Mean Value Of Index Research Articles

Development of a questionnaire for identifying autoaggressive and heteroaggressive tendencies in adolescents

Introduction. Among the leading causes of deaths in young people aged 15-29, interpersonal violence is the third most common cause, and suicide – the fourth one. Autoaggression and heteroaggression are considered as interrelated phenomena conditioned to a great extent by biological and personality factors. For more effective diagnostics, it is important to pay attention not only to the psychological characteristics of the adolescent but also to the social aspects of his/her life. The aim of the study was to develop a questionnaire for identifying autoaggressive and heteroaggressive tendencies in adolescents. Materials and methods. A total of 606 respondents took part in the study – 58.8% girls and 41.2% boys. The respondents’ ages ranged from 13 to 19. Autoaggressive tendencies were investigated using the Suicidal Behaviour Questionnaire. Aggressive behaviour was assessed using the Bass-Perry Aggression Questionnaire. Due factors were identified using the principal components method. The reliability was confirmed by Cronbach’s α coefficient; the validity was verified by Pearson correlation coefficient. Results. A proprietary questionnaire was developed to identify autoaggressive and heteroaggressive tendencies in adolescents. Target indicator responses were set for each measured parameter (levels of heteroaggression and autoaggression) amidst all possible answers to the questionnaire. The overall arithmetic score was a basis for calculating the autoaggression and heteroaggression indexes. The mean value of the autoaggression index was 7.7841. The distribution of answers showed that 19.5% of the respondents had an autoaggression index value of 12 and higher, which determined the choice of this value as the limit of the norm. The proven correlation between predisposition to aggression and increased risk of suicidal behaviour allows using the index of 20% to assess the prevalence of heteroaggressive tendencies in the population. The mean value of the heteroaggression index was 9.0767. The heteroaggression index value was 13 and higher in 19.7% of the respondents, which determined the choice of this value as the limit of the norm. Besides, it is necessary to take into account that, when completing the questionnaire, the respondent tends to give socially approved answers. Therefore, a person who scored 0 is included in the risk group. Conclusions. The sociological method makes it possible to identify the most disadvantaged groups that need preventive and corrective work. The developed questionnaire allows a school psychologist or a class teacher to assess the prevalence of certain tendencies in the class and to individualise help at the next stage.

Platelet Indices: Predicting Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder, characterized by insulin resistance and varying degrees of hyperglycemia, leading to several macrovascular and microvascular complications. In recent years, altered platelet morphology and dysfunctions are reported in patients with T2DM. Platelet indices, namely plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW), can predict altered platelet morphology and dysfunction which leads to microvascular complications, such as retinopathy. Aims: This study was aimed at comparing platelet indices in individuals with impaired fasting glucose, T2DM patients, and also in patients with retinopathy; and to determine any association between them. Study Settings, Design, Material, Methods, and Statistical Analysis: A cross-sectional observational study was undertaken on 200 patients attending diabetic OPD of our institution over a period of 18 months. The obtained data were analyzed using suitable statistical software. Results: We found that mean values of platelet indices (MPV, PCT, PDW) are significantly higher in diabetics (11.73 fl, 0.238%, 17.01 fl) than in persons with impaired fasting glucose (9 fl, 0.195%, 11.23 fl). Moreover, they are significantly higher in patients with retinopathy (12.54 fl, 0.257%, 19.05 fl) than in patients without retinopathy (10.21 fl, 0.205%, 13.29 fl). We also found a positive correlation between platelet indices and HbA1C. Conclusion: Platelet indices can easily determine platelet dysfunction and thereby can predict the presence of retinopathy. They may serve as economical and readily available tool in monitoring diabetic patients.

Individuation of a cut-off value of triglyceride-glucose index for incident diabetes mellitus in patients with essential hypertension.

