67 %, respectively. In addition, aerosol optical properties and local meteorology strongly correlated (−0.8 to +0.8). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identifies meteorological parameters as significant drivers, with the first three components explaining over 70 % of the variation in aerosol optical properties. The NOAA HYSPLIT trajectory model suggests that the long-distance dust transport from the Arabian Peninsula frequently penetrates Gujarat province and then to northwest India. The results contributed to air quality management strategies and provided valuable insights into regional climate and air quality with the influence of meteorology.

Biology of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on different types of plants feeds: Potency as a pest on various agricultural plants

Abstract Spodoptera frugiperda is a new invasive and highly polyphagous pest that attacks corn in Indonesia. The availability of abundant plant species allows pests to switch to other host plants to maintain their population. The aim of this research is to examine the development, reproduction, nutritional indices, and life table of S. frugiperda in several plant species. The plants tested were corn, rice, broccoli, oil palm, and baby corn as controls. Ten individual insects were used and the experiments were repeated five times for each plant species. The test results show that different types of plant feed affect the development time, imago life span, fecundity, and fertility of S. frugiperda. Baby corn fruit and broccoli had higher net reproduction value (R 0), intrinsic growth rate (r), gross reproduction rate (GRR), shorter mean generation period (T), and population doubling time (DT) than corn and rice leaves. On oil palm leaf feed, no population parameters could be determined because no larvae developed into adults and had the lowest nutritional indices parameters, so that, oil palm could not be exploited as a host plant. Also, the nutritional indices of several feed plant species tested provided information that broccoli could be the most suitable host compared to other plants tested when there was no corn in the field.

Improving the structural, optical, and electrical properties of carboxymethyl cellulose/starch/selenium oxide nanocomposites for flexible electronic devices

Nanocomposites based on biopolymers are interesting materials owing to their multifunctionality and ease of preparation. In this study, the solution casting method was used to mix selenium oxide nanoparticles (SeO2 NP) made by a solvothermal method into a bio-blend of carboxymethyl cellulose and starch (CMC/St). XRD analysis showed that SeO2 NP increased the amorphous portion inside the blend. HR-TEM revealed the spherical morphology of these NP with an average diameter of 16.88 nm. The FE-SEM indicated a satisfactory uniform distribution and homogeneity in the surface morphology of the films. FTIR confirmed the interaction between SeO2 and the blend functional groups. The films preserved good transmission after doping, and their direct and indirect band gaps decreased. The refractive index, absorption index, optical conductivity, and other dispersion parameters were improved after SeO2 loading. The DC conductivity of the blend is in the range of 3.8 × 10−7 to 5.6 × 10−4 S/m and improved after loading SeO2 NP. The IV characteristic curves in the temperature range of 300–415 K were studied to figure out the conduction mechanism in the CMC/St/SeO2 composites. Because the optical and electrical properties improved, these nanocomposites could be used for coatings and other things like waveguides, photovoltaic cells, and light-emitting diodes.

Electrocardiography versus Echocardiography in Severe Aortic Stenosis with the Consideration of Coexistent Coronary Artery Disease.

(1) Background: Coexistent coronary artery disease (CAD) might influence the ability of electrocardiogram (ECG) to identify echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (ECHO-LVH) in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). We aimed to assess the relation between ECG-LVH (by the Sokolov-Lyon or Cornell criteria) and ECHO-LVH considering coexistent CAD. (2) Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 74 patients (36 males) with severe AS who were hospitalized in the University Hospital in Cracow from 2021 to 2022. (3) Results: ECHO-LVH was present in 49 (66%) patients, whereas 35 (47.3%) patients had ECG-LVH. There was no difference between the rate of ECG-LVH in patients with vs. without ECHO-LVH. Single-vessel and multi-vessel CAD were diagnosed by invasive coronary angiography in 18% and 11% of patients, respectively. The sensitivity of the classical ECG-LVH criteria with regard to ECHO-LVH was low, reaching at best 41% for the Sokolov-Lyon and Cornell criteria. The results were similar and lacked a pattern when considering patients without significant stenosis, with single- and multi-vessel disease separately. Correlations between the left ventricular mass index and ECG-derived parameters were weak and present solely for the Lewis index (r = 0.31), R wave's amplitude >1.1 mV in aVL (r = 0.36), as well as the Cornell (r = 0.32) and Sokolov-Lyon (r = 0.31) voltage criteria (p < 0.01). The presence, location of stenoses, and CAD extent were not associated with the presence of either ECHO-LVH or ECG-LVH, irrespective of individual ECG-LVH criteria. (4) Conclusions: The sensitivity of classical ECG criteria for echocardiographic LVH in severe AS is low, regardless of coexistent CAD or its angiographic extent.

