Mean Values Of Parameters Research Articles

Estimation of sex based on the sterna of Sudanese adults using multidetector computed tomography: a comparison of discriminant function analysis and binary logistic regression.

Sex estimation is critical during forensic and anthropological investigations, and various techniques are used based on the presence of complete or fragmented human remains. This study evaluated sexual dimorphism in Sudanese sterna using multidetector computed tomography. This information was used to develop models for estimating sex, and to compare the accuracies of models based on discriminant function analysis (DFA) and binary logistic regression (BLR). The study included 126 Sudanese men and 144 Sudanese women who underwent computed tomography scans to create three-dimensional reconstructions. Six linear dimensions were measured on the manubrium and mesosternum. Men had larger mean values for most parameters, and nine parameters exhibited highly significant sexual dimorphism. The leave-one-out cross-validated sex estimation accuracies were 60.4-88.9% for DFA-based models and 60.4-89.3% for BLR-based models. The BLR-based models had noticeably better performances, with six parameters having sex estimation accuracies of >80% (vs. three parameters for DFA). The best BLR-based models incorporated the lengths and widths of the manubrium and mesosternum (accuracy: 89.3%, sex bias: 2.2%) and the combined manubrium and mesosternum lengths (accuracy: 85.6%, sex bias: 2.7%). Thus, computed tomography may be useful for measuring sternal dimensions and estimating sex among Sudanese subjects.

Comparison of Hemodynamic and Biochemical Impact of Two Micro-Axial Ventricular Assist Devices [Impella 5.5 vs. 5.0

PurposeDevice 1 [Impella 5.5 (Abiomed, Danvers MA, USA)] is the upgraded micro-axial, forward flow ventricular assist device (LVAD) developed for treatment of cardiogenic shock and provides a novel 6.2 L/min flow. Our institution was among the few selected for FDA pre-market use of Device 1. Here we compare 1) hemodynamic performance and 2) the subsequent impact on organ perfusion between Device 1 and the previous model: Device 2 [Impella 5.0].MethodsSingle center, retrospective analysis included all patients who underwent Device 2 (n=37) and Device 1 (n=11) implantation July 2012 - June 2020. Preimplant baseline hemodynamic and biochemical data were compared at 24 and 72 hours post-implantation and are presented as delta values in Figure 1. Population mean and median values for individual parameters, as well as the delta values for each device, are reported for hemodynamic and biochemical data, respectively. Statistical significance was assessed with a Student's T test; a p value of ≤ 0.05 conferred significance.ResultsBoth devices demonstrated improvement in measured parameters after implantation especially at 24 hours post-implantation (Figure 2). The trajectory of the measured hemodynamic data was nearly identical between both groups without any statistically significant difference.ConclusionIn our study, both groups were provided similar hemodynamic support and successfully reversed cardiogenic shock as evidenced by correction of biochemical parameters indicative of improvement in tissue perfusion. Larger studies are warranted to know more benefits of this new technology. Device 1 [Impella 5.5 (Abiomed, Danvers MA, USA)] is the upgraded micro-axial, forward flow ventricular assist device (LVAD) developed for treatment of cardiogenic shock and provides a novel 6.2 L/min flow. Our institution was among the few selected for FDA pre-market use of Device 1. Here we compare 1) hemodynamic performance and 2) the subsequent impact on organ perfusion between Device 1 and the previous model: Device 2 [Impella 5.0]. Single center, retrospective analysis included all patients who underwent Device 2 (n=37) and Device 1 (n=11) implantation July 2012 - June 2020. Preimplant baseline hemodynamic and biochemical data were compared at 24 and 72 hours post-implantation and are presented as delta values in Figure 1. Population mean and median values for individual parameters, as well as the delta values for each device, are reported for hemodynamic and biochemical data, respectively. Statistical significance was assessed with a Student's T test; a p value of ≤ 0.05 conferred significance. Both devices demonstrated improvement in measured parameters after implantation especially at 24 hours post-implantation (Figure 2). The trajectory of the measured hemodynamic data was nearly identical between both groups without any statistically significant difference. In our study, both groups were provided similar hemodynamic support and successfully reversed cardiogenic shock as evidenced by correction of biochemical parameters indicative of improvement in tissue perfusion. Larger studies are warranted to know more benefits of this new technology.