The prevalence of obesity and diabetes, risk factors for atherosclerotic vascular diseases, is increasing worldwide; therefore, it is desirable to early identify them to reduce cardiovascular events. Thus, we investigated whether the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index), a new marker of insulin resistance, is associated with incident diabetes in patients with newly diagnosed arterial hypertension. We selected 585 patients with newly diagnosed arterial hypertension referred to our tertiary Clinic of Catanzaro University Hospital for the evaluation of their cardiometabolic risk profile. None of the patients had diabetes mellitus at enrollment and took any drug known to affect glucose metabolism. Patients underwent medical history collection, clinical examination and laboratory tests. The TyG index was calculated as the ln [fasting TG (mg/dl) × FPG (mg/dl)/2], as previously suggested. During the follow-up [mean 8.5years (range 3.1-10.7)], there were 78 new cases of incident diabetes (1.57% patient-year). Patients who developed diabetes mellitus were older and had a higher body mass index (BMI), baseline blood pressure, fasting glucose, insulin, homeostatis model sssessment (HOMA) index, triglyceride, creatinine and hs-CRP mean values, while estimated glomerular filtration rate values were lower. At the Cox regression analysis, covariates significantly associated with incident diabetes were: BMI (HR = 2.842, 95%CI = 2.299-3.514), TyG index (HR = 2.392, 95%CI = 1.745-3.192), age (HR = 1.944, 95%CI = 1.527-2.474), hs-CRP (HR = 1.409, 95%CI = 1.153-1.722), and HOMA (HR = 1.325, 95%CI = 1,079-1.756). The best estimated cut-off value of TyG index in predicting diabetes was 4.71. In addition, we documented a significant relationship between TyG index and HOMA (r = 0.575; p < 0.0001). Present data demonstrate that TyG index, a simple and cost-effective marker of insulin resistance, is useful in predicting incident diabetes in patients with arterial hypertension.

Interaction and combined effect of triglyceride-glucose index and hypertension ontype 2 diabetesindividuals'peripheral arterial disease risk.

The interaction and combined effect of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, an alternative parameter of insulin resistance, along with hypertension (HT), on the risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a specific type of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) seems straightforward. However, specific research on this topic remains scarce. In this cross-sectional study, 2027 adult participants with T2D were devided into four groups based on the mean values of TyG index and various blood pressure parameters along with its category. Binary logistic regression, interaction analysis, combined effect size, and goodness-of-fit of the constructed models were performed. The TyG index's individual effect and it's combined effect with HT, or higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) or higher mean arterial pressure in patients with T2D correlated with a higher PAD risk respectively (odds ratio [OR], 0.50, [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.28-0.89]; OR, 0.32, [95% CI 0.12-0.90]; OR, 0.35, [95% CI 0.13-0.94]; OR, 0.35, [95% CI 0.12-0.98], respectively). Only an interaction effect exists between the TyG index and SBP (multiplicative interaction{INTM}: 1.02 [1.002, 1.038]). Combining them can significantly improve the accuracy of predicting PAD (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve {AUC}MAX = 0.7, AUCModel3 + TyG index + SBP-AUCModel3 = 0.027). All P values were < 0.05. This study suggested that TyG index and hypertension, as well as their combined and interaction effect were significantly correlated with the risk of PAD in T2D individuals.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Exotic Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Varieties Using Three Molecular Markers.

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is a biennial herb belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. It contributes to approximately 30% of the world's total sucrose production and is an economically important crop. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity and population structure of 132 exotic sugar beet varieties using three molecular makers: four pairs of simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers, three pairs of insertion-deletion sequence (InDel) primers, and 20 cis-element amplification polymorphism (CEAP) primers. The results indicated that the number of alleles (Na) was 298, among which the number of effective alleles (Ne) was 182.426 (accounting for approximately 61.2%). The mean value of the genetic diversity index was 0.836. The polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.639-0.907 (mean = 0.819), indicating a high level of polymorphism. These sugar beet varieties were classified into six clusters using the UPGMA method of cluster analysis. Population structure analysis revealed that the most ideal K value was 6. This indicated that the test materials could be divided into six categories, consistent with the clustering results. The clustering results indicated that most sugar beet varieties from the same breeding company clustered together, and the genetic distance between them was small, indicating that they may share the same male and/or female parent. Some varieties from different companies clustered together, indicating a narrow genetic base and potential exchange of germplasm resources between breeding companies. This study revealed the genetic differences among exotic sugar beet varieties and characteristics of the population structure. It provided a scientific basis for the identification of sugar beet varieties and markers-assisted breeding in China in the future.

Characterization of the Major Elements and Paleoenvironmental Significance of the Shiyang Profile in the Weinan Basin, China

The enrichment and migration patterns of different chemical elements record paleoclimatic information in loess formations. The chemical elemental measurements of 245 samples from the Shiyang profile in the Weinan Region were compared with the geochemical characteristics of typical wind-formed profiles, and the paleoclimatic evolution was discussed. The results showed the following: (1) the standardized curves of the cumulative concentrations of SiO2, Al2O3, and CaO along with the Upper Continental Crust (UCC) in the Shiyang profile exhibited significant similarities with typical wind-formed profiles. This strongly suggests that the Shiyang profile has a wind-formed origin. (2) The mean value of the chemical index of alteration (CIA) of the Shiyang profile is 62.06, indicating that the Shiyang profile has been in the stage of primary chemical weathering. (3) The ratios of K2O/Al2O3, TiO2/Al2O3, and Fe2O3/Al2O3 in the Shiyang profile are comparable to those found in typical wind-formed profiles, suggesting a common source area and supporting the premise that the Shiyang profile is of wind-induced origin.(4) The regional climate has undergone a series of transitions: from a dry and cool phase in the early Holocene to warm and humid yet unstable conditions in the middle Holocene, and returning to dry and cool during the late Holocene.