Gravitational dark matter from minimal preheating

Following our previous work, we continue to explore gravitational dark matter production during the minimal preheating caused by inflaton self-resonance. In this situation there is only one dimensionless index parameter n characterizing the inflation potential after the end of inflation, which leads to a robust prediction on the gravitational dark matter relic abundance. Using lattice method to handle the non-perturbative evolutions of relevant quantities during the inflaton self-resonance, we derive the gravitational dark matter relic abundance arising from both the inflaton condensate and fluctuation annihilation. While being absent in the large gravitational dark matter mass range for n = 2, the former one can instead dominate over the later one for n = 4, 6. Our results show that gravitational dark matter mass of 1.04 (2.66) × 1014 GeV accommodates the observed value of dark matter relic abundance for n = 4 (6).

Zeta potential and activation energy effects in an EMHD non-Newtonian nanofluid flow over a wedge with Darcy-Forchheimer porous medium

The transmission of mass and heat alters the distinctive of non-Newtonian nanoliquid, which have several applications including extrusion, cooling of metallic plates, transport of biological fluids, coating, heat exchanger technology, and feed roll material movement. Mass and heat transfers in tangential hyperbolic nanoliquid streams via a wedge were analyzed, along with the roles played by Arrhenius activation and electro-magneto-hydrodynamics. Additionally, the impact of Darcy-Forchheimer flow and magnetic fields are considered in this simulation. By choosing suitable similarity variables, the necessary nonlinear partial differential formulation is transformed into nonlinear ODE’s (ordinary differential equations). After that, the equations are solved in Matlab through BVP4c solver. Flow fields, heat and mass transfer primary affecting factors were shown in graphically and discussed. Also, the coefficient of skin friction, Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are also presented graphically in the primary influenced parameters. An escalation in the Weissenberg number causes a decrease in the values of nanoliquids velocity, but an escalation in the power law index parameter causes an enhancement in nanoliquids velocity. If the suction and injection fluid have a zeta potential opposite that of the surface, it may improve interaction and change the boundary layer, thereby decreasing the coefficient of skin friction.

SEMIPARAMETRIC ESTIMATION AND VARIABLE SELECTION FOR SPARSE SINGLE INDEX MODELS IN INCREASING DIMENSION

This paper considers semiparametric sieve estimation in high-dimensional single index models. The use of Hermite polynomials in approximating the unknown link function provides a convenient framework to conduct both estimation and variable selection. The estimation of the index parameter is formulated from solutions obtained by the routine penalized weighted linear regression procedure, where the weights are used in order to tackle the unbounded support of the regressors. The resulting index parameter estimator is shown to be consistent and sparse, and the asymptotic normality for the estimators of both the index parameter and the link function is established. To perform variable selection in the ultra-high dimension case, we further suggest a forward regression screening method, which is shown to enjoy the sure independence screening property. This screening procedure can be used before the penalized variable selection to reduce the burden of dimensionality. Numerical results show that both the variable selection procedures and the associated estimators perform well in finite samples.

Relationship between peri-coronary inflammation and coronary vascular function in patients with suspected coronary artery disease.