Determining Relative Percentage Change as a New Metrics in Scaling and Root Planning Therapy Outcome in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis

Aims: To quantify the relative percentage change in the patients with periodontitis after employing the scaling and root planning (SRP) therapy and determine the association in the improvements in clinical parameters of biochemical oxidative stress (OS) markers, total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), and malondialdehyde (MDA).
 Study Design: In this cross sectional study, two groups of patients were clinically evaluated and their biochemical parameters were quantified and statistically compared.
 Place and Duration of Study: Departments of Biochemistry and Periodontology, M. A. Rangoonwala Dental College, Pune and Department of Biochemistry, Grant Govt. Medical College, Mumbai. The study was carried out between May 2010 and July 2012.
 Methodology: Individuals with generalized chronic periodontitis (n = 86; CAL ≥ 3mm American Academy of Periodontology 1999 criteria) were clinically (Gingival index, plaque index, probing depth, clinical attachment level) and biochemically (TAOC, MDA) evaluated. The SRP therapy was performed and a follow-up was done after 3 months. The mean values of clinical and biochemical study parameters and their relative percentage change were evaluated thoroughly.
 Results: Individuals with chronic periodontitis showed improved clinical and biochemical oxidative stress (OS) markers. After the SRP therapy, significant improvement (p ˂ 0.05) was found in both clinical and biochemical parameters from their corresponding pre-treatment values.
 The relative percentage change in clinical parameters ranged between 14.5% to 38.7%, and those of TAOC and MDA were -10.3% and 34.71% respectively. Further, the relative % change in TAOC and MDA showed significant correlation (p ˂ 0.05) to those of PI, PD, and CAL.
 Conclusion: On conducting the SRP therapy, improvement in clinical parameters and biochemical OS parameters is noticed in the individuals with periodontitis. The relative percentage change can be used as a tool for therapy outcome assessment.

Improved estimates of mean pharmacokinetic parameters for increased accuracy in dosing and reduced risk to patients.

Pharmacokinetic equations, which relate different parameters of a single individual, are often applied to reported mean parameter-values, with the aim of estimating the mean value of an unreported parameter. Due to population heterogeneity this approach generally leads to errors in their estimation. We provide details of this source of error. Our aim is to take into account the effects of population heterogeneity in commonly used pharmacokinetic models. This provides improved estimates and knowledge of the concentration of a drug in the plasma over time. Inequalities and approximations for corrected mean estimates are derived. These results are then applied to published clinical-trial data to illustrate their accuracy in practical situations. By using mean values within the pharmacokinetic equations for a single individual, we show that estimates of mean parameter values, for a variety of dosing regimens, generally have errors. Using published clinical trial data, we show that such estimates can systematically deviate from the exact mean value by up to 19%. We provide analytical results, which amount to inequalities when there are systematic deviations from exact results, along with approximate results that improve the accuracy of estimates. Medical, pharmacy and nursing students should be educated about errors and inequalities that can arise when transforming reported mean values of pharmacokinetic parameters into the mean values of parameters that are required, but not reported. Using approximate results, that correct estimates of mean parameter values so that they more accurately reflect actual average values, may provide a practical solution.

Effect of Bioxcell® and Triladyl® Extenders and Removal of Seminal Plasma on Equilibrated and Cryopreserved Semen from South African Unimproved Indigenous Bucks