Screening of drought tolerance indices for selection of resistance wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) landraces under drought stress conditions

Abstract During the cropping season 2016-2017, an experiment was conducted in a split plot design to study the response of 25 wheat genotypes to drought stress under irrigated and minimal irrigation conditions. Different drought tolerance indices for 25 bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes were evaluated. The calculation drought tolerance indices was based on the grain yield of wheat under irrigated and water stress conditions. The result indicated a significant effect of drought stress on the yield of different wheat genotypes based on mean values of different drought tolerance indices. Among the studied different indices, mean productivity (MP), stress tolerance index (STI), and geometric mean productivity (GMP) were more efficient to discriminate between drought sensitive and drought tolerant genotypes based on the calculation of correlation coefficient and multivariate analysis. Twenty-five genotypes were classified into tolerant and susceptible groups through drought tolerance indices using cluster analysis. Among the genotypes, C-306, WH 1236, WH 1235, and GW 477 having higher yields under drought conditions which showing their stability under stress conditions. The most yield stable genotypes under adverse environment were identified by multivariate analysis of drought tolerance indices individually or in combination. From the result, we concluded that GMP, MP and STI are more efficient drought tolerance indices among other indices to identify stable genotypes under stress conditions.

Revealing the Genetic Differentiation of Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout 1769) Populations by Analyzing Two Mitochondrial Markers

Rattus norvegicus (Brown rat) has a great importance for public health and economy because it lives in close association with human populations. However, molecular systematic studies on global populations of R. norvegicus are very few. In this study, sequences obtained from Europe, Asia, Africa, and America regions were analyzed using mitochondrial Cytochrome-b and Cytochrome oxidase-I gene regions and genetic differentiation levels between these populations were revealed. Accordingly, samples belonging to the studied populations did not split in Bayesian Inference trees and Median-joining networks; these samples also formed common haplotypes, and mean genetic distance and fixation index values were generally low. The results of the study showed that gene flow between these populations may be continuing due to the transportation activity by humans.

8102 Hyperandrogenism and its Influence on Emotional and Social Development in Adolescent Daughters of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract Disclosure: J.P. del Rio: None. R. Gonzalo: None. M. Maliqueo: None. B. Echiburu: None. A. Ladron de Guevara: None. P. Gaspar: None. M. Alejandro: None. N.R. Crisosto: None. Introduction: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine disorder in adolescents. PCOS is characterized by hyperandrogenism, which can modulate brain maturation, especially in highly neuronal plasticity periods, such as intra-uterine life and adolescence. Daughters of women with PCOS (dPCOS) will probably be exposed to hyperandrogenism during these two periods. However, the effects of hyperandrogenism on psychosocial development have not yet been fully characterized. Objectives: To characterize the consequences of hyperandrogenism in the emotional status and social cognition (SC) on dPCOS. Methods/Design: Analytical cross-sectional study. dPCOS and controls between 12 to 25 years old were recruited. Participants underwent a complete clinical evaluation, serum hormone determinations (including total testosterone, SHBG, androstenedione, 17-OH-progesterone, and OGTT-I with 4 collections (0’-30’-90’-120´)) and ovarian ultrasound characterization. Emotional status and SC were estimated by measurements of affects (PANAS), strength and difficulties (SDQ), self-reported empathy (EQ/SQ and AQ), and gaze patterns measurement via Eye-Tracking (while completing an emotional recognition task). Results: 33 participants were recruited, 15 cases and 18 controls. Median age was 17 and 18 years, respectively. The dPCOS presented a larger anogenital distance (cm) (9.7 vs 7.8; p=0.014), Ferryman-Gallwey score mean (13.0 vs 2.0; p=&amp;lt;0.001) and free androgen index value (7.5 vs 4.1; p=0.004), suggesting hyperandrogenism exposure during intrauterine and adolescence periods. Regarding emotional status and SC, dPCOS exhibited a predominantly negative affective status (PANAS 8.0 vs 2.0, p=0.049) and a higher score in socio-emotional problems (SDQ 2,5 vs 1,5; p=0,047). The eye-tracking registration showed that dPCOS presented a longer time to first fixation in areas of interest (s) (0,35 vs 0,28; p=0,037), which was associated with a worse endpoint in emotional recognition (aR2=-0,920; f=19,48; Pr &amp;gt;|t|=&amp;lt;0,049). Furthermore, the 2D:4D ratio (intrauterine marker of androgen exposure) and insulin levels at 60’ were correlated with a predominance of negative affects (rho=0,51; p=0,019 and rho= -0,48; p=0,035), and 2D:4D ratio was also correlated with less prosocial behaviors (coef=-2,39; P&amp;gt;|t|=0,049). Conclusions: Clinical and hormonal markers suggest that dPCOS are exposed to hyperandrogenism during the most critical neuroplasticity periods. This exposure is associated with a predominance of negative affects, more social-emotional difficulties and worse performance on emotional recognition and prosocial behavior. Considering PCOS patient’s elevated psychiatric comorbidity, early mental health intervention becomes crucial, underscoring the necessity for in-depth study on hyperandrogenism's impacts on psychosocial development. Presentation: 6/3/2024