In this study, we aim to investigate the relationship between the attenuation of peri-coronary adipose tissue (PCAT) in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) and the assessment of coronary vascular functions using coronary flow reserve (CFR). We included 364 patients who underwent 13N-NH3 positron emission tomography/computed tomography and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). We determined the relationship between fat attenuation index (FAI), PCAT volume, and other qualitative CT-derived anatomic parameters with CFR. We detected a decrease in CFR (<2.5) in 206 (57%) patients. At the patient level, those with reduced CFR showed a significantly higher prevalence of diffused atherosclerosis (41% vs. 23%; P < 0.001) and higher FAI (-75.5 HU vs. -77.1 HU; P = 0.014). In patients without obstructive CAD, FAI was significantly higher in those with reduced CFR (-75.5 HU vs. -77.7 HU, P = 0.026). On the vessel level, 1,092 vessels were analyzed, and 642 (59%) exhibited reduced CFR. The vessels with reduced CFR presented a significantly higher prevalence of obstructive CAD (37% vs. 26%; P < 0.001), diffused atherosclerosis (22% vs. 11%; P < 0.001), low-attenuation plaque (6% vs. 3%; P = 0.030), and positive remodeling (7% vs. 2%; P = 0.001). FAI was higher in vessels with reduced CFR (-80.8 HU vs. -81.8 HU; P = 0.045) than in normal CFR. In the patient-level analysis, obstructive CAD, diffused atherosclerosis, and FAI were independently linked with CFR. FAI was still associated with global CFR after adjusting for traditional risk factors (age, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking). FAI remained independently associated with reduced CFR in patients without obstructive CAD. Coronary perivascular inflammation evaluated by CCTA was independently associated with coronary vascular function. In patients without obstructive CAD, FAI was higher in the presence of reduced CFR. Altogether, FAI can help reveal microcirculatory damage in patients who do not exhibit epicardial artery stenosis.

Dynamic behavior of positron acoustic multiple-solitons in an electron–positron-ion plasma

We explore the dynamic characteristics of positron acoustic multiple-solitons in an unmagnetized plasma containing mobile cold positrons, Kappa-distributed superthermal hot electrons and positrons, and stationary positive ions. This study investigates the overtaking collisional effects, various parametric impacts, and phase shifts in the electron–positron-ion (e-p-i) plasma. Through the reductive perturbation technique, we derived the Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation and the modified Korteweg-de Vries (mKdV) equation. The multiple-soliton solutions (MSS) are then obtained using the simplified Hirota method and Cole-Holf transformation. The investigation shows that the amplitudes and widths of multi-solitons decrease with the increasing hot positron concentration but increase with the increasing hot electron index parameter. The results are expected to help us understand the dynamics of waves propagation in the pulsar magnetosphere, the active galactic nuclei, the quasar’s relativistic jet, the inner region of the accretion disk surrounding a black hole, etc.

Predictors of malnutrition among older residents in Qatari long-term care facilities: a retrospective study

BackgroundMalnutrition is a prevalent issue among older adults in long-term care facilities and is associated with adverse health outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Identifying the predictors of malnutrition in this population is crucial for developing effective intervention strategies. This study aimed to explore the factors contributing to malnourishment among older individuals living in long-term care facilities in Qatar.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 75 older adults from two long-term care facilities (Rumailah Hospital and Enaya Specialized Care Center) in Qatar. Baseline characteristics, including age, sex, length of stay, mortality, weight, body mass index, co-morbidities, and laboratory parameters, were assessed. Data were analyzed using the most recent version of the SPSS software, version 29. Predictors of malnutrition and mortality were identified using logistic regression analysis.ResultsOf the 75 older individuals included in the study, 85% (64) were malnourished. The average age of the participants was 74.89 years, with a standard deviation of 10.21. Of all participants, approximately 61% (46) were males, and 39% (29) were females. Most malnourished older adults were classified as either at “moderate (29.69%)” or “severe risk (37.50%),” according to the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index. Malnourished participants experienced a significant percentage of weight change within 3 months (14.01 ± 7.89); the only statistically significant predictor of malnutrition was the percentage of weight change within 3 months with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.8 (confidence interval [CI] 1.56–14.75) and p-value of 0.006. Statistically significant predictors of mortality were malnutrition (OR 24.84, CI 1.09–564) and age (OR 1.07, CI 1.00–1.14).ConclusionsA significant predictor of malnutrition in older adults identified in this study was the sudden and recent change in weight, which can be employed to detect individuals at risk early and guide tailored interventions. Malnutrition is a significant predictor of mortality. Employing a multidimensional strategy to tackle malnutrition can improve outcomes for the older individuals.