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effect of two extenders (Triladyl® and Bioxcell®) and the removal of seminal plasma on indigenous buck’s semen. Semen was collected from six indigenous bucks using an electro-ejaculator. Raw semen was pooled and randomly allocated into six groups as follows: (i) Raw non-washed, (ii) Raw washed, (iii) Triladyl®-washed, (iv) Triladyl®-non-washed, (v) Bioxcell®-washed and (vi) Bioxcell®-non-washed. Both the Triladyl® and Bioxcell® washed semen samples groups were diluted (1:4 v/v) with Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) then centrifuged at 1500x g for ten min and seminal plasma was removed. The groups were analysed for spermatozoa motility rates using Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis (CASA). The spermatozoa viability was assessed using Eosin-Nigrosin, acrosome integrity using Spermac, chromatin structure using Acridine Orange, and mitochondria using JC-1 staining solutions. Semen samples were diluted (1:4 v/v) as follows: Triladyl® (washed and non-washed) or Bioxcell® (washed and non-washed) and then equilibrated at 5°C for 2 hours. Equilibrated semen samples in 0.25 mL French straws were placed 5 cm above a Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) vapour for 10 min, and stored for one month. Frozen semen straws per treatment group were thawed at 37°C for 30 seconds. Significant differences among the mean values of semen parameters were determined by Tukey’s test using ANOVA, GLM procedure of SAS version 12.1 of 2010. The spermatozoa progressive motility rate in non-washed semen extended with Bioxcell® was significantly higher (89.6±7.5a) compared with that of non-washed Triladyl®, washed Bioxcell® and Triladyl® (P<0.05). Live spermatozoa percentage in washed semen extended with Triladyl® extender was reduced (27.7±17.1) significantly compared with the other groups (P<0.05). There was a lower percentage of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial membrane potential in non-washed and washed semen extended with Bioxcell® (39.5±23.2 and 37.9±28.6, respectively) compared with that of non-washed and washed semen extended with Triladyl® (P>0.05). The spermatozoa progressive motility rate in non-washed semen extended with Bioxcell® (58.5±10.0) extender was significantly higher compared with that of the other groups (P<0.05). There was a higher live and normal spermatozoa percentage in non-washed semen extended with Bioxcell® (45.7±21.2) compared with that of the other groups (P<0.05). In conclusion, Washing of seminal plasma in semen extended with Triladyl® was not essential, as it lowered viability, progressive motility and chromatin membrane integrity prior and post-cryopreservation. However, Bioxcell® extender was found to be more suitable for preserving spermatozoa during equilibration and freezing/thawing process of non-washed and washed buck semen.

In vivo assessment of Lauren classification for gastric adenocarcinoma using diffusion MRI with a fractional order calculus model.

To evaluate the performance of a fractional order calculus (FROC) diffusion model for imaging-based assessment of Lauren classification in gastric adenocarcinoma. In this study, 43 patients (15 females, 28 males) with gastric adenocarcinoma underwent MRI at 1.5 T. According to pathology-based Lauren classification, 10 patients had diffuse-type, 20 had intestinal-type, and 13 had mixed-type lesions. The diffuse and mixed types were combined as diffuse-and-mixed type to be differentiated from the intestinal type using diffusion MRI. Diffusion-weighted images were acquired by using eleven b-values (0-2000 s/mm2). Three FROC model parameters comprising diffusion coefficient D, intravoxel diffusion heterogeneity β, and a microstructural quantity μ, together with a conventional apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), were estimated. The mean parameter values in the tumour were computed by using a percentile histogram analysis. Individual or linear combinations of the mean parameters in the tumour were used to differentiate the diffuse-and-mixed type from the intestinal type using descriptive statistics and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Significant differences were observed between diffuse-and-mixed-type and intestinal-type lesions in D (0.99 ± 0.20 μm2/ms vs. 1.11 ± 0.23 μm2/ms; p = 0.036), β (0.37 ± 0.08 vs. 0.43 ± 0.11; p = 0.043), μ (7.92 ± 2.79 μm vs. 9.87 ± 1.52 μm; p = 0.038), and ADC (0.81 ± 0.34 μm2/ms vs. 0.96 ± 0.19 μm2/ms; p = 0.033). Among the individual parameters, μ produced the largest area under the ROC curve (0.739). The combinations of (D, β, μ) and (β and μ) produced the best overall performance with a sensitivity of 0.739, specificity of 0.750, accuracy of 0.744, and area under the curve of 0.793 (95% confidence interval: 0.657-0.929). Diffusion MRI with the FROC model holds promise for non-invasive assessment of Lauren classification for gastric adenocarcinoma. • High b-value diffusion MRI with a FROC model that is sensitive to tissue microstructures can differentiate the diffuse-and-mixed type from intestinal type of gastric adenocarcinoma. • The combination of FROC parameters produced the best result for distinguishing the diffuse-and-mixed type from the intestinal type with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.793. • The FROC model parameters, individually or conjointly, hold promise for repeated, non-invasive evaluations of gastric adenocarcinoma at various time points throughout disease progression or regression to complement conventional Lauren classification.

Evaluation of bioequivalence of two flurbiprofen axetil injections: A randomized, open-label, double-cycle, and crossover study.

Flurbiprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. We evaluated the bioequivalence of a new formulation of flurbiprofen axetil for injection and the reference drug ROPION (another kind of flurbiprofen axetil injection marketed for use) in healthy Chinese subjects. This is a single-centre, randomized, open-label, single-dose, two period crossover bioequivalence study. Each subject received a single intravenous injection at the dose of 50mg under fasting. The drug was dissolved in 100mL normal saline, and the injection was completed in 15minutes. There was a 7-day washout period between the two administrations. The plasma concentrations of flurbiprofen were measured by LC-MS/MS, and descriptive statistics were used to describe the safety outcomes including adverse events (AEs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Twenty-four subjects were enrolled in this study. Mean values of primary PK parameters (Tmax , Cmax , AUC0-t , AUC0-∞ , λz , T1/2 ) were similar (P>0.05). Tmax for both products is 0.3hours. The 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for peak concentration Cmax ranged between 96.87% and 100.42%, and the area under curve AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ ranged between 99.09% and 104.29% and 98.97% and 104.29%, respectively. The 90% CIs for the geometric means and ratios of primary PK endpoints of flurbiprofen axetil injection to reference drug ranged between 98.97% and 104.29%. The adverse event rate of the test product was 8.3% and no serious adverse events (SAE) occurred in this clinical study. We concluded that the test product and the reference drug were bioequivalent and the safety was high in healthy Chinese subjects.

Quartile histogram assessment of glioma malignancy using high b-value diffusion MRI with a continuous-time random-walk model.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using a continuous-time random-walk (CTRW) diffusion model, together with a quartile histogram analysis, for assessing glioma malignancy by probing tissue heterogeneity as well as cellularity. In this prospective study, 91 patients (40 females, 51 males) with histopathologically proven gliomas underwent MRI at 3 T. The cohort included 42 grade II (GrII), 19 grade III (GrIII) and 29 grade IV (GrIV) gliomas. Echo-planar diffusion-weighted imaging was conducted using 17 b-values (0-4000 s/mm2 ). Three CTRW model parameters, including an anomalous diffusion coefficient Dm , and two parameters related to temporal and spatial diffusion heterogeneity α and β, respectively, were obtained. The mean parameter values within the tumor regions of interest (ROIs) were computed by utilizing the first quartile of the histograms as well as the full ROI for comparison. A Bonferroni-Holm-corrected Mann-Whitney U-test was used for the group comparisons. Individual and combinations of the CTRW parameters were evaluated for the characterization of gliomas with a receiver operating characteristic analysis. All first-quartile mean CTRW parameters yielded significant differences (p-values < 0.05) between pair-wise comparisons of GrII (Dm : 1.14 ± 0.37 μm2 /ms; α: 0.904 ± 0.03, β: 0.913 ± 0.06), GrIII (Dm : 0.88 ± 0.21 μm2 /ms; α: 0.888 ± 0.01, β: 0.857 ± 0.06) and GrIV gliomas (Dm : 0.73 ± 0.22 μm2 /ms; α: 0.878 ± 0.01; β: 0.791 ± 0.07). The highest sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and area-under-the-curve of using the combinations of the first-quartile parameters were 84.2%, 78.5%, 75.4% and 0.76 for GrII and GrIII classification; 86.2%, 89.4%, 75% and 0.76 for GrIII and GrIV classification; and 86.2%, 85.7%, 84.5% and 0.90 for GrII and GrIV classification, respectively. Quartile-based analysis produced higher accuracy and area-under-the-curve than the full ROI-based analysis in all classifications. The CTRW diffusion model, together with a quartile-based histogram analysis, offers a new way for probing tumor structural heterogeneity at a subvoxel level, and has potential for in vivo assessment of glioma malignancy to complement histopathology.

Discriminant value of automated leucocyte VCS parameters in the detection of tropical infections