8102 Hyperandrogenism and its Influence on Emotional and Social Development in Adolescent Daughters of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract Disclosure: J.P. del Rio: None. R. Gonzalo: None. M. Maliqueo: None. B. Echiburu: None. A. Ladron de Guevara: None. P. Gaspar: None. M. Alejandro: None. N.R. Crisosto: None. Introduction: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine disorder in adolescents. PCOS is characterized by hyperandrogenism, which can modulate brain maturation, especially in highly neuronal plasticity periods, such as intra-uterine life and adolescence. Daughters of women with PCOS (dPCOS) will probably be exposed to hyperandrogenism during these two periods. However, the effects of hyperandrogenism on psychosocial development have not yet been fully characterized. Objectives: To characterize the consequences of hyperandrogenism in the emotional status and social cognition (SC) on dPCOS. Methods/Design: Analytical cross-sectional study. dPCOS and controls between 12 to 25 years old were recruited. Participants underwent a complete clinical evaluation, serum hormone determinations (including total testosterone, SHBG, androstenedione, 17-OH-progesterone, and OGTT-I with 4 collections (0’-30’-90’-120´)) and ovarian ultrasound characterization. Emotional status and SC were estimated by measurements of affects (PANAS), strength and difficulties (SDQ), self-reported empathy (EQ/SQ and AQ), and gaze patterns measurement via Eye-Tracking (while completing an emotional recognition task). Results: 33 participants were recruited, 15 cases and 18 controls. Median age was 17 and 18 years, respectively. The dPCOS presented a larger anogenital distance (cm) (9.7 vs 7.8; p=0.014), Ferryman-Gallwey score mean (13.0 vs 2.0; p=&amp;lt;0.001) and free androgen index value (7.5 vs 4.1; p=0.004), suggesting hyperandrogenism exposure during intrauterine and adolescence periods. Regarding emotional status and SC, dPCOS exhibited a predominantly negative affective status (PANAS 8.0 vs 2.0, p=0.049) and a higher score in socio-emotional problems (SDQ 2,5 vs 1,5; p=0,047). The eye-tracking registration showed that dPCOS presented a longer time to first fixation in areas of interest (s) (0,35 vs 0,28; p=0,037), which was associated with a worse endpoint in emotional recognition (aR2=-0,920; f=19,48; Pr &amp;gt;|t|=&amp;lt;0,049). Furthermore, the 2D:4D ratio (intrauterine marker of androgen exposure) and insulin levels at 60’ were correlated with a predominance of negative affects (rho=0,51; p=0,019 and rho= -0,48; p=0,035), and 2D:4D ratio was also correlated with less prosocial behaviors (coef=-2,39; P&amp;gt;|t|=0,049). Conclusions: Clinical and hormonal markers suggest that dPCOS are exposed to hyperandrogenism during the most critical neuroplasticity periods. This exposure is associated with a predominance of negative affects, more social-emotional difficulties and worse performance on emotional recognition and prosocial behavior. Considering PCOS patient’s elevated psychiatric comorbidity, early mental health intervention becomes crucial, underscoring the necessity for in-depth study on hyperandrogenism's impacts on psychosocial development. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Evaluating the spatiotemporal land ecological changes in the Yangtze-to-Huaihe Water Diversion Project area.

