Mean Percentile Research Articles

Normative data for highly educated older adults in phonemic and semantic fluency tests.

The present study aimed to provide normative data on verbal fluency tests for highly educated older adults in Brazil, as well as the influence of sex, age, and education on test performance. A total of 147 healthy volunteers (106 females and 41 males) with a mean age of 66.87 years (SD=4.52) and a minimum of 12 years of education were selected from the community and asked to perform three tests of phonemic verbal fluency (letters F, A, and S) and two tests of semantic verbal fluency (animals and fruits). Volunteers were categorized by educational level into two categories: "High School" (12 years of formal education) and "Higher Education" (over 12 years of formal education). Normative data are presented in mean values and percentiles for all tests. The performance in animals, fruits, A, and S were associated with educational background. The performance in S was associated with sex. This study provides normative data appropriate for highly educated, healthy older adults in commonly used tests that evaluate executive functioning. The results endorse previous study findings on the influence of educational level on verbal fluency tests.

MEDICAL MORBIDITY RISK IN A SAMPLE OF OLDER WOMEN WITH BINGE EATING

Abstract Binge eating (BE; consuming an abnormally large amount of food in one sitting while feeling out of control) is the most common form of disordered eating among older women, and aging may confer greater risk for medical morbidities. While the clinical phenotype of older women with BE is unknown, understanding health impacts of BE on the aging process is important. The objective of this study was to describe physiological characteristics of older women (aged 60+) with clinical levels of BE (i.e., ≥weekly episodes). Participants (N = 21; M age = 66.0±4.59) underwent a DEXA, indirect calorimetry, anthropometric measurements, and fasting blood labs. 76% of participants reported a BE age of onset in midlife or later (age 42+); the sample mean BMI was 35.08±8.64, with an average waist-to-hip ratio of 0.90±.047. DEXA scans indicated 90.48% were classified as overweight or obese. Using age- and gender-matched norms, mean fat percentile was 84.75±17.43; mean total body fat percentage was 47.0±4.5. Mean Resting Energy Expenditure (kcal/lean mass) was 34.2±3.71; average respiratory quotient was 0.81±0.06. HbA1c values indicated that 61.90% had pre-diabetes or diabetes; 47.61% had high fasting blood glucose and 76% had high LDL cholesterol. Mean bone mineral density (BMD) fell within a healthy range (1.11 g/cm2±.14); 33.33% had a BMD z-score of less than zero. Cardiovascular comorbidities were rare in this sample (9.5% had standard hypertension). Overall, metabolic disturbances were prevalent, while a minority had cardiovascular or skeletal morbidities. Findings suggest that BE may interfere with healthy aging predominantly through metabolic morbidities.

Whole-tumor histogram analysis of diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for soft tissue sarcoma: correlation with HIF-1alpha expression.

To investigate the correlation of histogram metrics from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) parameters with HIF-1alpha expression in soft tissue sarcoma (STS). We enrolled 71 patients with STS who underwent 3.0-T MRI, including conventional MRI, DWI, and DCE-MRI sequences. Location, maximum tumor diameter, envelope, T2-weighted tumor heterogeneity, peritumoral edema, peritumoral enhancement, necrosis, tail-like pattern, bone invasion, and vessel/nerve invasion and/or encasement were determined using conventional MRI images. The whole-tumor histogram metrics were calculated on the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), Ktrans, Kep, and Ve maps. Independent-samples t test and one-way ANOVA were used for testing the differences between normally distributed categorical data with HIF-1alpha expression. Pearson and Spearman correlations and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the correlations between histogram metrics and HIF-1alpha expression. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method. Regarding conventional MRI features, only highly heterogeneous on T2-weighted images (55.6 ± 19.9% vs. 45.4 ± 20.5%, p = 0.041) and more than 50% necrotic area (57.3 ± 20.4% vs. 43.9 ± 19.7%, p = 0.002) were prone to indicate STS with higher HIF-1alpha expression. Histogram metrics obtained from ADC (mean, median, 10th, and 25th percentile values), Ktrans (mean, median, 75th, and 90th percentile values), and Kep (90th percentile values) were significantly correlated with HIF-1alpha expression. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that more than 50% necrosis, ADCskewness, Ktrans90th, and grade III were independently associated with HIF-1alpha expression. DWI and DCE-MRI histogram parameters were significantly correlated with HIF-1alpha expression in STS. • DWI and DCE-MRI histogram parameters are correlated with HIF-1alpha expression in STS. • More than 50% necrosis, ADCskewness, Ktrans90th, and grade III were independently associated with HIF-1alpha expression in STS.