IntroductionIn India, infectious diseases are a leading treatable cause of morbidity and mortality. Mangalore being endemic to many vector‐borne diseases, their incidence is known to show seasonal variations with sharp increase during monsoon. Leucocytes have substantial role in the immunological pathogenesis of infections.MethodsThe present series was a hospital‐based cross‐sectional study performed in a tertiary care hospital for a period of three months from June‐August wherein the cell population data of cases of malaria, dengue, leptospirosis, typhoid and rickettsial infections along with equal number of healthy controls were collected and analysed. Effectiveness of leucocyte‐related volume (V), conductivity (C) and scatter (S) parameters by Coulter®DXH800 haematology analyser in predicting these infections was appraised.ResultsA total of 324 cases comprising of malaria (50%), dengue (30.9%), leptospirosis (13.9%), typhoid (4.0%) and rickettsial infections (1.2%) were included. There was statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in the mean values of complete blood count parameters—haemoglobin, total leucocyte count, red blood cell count, haematocrit, red cell distribution width, differential leucocyte count, platelet count and plateletcrit between cases and controls and also between specific infections. The mean volumes of neutrophil, monocyte and lymphocyte were considerably increased in malaria and dengue fever compared to leptospirosis, typhoid and rickettsial infections. VCS parameters were the least altered in typhoid fever, except for a strikingly high conductivity and scatter of eosinophils.ConclusionsHaematological analysis is a part of routine evaluation of any case of febrile illness. This study showed that there are specific alterations in VCS parameters in different types of infections such as malaria, dengue, leptospira, typhoid and rickettsia, the information and analysis of which comes without any additional cost.

A Proposed Bearing Load Identification Method to Uncertain Rotor Systems

Bearings are considered as important mechanical components in rotating machines. Bearing load is used as an indication of monitoring rotor system health, but there are interval and probability uncertain parameters in the process of obtaining bearing load from the rotor system. A bearing load strip enclosed by two bounding distributions is then formed, rather than a single distribution that we usually obtain through the load identification method for a deterministic rotor system. In this paper, a computational inverse approach that combines the interval and perturbation analysis method with regularization is presented to stably identify bearing load strip. Using an interval analysis method, a calculated transient response of the rotor structure only subjecting to the bearing load can be approximated as a linear function of the interval parameters in the rotor system. The perturbation analysis method based on Taylor expansion is used to transform the problem of the bearing load identification involving in probability parameters into two kinds of certain inverse problem, namely, the bearing load identification combining the mean value of uncertain parameters with calculated transient response function and the sensitivity identification of bearing load to each probability parameter. Regularization is used to overcome ill-posedness of bearing load identification arising from the noise-contaminated observed response. A rotor system with two bearings is investigated to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the presented method.

Chemical restraint of coatis by the association of Detomidine, Tiletamine and Zolazepam, in allometrically scaled dosages

ABSTRACT Ten free-living adult coatis (two males and eight females) were chemically restrained with "ZAD-50", a concentrated formulation prepared with the dehydrated content of a Zoletil/50® vial diluted with 0.25mL of 1% atropine, 0.265mL of Dormiun-V®, and 2.2mL of distilled water, being exactly 3.0mL. The formula was administered to each animal previously captured and physically contained with a net. The loss of righting reflex (RR) occurred at 2.3±0.8 minutes post-injection (MPI), with anesthesia beginning at 4.4±2.7 MPI. Myorelaxant and analgesia were considered excellent at all moments of the evaluation. Conscious reactions were observed at 78.7±22.2 MPI, the return of the RR occurred at 101 ± 18 MPI, and normal ambulation was acquired at 137.0±31.0 MPI. The mean values of physiological parameters measured every 10 minutes between 10 and 50 MPI were 152.2 heartbeats per minute for heart rate, 66.4 respiratory movements per minute for respiratory rate, 39.2oC for rectal temperature, 86.2% for SpO2 and 14.6 mmHg for systolic blood pressure. In the same times, the EEG registered sinus rhythm. No adverse reactions were observed, and the assessed vital parameters remained compatible with the state of chemical restraint.

Effects of particle gradation and geometry on the pore characteristics and water retention curves of granular soils: a combined DEM and PNM investigation

Pore characteristics play central roles in the transport of water and gas through granular soils, which is relevant to a wide range of geotechnical and geoenvironmental applications. In this study, a numerical procedure combining the discrete element method and pore network model is presented to relate the physically representative pore structure to the particle geometric features, and rapidly predict the macroscopic flow properties of granular assemblies. This numerical procedure is applied to investigate the effects of particle gradation and geometry on the pore characteristics and water retention curves of granular soils under isotropic compression. The results indicate that a larger uniformity coefficient (Cu) of particle diameters results in a lower porosity. The porosity first decreases and then increases as the aspect ratio (AR) of the particles increases from 1.00 to 2.50 and reaches the minimum at AR = 1.75. As Cu ranges from 1.00 to 2.16, the standard deviations and mean values of pore geometry and connectivity parameters, including pore and throat diameters, pore spacings, and coordination numbers, present linear correlations. The logarithm of air entry pressure decreases linearly with the increasing logarithm of mean pore diameter in response to the variations in both Cu and AR. A higher pore diameter variance induced by a smaller Cu produces a lower fitting parameter m in the van Genuchten equation for water retention curves.