As a fundamental component of human existence, land is inextricably linked to human development, and its ecological functions are closely associated with multiple sustainable development goals. This paper presents a framework for constructing and optimizing ecological function space, with the Yangtze-to-Huaihe Water Diversion Project area serving as a case study. A comprehensive land ecological index system is established, encompassing natural foundation, land degradation, land production, ecological structure, and ecological protection. An identity-discrepancy-contrary connection method is employed to investigate changes in regional land ecological functions before (2013) and during (2017, 2020, and 2022) the project's construction based on remote sensing data. The results indicated that the mean values of the land ecological index for each period were 0.1883, 0.1981, 0.2253, and 0.1370, respectively. The study calculated the connection, differences, and contradictions in the land ecological impacts across the counties, revealing a gradual decrease in differences and a growing prominence of contradictions. The land ecology of the Yangtze-to-Huaihe Water Diversion Project area is affected by the project construction, particularly within the construction area, showing an overall improvement. Most counties exhibited a trend of ecological improvement compared to the land ecology before the project's construction. However, after the project implementation, most districts demonstrated a trend of ecological deterioration. As the distance from the construction canal increases, the characteristics of each section and stage vary, generally exhibiting an exponential decrease in the land ecological index. The study highlighted the significance of enhancing the land ecological pattern, improving water quality, increasing water supply along the project, and alleviating groundwater overexploitation. The study can serve as a reference for land ecological protection and restoration in water transfer areas and river basins worldwide.

Clinical utility of novel anthropometric indices in identifying type 2 diabetes mellitus among South African adult females.

To assess the clinical utility of novel anthropometric indices and other traditional anthropometric indices in identifying the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) among South African adult females. In the first South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1), traditional [body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR)] and novel [a-body shape index (ABSI), abdominal volume index (AVI), body adiposity index (BAI), body roundness index (BRI), conicity index (CI), and Clínica Universidad de Navarra-Body Adiposity Estimator (CUN-BAE)] anthropometric indices were assessed. T2D was diagnosed using glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5% among participants without known T2D. Basic statistics and multiple regression analyses were explored the association between anthropometric indices and newly diagnosed T2D. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to measure the predictive ability of both traditional and novel indices. Among 2 623 participants, 384 (14.6%) had newly diagnosed T2D. All anthropometric indices mean values were significantly higher among participants with T2D (most p < 0.001). Higher mean values increased T2D odds e.g., in the model adjusted for age, employment, residence, and population group, odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for T2D with some of anthropometric indices were: 1.86 (1.60-2.15) for WC, 1.84 (1.59-2.13) for WHtR, 1.73 (1.51-1.99) for AVI, 1.71 (1.49-1.96) for BRI and 1.86 (1.57-2.20) for CUN-BAE. The top quartile for all indices had the highest T2D odds (p < 0.05). These outcomes were the highest for WC, AVI, and CUN-BAE and remained so even after removing the confounding effects of age, employment, population group, and residence. Based on the ROC analysis, none of the anthropometrical indices performed excellently (i.e., had an area under the curve [AUC] > 0.80). The WC, WHtR, AVI, BRI, and CUN-BAE, however, performed acceptably (AUCs 0.70-0.79), while also exhibiting corresponding cutoff values of 86.65cm, 0.57, 15.52, 3.83, and 38.35, respectively. The data shows that traditional and novel anthropometric indices similarly identifying newly diagnosed T2D among adult South African females. We recommend the continuing the use of traditional indices, as they are affordable and easy to use in our setting.

Does body surface area of children affect the oral health?

To evaluate relationship between oral health and body surface area among children. The observational, cross-sectional study was conducted from January to February /2022 after approval from the ethics review committee of the College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq, and comprised children of either gender aged 6-8 years who were randomly selected from primary schools in the city. Body surface area was calculated geometrically using different formulas, and the DuBois formula was used to make the intervals. The estimated body surface area values were broadly divided into four intervals: 0.8-0.9, >0.9-1.0, >1.0-1.1, >1.1. Dental caries was examined using the World Health Organisation criteria related to decayed, missed and filled teeth and surfaces for primary and permanent teeth. Dental plaque and gingival health status were measured using plaque and gingival indices. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. There were 240 subjects. There was no significant difference in terms of mean body surface area intervals of decayed, missed and filled teeth and surfaces for primary and permanent teeth (p>0.05). The mean values of gingival index showed significant differences across body surface area intervals (p<0.05). Mean plaque index values showed no significant differences (p>0.05). No relationship between body surface area and caries experience of primary and permanent teeth was found. However, increasing the body surface area increased gingival inflammation.