Progress Variables to Resolve the Steady State Period in a Batch-Type Fixed Bed Combustor

ABSTRACT Lab scale combustion of solid fuels, such as biomass, is mostly performed using fixed bed combustors. Steady state data detailing various progress variables (temperature and emissions) are widely available within the literature. However, there is very little information available on how the onset of the steady state operation is identified especially in relation to batch operation, which is subject to depleting fuel bed. This paper uses experiments coupled with a systemic post-processing approach based on MATLAB in order to identify the onset of the steady state operation. The results show that by using both the percentile mean deviation and slope of certain measured progress variables (including the fuel bed temperature, freeboard temperature, fuel mass loss, and emissions) the steady state regime can be accurately predicted. The use of freeboard temperature data alone is not sufficient. Based on the methods developed, radiation error in thermocouple data was found to be significant in both non-staged and staged air combustion modes of fixed bed combustor. Moreover, the radiation error was lower for downstream thermocouples in contrast to upstream thermocouples.

Deterministic and probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessments for Merangin Kerinci Sumatera

This paper presents calculated ground motions for Merangin Kerinci in the Provinsi of Jambi Sumatera. The ground motions were calculated using a probabilistic seismic hazard analysis. The earthquake catalogue used in the analysis included all recorded earthquakes up to the end of July 2019, trimmed for magnitude completeness. Uncertainty in input parameters was considered using a logic tree, with branches including shallow crustal faults of the Great Sumatran Faults and Sumatera Megathrust Subduction. Ground motions are presented for the local site conditions, measured at those sites which can be classified as Site Class D/C (stiff soil to Soft Rock/Very Dense Soil). Ground motions, including Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA), and spectral accelerations at periods ranging from 0.1 s to 10.0s were calculated the site. Data are presented for return periods of 175 years, 475 years, 2,500 years, 5,000 years, and 10,000 years for PSHA, and at mean, 50th, and 84th percentile confidence levels for DSHA. Compared to the Indonesian Seismic Hazard Map (ISHM) 2017 (at DSHA at 5% damping and 84th Percentile), the deterministic PGA values calculated in this study are relatively closed, which is accounted for 0.58g found in this study compared to the range of 0.6g – 0.7 in the ISHM 2017. On the other hand, the probabilistic PGA values for a particular of 5,000 years return period (SEE), the PGA values found in this assessment is 0.73g which is lower than the range of 0.8g – 0.9g in the ISHM 2017.

Teaching English Literary Text by Using Personal Response Approach for Iraqi EFL Students

Personal response approach is an approach of teaching that help and gives the students chance to learn, practice and solve their problem in learning English. It is one of the literary criticism approach in which readers can involve their personal opinions, feelings, and background knowledge to create meanings of the text. The Current study aims to investigate the influence of teaching English literary text by using Personal Response Approach for Iraqi EFL Students. To conduct the study and fulfill its aim, it is hypothesized that, there is no statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the experimental groups’ literary text ability in pre- posttest. To achieve the aim and confirm its hypothesis the experimental design which is Non- Randomized Experimental Group Pretest- Posttest Design is used. The sample of the current study consists of (60) students who have been chosen from fifth scientific stage at Ibn -Al-Muaatum secondary school for boys in Tikrit. (30) students have been chosen to be the experimental group, and (30) students have been chosen to be control group. Both groups have been equalized in such variables levels of educational of parents, testees age, English grades achievement in fourth stage, and the pre-test of both groups. To analyze the obtained data, different statistical means have been used T-test, weighted mean and percentile mean to measure the students’ performance. The results obtained by the researcher indicate that there are statistically significant differences between students' performance in the pre-experimental test and their performance in the post-test in favor of the personal response approach. The researcher has written a number of recommendations and suggested a number of proposals for future studies.

Growth in children aged 5 to 15 years with special reference to sexual maturity rating: cross-sectional study

Background: Puberty is a critical period for children since hormonal changes impact directly on linear and sexual growth. This study aimed to assess the growth pattern of children aged 5-15 years with special reference to sexual maturity and to find association of sexual maturity rating (SMR) with body mass index (BMI) and socioeconomic scores.Methods: Cross sectional study was done in Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences a tertiary care hospital. The 910 children in the age group of 5 to 15 years with consent /assent formed the study group via multistage sampling. Study period was for 18 months (March 2016 to September 2017). Physical examination included anthropometry and SMR by Tanner staging. Probit analysis was done to calculate the mean ages of attainment of SMR. Bivariate analysis and Pearson’s chi-square test were used to test the possible association between SMR and BMI/ socioeconomic status.Results:910 children were included in the study (M:F=1.25:1). The mean and 50th percentile values for height and weight were in close agreement in all age groups in both sexes. The maximum increase in height was noted between 11-12 years in girls and 14-15 years in boys. The mean age of onset of Gonadarche and Pubarche in boys was 11.4±0.99 years and 12.4±1.36 years respectively. The mean age of attainment of Thelarche, pubarche, and menarche was 10.4±1.38, 10.9±1.29, and 11.2±1.56 years respectively in girls. The time interval between Thelarche and Menarche was 10 months. The association of thelarche with SES was statistically significant (p<0.001). Overweight/obese girls showed 9.6 months earlier onset of thelarche when compared to the normal/thin subjects.Conclusions: The study yielded normative values for height, weight, and sexual maturation patterns in children of central Kerala. Obese/overweight female subjects tend to attain sexual maturation earlier compared to non-obese subjects.