Effect of different dietary protein level on growth, production and survivability of threatened Mystus cavasius (Hamilton-Buchanan 1822) in pond habitat

A study was undertaken to determine the effect of different dietary protein levels on growth, survival and production of Mystus cavasius (Hamilton-Buchanan 1822) with three experimental diets containing 29%, 32% and 35% protein level applied simultaneously to three treatments T1, T2 and T3 respectively each with three replications. The stocking density (1, 11, 150/ha), initial weight (3.00±00 g) and length (2.00±0.00 cm) of fish were same for all the treatments. No significant (P&gt;0.05) difference was found for the mean values of water quality parameters. A suitable range of water quality parameters were recorded with the environment of experimental ponds. In terms of growth, production and survival, relatively highest performance was found in the treatment T3. After 180 days of rearing, average weight gain was 29.16±0.43 g, 31.17±0.30 g and 37.44±0.32 g with the above three different feeds, respectively. The average daily gain (ADG) and specific growth rate (SGR) of all treatments showed significant difference (P&lt;0.05) and the highest value (0.21±0.04 and 1.43±0.01%) was found with the 35% dietary protein level containing diet. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved with increase of dietary protein. The findings of FCR were 2.97±0.02 at 29% protein level (T1), 2.64±0.02 at 32% protein level (T2) and 2.20±0.01 at 35% protein level (T3). The results of protein efficiency ratio (PER) values were fairly similar of 1.17±0.02 and 1.18±0.01 for 29% and 32% protein level containing diets respectively indicating low efficiency and the highest efficiency (1.30±0.01) was found with 35% protein level. The findings of condition factor in different treatments for Mystus cavasius were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) varied with the treatments. Calculated values of condition factor were 1.04±0.00, 1.03±0.03 and 1.09±0.05 in treatment T1, T2 and treatment T3, respectively. In pond culture, the performance of treatment T3 was found to be better than the treatment T1 and T2. The production was of 3616±16.74 kg/ha in T3 during the culture period of six months. The best cost benefit ratio (CBR) value (1.98±0.02) was also found with treatment T3. The 35% dietary protein level with treatment T3 resulted in best growth performance and was probably adequate to meet the dietary protein needs of Mystus cavasius (Hamilton-Buchanan, 1822).&#x0D; Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2020, 6(4): 659-673

Understanding How Fuel Treatments Interact With Climate and Biophysical Setting to Affect Fire, Water, and Forest Health: A Process-Based Modeling Approach

Fuel treatments are a key forest management practice used to reduce fire severity, increase water yield, and mitigate drought vulnerability. Climate change exacerbates the need for fuel treatments, with larger and more frequent wildfires, increasing water demand, and more severe drought. The effects of fuel treatments can be inconsistent and uncertain and can be altered by a variety of factors including the type of treatment, the biophysical features of the landscape, and climate. Variation in fuel treatment effects can occur even within forest stands and small watershed management units. Quantifying the likely magnitude of variation in treatment effects and identifying the dominant controls on those effects is needed to support fuel treatment planning directed at achieving specific fire, water, and forest health goals. This research aims to quantify and better understand how local differences in treatment, landscape features, and climate alter those fuel treatment effects. We address these questions using a mechanistic coupled ecohydrologic model—the Regional Hydro-Ecological Simulation System (RHESSys). We ran 13,500 scenarios covering a range of fuel treatment, biophysical, and climate conditions, for the Southern Sierra Nevada of California. Across fuel treatment type, biophysical, and climate parameters, we find nontrivial variation in fuel treatment effects on stand carbon, net primary productivity, evapotranspiration, and fire-related canopy structure variables. Response variable estimates range substantially, from increases (1–48%) to decreases (−13 to −175%) compared to untreated scenarios. The relative importance of parameters differs by response variable; however, fuel treatment method and intensity, plant accessible water storage capacity (PAWSC), and vegetation type consistently demonstrate a large influence across response variables. These parameters interact to produce non-linear effects. Results show that projections of fuel treatment effects based on singular mean parameter values (such as mean PAWSC) provide a limited picture of potential responses. Our findings emphasize the need for a more complete perspective when assessing expected fuel treatment outcomes, both in their effects and in the interacting biophysical and climatic parameters that drive them. This research also serves as a demonstration of methodology to assess the likely variation in potential effects of fuel treatments for a given planning unit.