Histopathology based study of Nile tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) as a biomarker for water pollution evaluation in the southern gulf of Lake Tana, Ethiopia

In the past decade, the increasing distribution of pollutants in the aquatic environment has been observed, causing integrative effects on fish. Likewise, due to anthropogenic activities, the southern gulf of Lake Tana is an impacted region, and the production of Nile tilapia fish is reduced. For this reason, the aim of this study was to conduct a histopathological-based study of 48 Nile tilapia fishes’ health status at the southern gulf of Lake Tana and aquaculture using a cross-sectional study from February 2023 to May 2023. The study evaluated the histopathology of the gill, liver, gonads, and spleen organs using descriptive statistics accompanied by a 2 × 2 contingency table and t-test analysis. During the study, different histological alterations were detected, and the numbers of fish affected by a specific histological alteration were presented as percentage prevalence; hence, from the total fish examined, hyperplasia (54.15%), followed by pigment deposits (52%), hemorrhage (50%), and immune cell infiltration (50%), respectively, were the most frequently detected alterations. However, Nile tilapias from the southern gulf of Lake Tana were 1.4 (odds ratio) times more likely to show histopathological alterations than those from aquaculture, although statistically, was not significant (p > 0.05). In addition, the study found the mean value of the fish index (95.3) and regressive indices of the gill (13.6), liver (14.8), and gonad (12.3); moreover, the inflammatory indices of the spleen organ (11.3) and mean severity grade value of the gill (2.35) and gonad (1.7) organs, respectively, were obtained from the southern gulf of Lake Tana, and all those values were significantly higher (p < 0.05) from this site as compared to the aquaculture. In general, it has been found that tilapias from the southern gulf of Lake Tana showed higher pathological severity as compared with aquaculture. Among the four target organs evaluated, liver organs were observed to be the most damaged, while gonads were the least impacted organs. Therefore, it has been concluded that tilapia fish are living in abnormal conditions, so to ensure a sustainable fishery, water pollutant sources from Bahirdar city must receive proper attention, and future studies should consider age differences, seasonal variation, and the detection of specific pollutants.

The intratesticular artery resistive index as a predictor of spermatogenesis: A prospective study.

With the objective to assess the correlation between the resistive index of intratesticular artery as predictor of spermatogenesis this case control study was conducted. A Prospective study conducted during period April 2021 to March 2023. Total 50 patients, with oligoasthenozoospermia taken as cases and other 50 men with normal sperm count taken as controls. History taken & clinical examination, Semen analysis, hormonal evaluation & Color Doppler ultrasonography of scrotum done. Resistive Index of testicular arteries was obtained. Cases and controls were compared. The age of the study group ranged between 21 and 40 years. Among the cases maximum patients 23 out of 50 and among controls with maximum number 21 out of 50 patients were belonged to age group 26-30 years.The mean semen volume for the cases & controls was 2.76 ± 0.44 ml and 3.32 ± 0.54 ml respectively. The Mean sperm concentration in the cases & controls was 14.33 million/ml & 84.8 million/ml. Mean Type A sperm motility was 20.82% ± 7.86 in cases and 54.96% ± 5.41 in controls. The mean testicular volume in cases was 18.36 ± 0.75 & in controls was 18.39 ± 0.62 ml. Hormonal evaluation done in both cases and controls and mean value of FSH in cases and controls was 7.57 ± 2.34 and 6.27 ± 3.55 respectively (p-value = 0.036). Mean value of Resistive Index (PSV - EDV)/PSV) in cases and controls were found 0.63 ± 0.32 and 0.53 ± 0.37 respectively (p-value = 0.001). The intratesticular artery resistive index can be utilized as valuable predictive marker to indicate spermatogenesis.

Quality of life and abdominal wall functionality after abdominal wall reconstruction: A prospective single center follow-up study

BackgroundFascial breakdown with the occurrence of an incisional hernia (IH) is an important and challenging complication of any laparotomy. For a long time, the success of the abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) was measured only from the surgeon’s perspective by defining outcome measures such as wound morbidity and recurrence. The understanding that complete recovery is difficult to assess without considering patients has shifted the paradigm of optimal outcomes to Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS) and Quality of Life (QoL), which are pivotal to evaluate the success and efficacy of AWR.MethodsWe conducted a prospective follow-up study of 91 patients undergoing mesh-augmented abdominal wall reconstruction for primary or recurrent incisional hernia between January 2021 and December 2023. Demographic data, comorbidities, and hernia characteristics were recorded. All patients were evaluated preoperatively by a native abdomino-pelvic CT scan to assess the characteristics of hernia (length, width, surface, and volume of the incisional hernia sac and of peritoneal cavity), the presence of mesh (if previously inserted), and abdominal wall muscles status. All intervention were performed by the same surgical team according to the techniques described by Rives – Stoppa (RS), Ramirez (ACS), and Novitsky (PCS). Abdominal wall function was assessed using trunk raising (TR) and double leg lowering (DLL) measurements performed preoperatively, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. At the same time, pre- and post-operative quality of life was analysed using the EQ-5D score.ResultsMean age of 59.42 ± 12.28 years and a male/female ratio of 35/56 were recorded, most of them being obese. There were 36 (42%) patients with defects larger than 10 cm. The distribution of the type of surgical intervention was: RS 35 patients, ACS 13 patients, and PCS 43 patients. The mean value of combined score for the preoperative abdominal wall functionality was 4.41 ± 1.67 (2–8) while the mean value of preoperative EQ-5D index was 0.652 ± 0.026 (-0.32–1.00). QoL was poor and very poor for 48% (44) of the patients who recorded index values less than 0.56 (50% percentile). Preoperative EQ-5D index was highly correlated with Combined AWF score (r = 0.620; p < 0.0001) and the correlation was specific (AUC = 0.799; p < 0.0001; asymptotic 95%CI = 0.711–0.923). At 12 months, the AWF score increased to 8.13 ± 2.58 (1–10) and the QoL total score to 0.979 ± 0.007 (0.71–1). Good and very good total scores for QoL were recorded for 47 patients (84%) compared to 33 (36%) in the preoperative evaluation (χ2 with Yates continuity correction for two degrees of liberty = 46.04; p < 0.00001).ConclusionOur results suggest that patients can expect to see a significant overall improvement in all five components of QoL measured with the help of Eq. 5D questionnaire. This improvement is dependent by hernia size, and some individual patient’s factors (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and age over 60 years).