Comparison of Doses to Parotid, Temporomandibular Joint, and Pharyngeal Constrictor Muscles Using Different Techniques in Radiotherapy for Oropharyngeal Cancer.

The purpose of this research was to compare two treatment techniques for oropharyngeal cancers: conventional linac-based static intensity-modulated radiotherapy (sIMRT) and helical tomotherapy (HT). The study examined several parameters, including target coverage, organs at risk, integral dose, and beam on time. Additionally, the study evaluated the doses to the parotid, temporomandibular joint, and pharyngeal constrictor muscles, which are important for swallowing. The present study retrospectively analyzed the data of 13 patients with oropharyngeal cancer who underwent radiotherapy between 2019 and 2021. The treatment plans for each patient were regenerated using both sIMRT and HT treatment planning systems with the sequential boost method. The techniques were evaluated and compared based on dose-volume histogram, homogeneity index, and conformity index parameters. The target coverage and organs at risk were statistically compared for two techniques. Additionally, the doses received by the healthy tissue volume were obtained for integral dose evaluation. The beam on time for each technique was assessed. When considering planning target volume evaluation, there was no difference in Dmeans between the two techniques and sIMRT demonstrated higher D2% values compared to the HT. The HT technique had better results for all organs at risk, such as the parotid, temporomandibular joint, and pharyngeal constrictor muscle. As for integral dose, it has been shown that the sIMRT technique provides better protection compared to HT. In addition, the beam on time was also longer with the HT technique. Both techniques may provide optimal target coverage for patients with oropharyngeal cancer. HT conferred notable advantages, especially with regard to critical structures implicated in swallowing, such as the parotid, temporomandibular joint, and pharyngeal constrictor muscle, in comparison to sIMRT.

The influence of lifestyle and biological factors on semen variability

PurposeSemen parameters are subjected to within-individual variability over time. The driving factors for this variability are likely multi-factorial, with healthier lifestyle associated with better semen quality. The extent in which variations in individual’s lifestyle contributes to within-individual semen variability is unknown.MethodsA total of 116 repeat semen samples from 29 men aged 19–37 over 6 months were collected. Basic semen analysis as per 5th WHO manual and extended semen parameters (sperm DNA fragmentation, redox potential and lipid peroxidation, sperm binding to hyaluronan and hyperactive motility) were assessed. An additional 39 lifestyle/biological factors (weight, blood pressure, etc.) were collected at each sample including validated health questionnaires SF36 Health Status, Australian Recommend Food Score, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire.ResultsOnly 10 out of the 39 lifestyle factors varied within men across samples including age (P = 0.0024), systolic blood pressure (P = 0.0080), social functioning (P = 0.0340), energy (P = 0.0069), non-alcoholic caffeinated beverages (P = 0.0010), and nutrition (P < 0.0001). The only semen parameter that varied between collections was sperm morphology (coefficient of variation 23.8 (6.1–72.0), P < 0.05). We only observed weak (r < 0.3) to moderate (r > 0.3– < 0.6) correlations between lifestyle factors, including body mass index, waist circumference, nutrition, exercise, blood pressure and semen parameters including sperm count, progressive motility, and sperm DNA fragmentation (P < 0.05).ConclusionIn healthy men from the general population, semen quality and associated lifestyle factors do not significantly vary over 6 months, indicating that one semen sample is likely sufficient for determining male fertility in this population.