Minerals and Vitamins Analysis of Two Bread Wheat Varieties for Wheatgrass Juice Content

The main aim of this research work is to analyze minerals and vitamins of bread wheat varieties for wheatgrass juice content of two selected wheat varieties (Ogolcho and Kingbird) grown in Ethiopia. The experiments were carried out in a completely randomized design with wheat varieties as the factor of two levels (Ogolcho and Kingbird). The results showed that the minerals (Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P and Zn) contents of wheatgrass juice variety were 36.2, 0.5, 503.4, 23.18, 8.6, 72.94 and 0.32 mg/100 g, for Ogolcho variety and 35.8, 0.4, 395, 23.51, 7.8, 64.18 and 0.42 mg/100 g, respectively, for Kingbird variety. The vitamins (A, C, D3 and E) were 0.15, 36.35, 0.018 and 0.244 mg/100 g in the juice of Ogolcho variety while for Kingbird variety they were 0.15, 31.65, 0.018 and 0.236 mg/100g, respectively. The experimental analysis clearly indicated that the amount of minerals content (Fe, Zn, Na, K and P) and vitamins content (C and E) showing the significance difference (p≤0.05) in the mean value of parameters. The result indicated that Ogolcho and Kingbird varieties wheatgrass juice were high in minerals and vitamins composition than the wheat grain. Hence, consumption of wheatgrass in the form of juice is beneficial in keeping away several of the health problems and highly recommended as a remedy to various diseases due to its high potential with medicinal values and health benefits.

Analysis of Physicochemical Parameters of Drinking Water in Samunaber and Piazza district, Gondar Town

Physicochemical parameters; pH, Conductance (K), Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), Total Alkalinities (TA), Hardness, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Sulphate (SO42-), Chloride (Cl-), Fluoride (F-), Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) were analyzed using standard analytical techniques. The mean values of physicochemical parameters in the town, higher values from the two districts are: pH (8.72 ± 0.15), Conductivity (362 μs ± 7.2 μs), Hardness (514 ppm ± 50.3 ppm as CaCO3), DO (5.2 ppm ± 0.35 ppm), TDS (1566 ppm ± 58 ppm), COD (531 ppm ± 8.1 ppm), SO4 3- (3.75 ppm ± 0.35 ppm), Cl- (162.1 ppm ± 2.0 ppm), F- (0.025 ppm ± 0.004 ppm), TA (30.0 ppm ± 1.2 ppm), Pb (0.130 ppm ± 0.010 ppm), Cd (0.0078 ppm ± 0.00035 ppm). The pH, Hardness, TDS, Pb and Cd higher values of the water samples analyzed in two districts of this study are not within the acceptable limits set by WHO for safe drinking water. However the maximum values of SO42-, Cl-, F-, TA, conductivity, analyzed in the two districts are within the maximum permissible level set by the WHO (World Health Organization) for safe drinking water.

Lipid profile in breast cancer patients: A case-control study done at a public tertiary hospital in Ibadan Nigeria

Background: Breast cancer, the leading malignancy among women in Nigeria in terms of incidence and mortality, contributes a greater proportion of cancer burden compared with other cancers in Nigeria. A need to further identify and modify risk factors of breast cancer is necessary to apply preventive medicine and decrease its disease burden. Serum lipid profile is an objective index of fat metabolism, but its relationship with breast cancer is yet to be extensively investigated in our environment. Aim: To explore the relationship of serum lipid profile with breast cancer in the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Methods: The anthropometry, body fat percentage and lipid profile of 70 patients with breast cancer and 71 age-matched controls were studied. Statistical Analysis: Differences in the mean values of the lipid profile parameters were tested for significance using the Student's t-test and Mann–Whitney U test. Results: The breast cancer patients had statistically significantly higher serum triglyceride (TG) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.001). This was also an independent risk factor with multivariate analysis. Demonstrating the odds of breast cancer rose by 5.1% (odds ratio = 1.051, P < 0.001) with each 1 mg/dl rise in serum TG. Conclusion: There is potential for serum TG to be utilized as a marker of breast cancer. However, this needs to be determined by more elaborate studies.

Physiological traits coupled with water deficit tolerance by using multivariate analysis in cotton genotypes.