Evaluation of Postoperative Effects of Using Ozonated Water as an Irrigant on Soft and Hard Tissues Surrounding Dental Implants: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Aim To evaluate the short-term and long-term postoperative effects of ozonated water when used as an irrigant in terms of postoperative pain, healing, and implant stability when compared to normal saline irrigation during implant surgery, both carried out using conventional drilling protocol. Methods A total of 34 implants were placed in 17 patients, two implants in each patient, one implant using normal saline as an irrigant and another one using ozonated water as an irrigant during the surgical procedure of implant site osteotomy. Postoperative pain was assessed after 48 hours of the surgical procedure using the visual analog scale (VAS). Soft tissue healing was assessed after eight days using the tissue healing index. Osseointegration was checked by measuring the primary stability at the moment of implant placement and comparing it to the secondary stability measured three months after the implant placement. These stability values (ISQ) were obtained using resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Results The VAS scores for the control group (Group A) after 48 hours were 71.76±5.57 and for the experimental group (Group B) after 48 hours were 47.64±5.33 so mean values in the experimentalgroup were significantly lower as compared to that in the control group (p<0.001). The mean healing index score for the control group (Group A) was 3.35±0.49 and the mean healing index score for the experimental group (Group B) was 4.64±0.49 so the mean values of tissue healing index in the experimental group were significantly higher as compared to that in the control group (p<0.001). The increase in stability value over the period of three months is 5.83 ISQ in the control group while the increase in stability value over the period of three months is 7.06 ISQ in the experimental group. The difference although not statistically significantshows a slight increase in stability in the experimental group as compared to that of the control group. Conclusion Ozone water irrigation at implant site osteotomy reduced postoperative pain and accelerated the tissue wound healing but the significant effect on osseointegration could not be determined.

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in ulcerative colitis treatment: efficacy and possible mechanisms

BackgroundMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess powerful immunomodulatory ability. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UMSCs) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and to explore the potential mechanisms.MethodsThis prospective, self-controlled clinical study was conducted at Henan Provincial People’s Hospital. Patients with moderate-to-severe active UC, unresponsive to traditional drugs were continuously enrolled from September 2018 to March 2023. UMSCs were administered intravenously monthly for two months at a cell dosage of 1 × 106 per kg. The primary outcome was a clinical response at 2 months. The levels of cytokines and progerin in the plasma of the patients were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, and longitudinal data was analyzed using generalized estimation equation.ResultsForty-one patients were enrolled and received UMSC therapy. At 2 months, 73.2% (30/41) of patients achieved a clinical response, and 41.5% (17/41) achieved a clinical remission. At 6 months, 2 patients were lost to follow-up; the corresponding figures were 70.0% (25/41) and 34.2% (14/41), respectively. After UMSC therapy, the Mayo score, Mayo endoscopy score, mean and maximum values of Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity and Nancy index were significantly reduced compared with baseline values. Additionally, the levels of progerin and inflammatory markers, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, and IL-17 A decreased, while hemoglobin, albumin, and IL-10/IL-17 A ratio increased, particularly in the response group. Multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis showed age was an independent risk factor affecting efficacy (odds ratio, 0.875 (95% confidence interval (0.787, 0.972)); the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for age was 0.79. No serious adverse events were observed during or after UMSC therapy.ConclusionUMSCs are safe and effective for patients with UC, with age being an independent risk factor affecting efficacy. Mechanistically, UMSC treatment may ameliorate cell senescence and suppress the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines.Trial registrationThe study was retrospectively registered at www.chictr.org.cn/ (ChiCTR1900026035) on September 18, 2019.