NaCl Kaynaklı Tuz Stresinin Lotus corniculatus L. cv. 'Leo'nun Çimlenmesi ve İlk Fide Büyümesi Üzerindeki Etkisi

Lotus corniculatus L. is one of the agronomically and economically important perennial legume forage species with moderately salt-tolerant. It is well known that even the cultivars of the same species in plants have different responses in salinity. However, studies on the salt response of L. corniculatus and its cultivars, which are more advantageous than other forage crops such as white clover (Trifolium repens) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), in the use of marginal agricultural lands affected by abiotic stress factors such as salinity, are limited. Under salt stress, the most crucial phases of the plant life cycle that are directly related to the survival of the plant are seed germination, growth, and vigour. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the germination and growth responses of L. corniculatus cultivar 'Leo', which is known to have higher tannin content than other cultivars, under NaCl-derived salt stress in vitro. For this purpose, L. corniculatus seeds were cultured in MS (Murashige and Skoog/Gamborg) medium containing 0, 40, and 80 mM NaCl for 14 days. Seed germination percentage, mean germination time, germination rate index, shoot-root length, root to shoot length ratio, shoot-root fresh dry weight, shoot-root dry matter, the ratio of root to shoot dry matter, shoot-root water content and seedling vigour index parameters were measured. According to the results of the research, the germination percentage did not change in the applied NaCl treatments, but the germination rate decreased. However, shoot length decreased and root length increased. Although there was no statistically significant change in shoot and root fresh-dry weight, both decreased in 80 mM NaCl treatment. The shoot and root dry matter increased and the water content decreased. Also, the seedling viability index decreased. In 40 mM NaCl treatment, on the other hand, there was an increase in shoot fresh-dry weight, dry matter ratio and seedling viability index with the positive effect of low dose. Within the scope of this study, comprehensive information was presented for L. corniculatus (cultivar 'Leo'), an important forage plant, in terms of germination and seedling growth under salt stress.

Impact of clay nano-material and glass fiber on the efficacy of traditional soil stabilization technique

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the simultaneous effect of Nanoclay (NC) and Glass Fiber (GF) on improving the effectiveness of conventional soil stabilization approach. To this end, the Strength Improvement Factor (SIF) and Durability Index (DI) parameters were evaluated for marl soil stabilized with 6 % lime and varying contents of NC and GF after 7 and 28 days of curing, considering up to 8 Freeze-Thaw (F-T) cycles. The findings demonstrate that the compounds exhibit effective interlocking bonds as a result of the presence of GF and NC, as confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses. Moreover, the addition of 1 % NC and 0.75 % GF is observed to effectively improve the efficiency of lime-stabilized marl through chemical, physical and mechanical means, thus yielding higher SIF and DI values.

Impact of frailty, biomarkers and basic biochemical parameters on outcomes of comatose patients in status epilepticus: a single-center prospective pilot study

BackgroundStatus epilepticus (SE) is a severe acute condition in neurocritical care with high mortality. Searching for risk factors affecting the prognosis in SE remains a significant issue. The primary study’s aim was to test the predictive values of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and the Modified 11-item Frailty Index (mFI-11), the biomarkers and basic biochemical parameters collected at ICU on the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) assessed at hospital discharge (hosp), and three months later (3 M), in comatose patients with SE. The secondary aim was to focus on the association between the patient’s state at admission and the duration of mechanical ventilation, the ICU, and hospital stay.MethodsIn two years single-centre prospective pilot study enrolling 30 adult neurocritical care patients with SE classified as Convulsive SE, A.1 category according to the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Task Force without an-/hypoxic encephalopathy, we evaluated predictive powers of CFS, mFI-11, admission Status Epilepticus Severity Score (STESS), serum protein S100, serum Troponin T and basic biochemical parameters on prognosticating GOS using univariate linear regression, logistic regression and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis.ResultsOur study included 60% males, with a mean age of 57 ± 16 years (44–68) and a mean BMI of 27 ± 5.6. We found CFS, mFI-11, STESS, and age statistically associated with GOS at hospital discharge and three months later. Among the biomarkers, serum troponin T level affected GOS hosp (p = 0.027). Serum C-reactive protein significance in prognosticating GOS was found by logistic regression (hosp p = 0.008; 3 M p = 0.004), and serum calcium by linear regression (hosp p = 0.028; 3 M p = 0.015). In relation to secondary outcomes, we found associations between the length of hospital stay and each of the following: age (p = 0.03), STESS (p = 0.009), and serum troponin T (p = 0.029) parameters.ConclusionsThis pilot study found promising predictive powers of two frailty scores, namely CFS and mFI-11, which were comparable to age and STESS predictors regarding the GOS at hospital discharge and three months later in ICU patients with SE. Among biomarkers and biochemical parameters, only serum troponin T level affected GOS at hospital discharge.