The water shortage is a serious hazard for food security in the world. It is the alarming situation for the plant breeders to recognize and build up drought tolerant field crops germplasm. The water deficit tolerance magnitude rely on various soil and plant associated factors such as capacity of soil to accumulate moisture, rainfall distribution, rate of evapo-transpiration and root uniqueness. The present study was done at Central Cotton Research Institute, Multan to screen cotton germplasm against water deficit by irrigating the plants at three moisture levels at seedling stage i.e., 40, 70, and 100% of the pot capacity. The data on root length, fresh root weight, shoot length, fresh shoot weight, dry root weight, dry shoot weight and ratio of root and shoot were collected of 45 days plants after exposing to water deficit. Mean values of seedling parameters revealed differences for water deficit tolerance. Cluster analysis was performed by using Ward's method (1963). Five clusters (I, II, III, IV and V) comprised of various genotypes of cotton were observed at three moisture levels. Cluster I showed the genotypes having almost maximum values of root shoot parameters while cluster V with minimum values at all the moisture levels. These results showed the presence of drought tolerance genotypes in cluster I and susceptible genotypes in cluster V. In Biplot analysis, variables and genotypes are super imposed on the plot as vectors. The genetic variation in genotypes in different cluster showed the existence of water deficit tolerance which could be applied for the evolution of drought tolerant genotypes.

Study of lung function in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Association of diabetes with abnormal lung function was suggested by several studies. Reduced elastic recoil, reduced lung volume, diminished respiratory muscle performance, chronic low-grade inflammation, decrease in pulmonary diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide, and autonomic neuropathy involving respiratory muscles are some of the important changes occurring in diabetes mellitus (DM). Furthermore, metabolic disorders, especially diabetes that generally manifested with obesity, are associated with a substantial loss of pulmonary function in a restrictive pattern. Aims and Objectives: The findings of the pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in Type 2 DM could guide the clinicians to modify the intervention and management strategies. The present study relates duration of diabetes and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) to lung function parameters among the Type 2 DM patients. It also compares the glycemic indices and lung function parameters of diabetics with those of the non-diabetics to reaffirm the results. Materials and Methods: Glycemic indices and lung parameters are measured among diabetics and control non-diabetics. Results: We found no effect of duration of diabetes on the mean values of the lung function parameters. All the lung function parameters showed negative correlation with HbA1c, especially for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%) suggesting a decline in FEV1% with an increase in HbA1c. On comparing lung function parameters between diabetics and non-diabetics, we found statistically significant reduction in forced vital capacity, FEV1, peak expiratory flow rate, and forced expiratory flow 25–75 associated with an increase in FEV1% in both male and female diabetics which points to a restrictive type of pulmonary dysfunction. Conclusions: Our study revealed restrictive pattern of lung function impairment in persons suffering from diabetes of both sexes. PFT can be used as a screening method to detect early changes in lung parameters in persons suffering from DM so as to prevent further restriction in functioning of respiratory system.

Spatial and seasonal variations in the physicochemical parameters of water quality of a tropical reservoir, Nigeria

Abstract. In this study, the physicochemical properties of a water supply reservoir in the Esa- Odo community, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria, were determined. Thirteen selected sampling stations over the three reaches of Esa-Odo reservoir along its main axis were monitored between February 2017 to December 2018 with a view to determining the seasonal and spatial variations in the general physicochemical water quality parameters of the reservoir water. From each sampling station, surface water samples were collected bi-monthly for two annual cycles (rainy and dry seasons). The collected water samples were treated and analyzed for physicochemical water quality parameters using standard instrumental and non-instrumental methods. The data obtained were analyzed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of the analyses of the reservoir water showed an increasing clarity from the upstream to the downstream stations with regard to water temperature, depth, transparency, turbidity, and colour. The water was generally near neutral (pH: 7.01 0.04 - 7.07 0.50) but slightly more near neutral in the rainy season than during the dry season. The water in the reservoir can be classified as a dilute salt bicarbonate freshwater with mean conductivity at the three reaches ranging from 113.39 1.67 Scm-1 to 115.24 2.46 Scm-1. Ca2+ and HCO3- were the dominant cation and anion, respectively, at all stations investigated irrespective of seasons of sampling. The mean values of most parameters determined were within permissible limits, making the river water suitable for most probable domestic and industrial uses and livestock support.