A global view on star formation: The GLOSTAR Galactic plane survey

Context. The GLObal view on STAR formation in the Milky Way (GLOSTAR) survey studies star formation with the Very Large Array (VLA) and the Effelsberg 100 meter radio telescope in the Galactic plane between −2° &lt; ℓ &lt; 60° and |b| &lt; 1°, and the Cygnus X region (76° &lt; ℓ &lt; 83° and −1° &lt; b &lt; 2°), with unprecedented sensitivity in both flux density (1σ ~50 μJy beam−1) and the capability of detecting emission with angular scales in the range from 1.″0 to the largest radio structures in the Galaxy on the order of a few degrees in size. Aims. Here, we provide a complete GLOSTAR-VLA D-configuration radio source catalog for the part of the Galactic disk covered. A catalog for the “pilot region” between 28° &lt; ℓ &lt; 36° has been published in a previous paper and here we present the complementary catalog for the area within 2° &lt; ℓ &lt; 28°, 36° &lt; ℓ &lt; 60° and |b| &lt; 1°. Methods. Observations were taken with the VLA in a 4–8 GHz band to image 100 square degrees of the inner Galactic disk at a reference frequency of 5.8 GHz, using a total of 260 h of telescope time. We determined spectral indices (α; Sν ∝ να) inside the observed band and in the frequency range of 1.4–5.8 GHz by complementing our results with those from The HI/OH/Recombination line survey of the inner Milky Way (THOR), which covers 1–2 GHz. Results. The final images have an angular resolution of 18″ and an average sensitivity of 123 μJy beam−1. The sensitivity is better (~60 μJy beam−1) in areas free of extended emission. The complementary Galactic disk catalog presented in this work consists of 11 211 radio sources. Of these, 1965 are known large-scale structure sources such as star-forming region complexes, well-known supernova remnants (SNRs), SNR candidates, or parts thereof. The remaining 9227 are discrete individual sources. Source parameters–namely flux densities, sizes, spectral indices, and classifications-are reported. We identify 769 H II region candidates, 359 of which have been newly classified as such. The mean value of spectral indices of 225 H II regions is +0.14 ± 0.02, consistent with most of them emitting optically thin thermal radio emission. Combining our results with the previously published catalog of the pilot region, the final GLOSTAR-VLA D-configuration catalog contains 12 981 radio sources.

Niche of woody plant populations in Picea purpurea community in the upper Taohe River

The niche of plant populations is affected by the environment, species characteristics and anthropogenic disturbance. Picea purpurea, as a major constructive species in the northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, had been severely damaged. Although the national project for the protection of natural forests has promoted the recovery of its community, its structure, survival status, development trend, and the factors affecting it are still unclear. We selected P. purpurea communities in Zecha, Dayugou and Yeliguan forest zones at different altitudes and disturbance levels. We analyzed niche characteristics of the woody plants and the relationship between niche and altitude, and disturbance. P. purpurea has absolute advantages as a constructive species, and its population dominance and niche width in the tree layer show a decreasing trend with decreasing altitude, there is niche overlap between all species pairs. In the shrub layer, the dominant species are mostly Caprifoliaceae and Rosaceae besides P. purpurea seedlings, the proportion of species pairs with niche overlap is YLG>ZC>DYG, and all appeared niche divergence and convergence species pairs. In addition, P. purpurea seedlings had niche overlap with most woody species, and this overlap index was the highest. The mean values of the niche overlap index between species in the tree and shrub layers were all YLG>DYG>ZC. The niche overlap index between species in the tree layer was greater than that in the shrub layer in the same forest zones, indicating that the tree layer is more stable than the shrub layer, providing evidence that niche overlap maintains community stability. Regression analyses showed that minimum temperature was the main factor affecting dominance, niche, niche overlap and shrub layer species richness of the P. purpurea population. Disturbance did not significantly affect dominance and niche of P. purpurea seedling populations, but promoted niche differentiation of shrub layer species. We conclude that the P. purpurea community is mainly influenced by altitude and anthropogenic disturbance. Altitude-induced climatic variation fundamentally determines the distinct community composition and population niche. Anthropogenic disturbance has altered habitat heterogeneity and enriched community structure. Furthermore, the P. purpurea populations show a trend towards expansion. Understanding the structure and niche characteristics of P. purpurea communities on different environmental gradients enriches our ideas for implementing vegetation restoration and sustainable forest management in subalpine zones in the context of climate change, and is conducive to improving the conservation capacity of this population or community type.