P1106 Is indoor radon associated with new diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease patients?

Abstract Background Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) are a group of pathologies of unknown etiology associated with some environmental factors, only partially identified. The role of indoor radon, a radioactive gas, has not been formally studied and it might play a role on the onset of the disease. The aim of this study is to analyze the role of individual residential radon exposure on the incidence of IBD in a radon-prone area also characterized as a high incidence IBD region. Methods A case-control study was developed in the health area of Santiago de Compostela (Galicia, Spain) between June 2020 and September 2023, including incident cases with IBD. Controls were selected trough a frequency matching based on sex and age and without IBD. All participants had to be living at least 5 years in the same dwelling, those with a change of address in the last 5 years prior to diagnosis were excluded. Endoscopic index, imaging techniques and analytic parameters were collected. Radon levels measured over three months in the participants’ home were compared between cases and controls, and between the different types of IBD. Each individual was provided with a residential radon meter (a RSKS trace detector), given and read by the Galician Radon Laboratory, a certified radon laboratory. Procedure is summarized in Figure 1. Radon concentrations were categorized into three groups, 0-99 Bq/m3, 100-299 Bq/m3 and &amp;gt;299 Bq/m3. Results are expressed as Odds Ratios with their 95%CI obtained through logistic regression. Results 178 incident cases and 178 controls (102 ulcerative colitis, 70 Crohn’s disease and 6 unclassified colitis) were included, with a median age of 51 years old (IQR 40 – 59.5). 51.7% were females. Median radon levels of IBD patients´ homes were 144.5 (IQR 83 – 260) and median radon levels of controls´ homes were 189.5 (IQR 112 – 292.5) (figure 1). Adjusting by age and sex, high radon levels showed a negative association for the development of IBD (taking levels of 0-99 Bq/m3 as reference, OR 100-299 Bq/m3 is 0.5 (95%CI 0.3-0.8), and OR &amp;gt;299 Bq/m3 is 0.5 (95%CI 0.3-0.9). Results are shown in table 1. Analyzing women and men separately, there are no statistically significant differences (p&amp;gt;0.05 in each group). Taking into account the different types of IBD, radon levels show the same negative association but without statistical association. Conclusion High radon levels might be a protective factor for developing IBD overall and its most common types, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Further studies in other areas with lower radon concentrations will be necessary to corroborate whether it influences the incidence of IBD.

P700 The efficacy of adalimumab combined with surgery for rectovaginal fistula in Crohn's disease：a single-center retrospective study

Abstract Background To assess the efficacy of adalimumab(ADA)combined with surgery in the treatment of Crohn's disease patients with rectovaginal fistulas. Methods A single-center retrospective study. The baseline data of patients with Crohn’s rectovaginal fistulas who visited the Anorectal Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to July 2022 and accepted ADA combined with surgery treatment were included. Crohn’s disease Activity Index(CDAI), perianal disease activity index(PDAI) and inflammatory parameters, including Erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR) and C-reactive protein(CRP), were statistically analyzed at weeks0, 48. Follow-up was performed every 8 weeks. The outcomes included clinical response, clinical remission, fistula response, fistula remission, fistula remission under MRI, endoscopic response and endoscopic remission. Results A total of 43 RVF patients were included, 53.4% (23/43) patients were treated with Seton,44.1% (19/43) patients were treated with Advancement flap and 2.3%(1/43) patient was treated with Fecal diversion, with a median follow-up of 11.0 (2.5-15.0) months. After 48 weeks of treatment, CDAI[325(262,397)vs.197(134,396)], PDAI[8(6,9) vs. 5(3,6)], ESR[31(8,50) mm/h vs. 10(4,28)mm/h]and CRP[4.62(0.85, 14.45)mg/L vs.0.5(0.5,2.14)mg/L] were significantly lower than 0 week (Table 1) . CDAI, PDAI, ESR and CRP at the 48th week of treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (p&amp;lt;0.05). At the last follow-up, 62.7%(27/43) patients achieved clinical response, 30.2%(13/43) achieved clinical remission. Meanwhile 69.7%(30/43) of patients achieved fistula response,32.5%(14/43) achieved fistula remission(Table 2),and 25.5%(11/43) achieved fistula remission under MRI; A total of 37 patients completed endoscopic re-examination, including 54.0% (20/37) of patients with endoscopic response and 24.3%(9/37) with endoscopic remission. Conclusion ADA combined with surgery is effective in the treatment of patients with Crohn’s rectovaginal fistulas.

Coronary microvascular dysfunction: prevalence and aetiology in patients with suspected myocardial ischaemia

To evaluate the prevalence, aetiology, and corresponding morbidity of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in patients with suspected myocardial ischaemia. The present study included 115 patients with suspected myocardial ischaemia who underwent stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. CMD was assessed visually based on the myocardial perfusion results. The CMR-derived myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI) and left ventricular (LV) strain parameters obtained using the post-processing software CVI42 were employed to evaluate LV myocardial perfusion and deformation. LV strain parameters included global longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain (GLS, GCS, and GRS), global systolic/diastolic longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain rates (SLSR, SCSR, SRSR, DLSR, DCSR, and DRSR). Of the 115 patients, 12 patients were excluded and 103 patients were finally included in the study. CMD was observed in 79 % (81 patients, aged 53±12 years) of patients. Regarding aetiology, 91 (88 %) patients had non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), eight (8 %) had obstructive CAD, and four (4 %) had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The incidence of CMD was highest (100 %) in patients with HCM, followed by those with non-obstructive CAD (up to 79 %). There were no statistical differences between CMD and non-CMD groups in GCS, GRS, GLS, SRSR, SCSR, SLSR, DCSR, DRSR and DLSR. The incidence of CMD was higher in patients with signs and symptoms of ischaemia. CMD occurred with non-obstructive CAD, obstructive CAD, and HCM, with the highest prevalence of CMD in HCM.

Evaluation of the Anti-inflammatory Effect of Aqueous Extract of Pistacia atlantica Gum in an Experimental Model of Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Immunosuppressive drugs and various salicylates improve the disease activity index in individuals with ulcerative colitis. Nonetheless, drug resistance and the side effects of these medications drive researchers toward designing studies to find complementary alternatives. Natural compounds, especially derivatives from medicinal plants, hold a special place as supplements. This study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract of Pistacia atlantica gum in an experimental model of ulcerative colitis. Materials and Methods: In this study, 20 male BALB/c mice were assigned to four equal groups. The first group served as the healthy control (negative control), the second group represented untreated colitis (positive control), the third group underwent treatment with the aqueous extract of Pistacia atlantica gum, and the fourth group was treated with mesalazine. Ulcerative colitis was induced in all treatment groups except the negative control by using 100 microliters of 4% acetic acid administered intrarectally. The treatment regimen was initiated on the 10th day of post-ulcerative colitis induction and the manifestation of disease symptoms. A week after the final treatment, the mice were euthanized, and various parameters, including levels of myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and genes, such as iNOS and COX-2, were evaluated. Results: The results indicated that treatment with the aqueous extract of Pistacia atlantica gum significantly decreased the activity of myeloperoxidase (P&lt;0.01), nitric oxide (P&lt;0.05), splenic cell proliferation (P&lt;0.05), expression, and production of inflammatory cytokines, (P&lt;0.05) for IL-1 ß, (P&lt;0.01) for IL-6, and (P&lt;0.01) for TNF-α compared to the positive control group (untreated colitis). Conclusion: As evidenced by the results of this study, it appears that the aqueous extract of Pistacia atlantica gum possesses desirable anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially reduce the disease activity index and inflammatory parameters in the experimental model of ulcerative colitis. Therefore, following further supplementary experiments, it could potentially serve as a complementary therapeutic agent alongside conventional medications for the treatment of patients suffering from ulcerative colitis.