Height velocity and its relation with serum ferritin and pretransfusion haemoglobin in thalassemia patients: results from a tertiary center in Northeast India

Background: ẞ-thalassemia syndromes are the commonest single gene disorders in the Indian population and growth failure remains a major concern among these patients.Methods: We studied the relation of height velocity with serum ferritin and pretransfusion hemoglobin in 30 transfusion dependent thalassemia patients aged 1-12 years attending our centre. The height measurements were taken every 6 months for one year. Serum ferritin was measured 3 monthly and pretransfusion hemoglobin was measured at each visit.Results: The prevalence of impaired height velocity in transfusion dependent thalassemics in our study was 56.67%. The mean pretransfusion hemoglobin was 7.8±1.065 g/dl and the mean serum ferritin level in our study was 2426±872 ng/ml. In thalassemia patients with height velocity < 3rd percentile mean serum ferritin level was 2637±892.84 ng/ml while the mean serum ferritin level in patients with height velocity >3rd percentile was 1875±564.007 ng/ml with a statistically significant relation (p=0.012). Although the mean pretransfusion hemoglobin in children with height velocity <3rd percentile was found to be lower compared to their counterparts with height velocity >3rd percentile (7.42±0.879 g/dl vs. 7.96±0.998 g/dl), this relation was found to be statistically insignificant (p value=0.127).Conclusions: Our study highlights that even though regular blood transfusions are essential in thalassemic patients, maintaining an optimal ferritin level is equally essential in influencing growth in these children.

Sperm-cell DNA fragmentation prediction using label-free quantitative phase imaging and deep learning.

In intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a single sperm cell is selected and injected into an egg. The quality of the chosen sperm and specifically its DNA fragmentation have a significant effect on the fertilization success rate. However, there is no method today to measure the DNA fragmentation of live and unstained cells during ICSI. We present a new method to predict the DNA fragmentation of sperm cells using multi-layer stain-free imaging data, including quantitative phase imaging, and lightweight deep learning architectures. The DNA fragmentation ground truth is achieved by staining the cells with acridine orange and imaging them via fluorescence microscopy. Our prediction model is based on the MobileNet convolutional neural network architecture combined with confidence measurement determined by distances between vectors in the latent space. Our results show that the mean absolute error for cells with high prediction confidence is 0.05 and the 90th percentile mean absolute error is 0.1, where the range of DNA fragmentation score is [0,1]. In the future, this model may be applied to improve cell selection by embryologists during ICSI.

Measured air concentrations of pesticides for the estimation of exposure to vapour in European risk assessments

There is an identified need to revise the default air concentration values and assumptions applied in assessing vapour exposure in the risk assessment of bystanders and residents to plant protection products. To address this, we evaluated inhalation exposure via vapour using previously unpublished data from 29 field and wind tunnel studies. The database comprises 35 trials with 11 active ingredients covering a wide range of scenarios with respect to vapour pressure, crops, application rates and European regions. Of the 961 individual measurements, 634 were below the Limit of Detection (LOD), 282 were between the LOD and Limit of Quantification (LOQ) and only 45 (4.7%) were quantifiable. Ten individual non-normalized samples exceeded 0.1 μg/m³. Of the 81 first-day measurements after the application, 36 were <LOD, and quantifiable mean, 75th and 95th percentiles values were 0.114, 0.083, 0.552 μg/m³/kg AI applied/ha, respectively. No robust correlations between air concentration and temperature, leaf coverage, humidity, wind speed, and field size were identified; there is very limited correlation between air concentration and vapour pressure and Henry's constant in a subset of the data. These data indicate that potentially inhalable pesticide vapour within or near fields occurs only at very low concentrations in real scenarios.

Prevalence of Neurocognitive Impairment for NPC Survivors after Definitive Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy: A Cross-Sectional Study

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> High-dose intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has led to excellent prognosis in patients with localized nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Given the relatively young age of onset and the close anatomic relationship between the nasopharynx and the central nervous system, post-radiation neurocognitive impairment among long-term survivors represents an under-recognized late complication. This study aims to determine the prevalence and the affected cognitive domains in post-IMRT NPC survivors. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> We undertook a cross-sectional study in a high-volume tertiary oncology center in Hong Kong. NPC survivors who underwent IMRT with a minimal post-radiotherapy interval of 1 year were eligible. All patients underwent an initial screening using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Hong Kong (MoCA-HK) test, followed by a 2-hour comprehensive battery of neurocognitive assessments covering 8 distinct domains: intellectual capacity (WAIS-IV), attention span (WAIS-IV digit span, WMS-III Visual Spatial Span), visual memory (WMS-III Visual reproduction span), verbal memory (Auditory Verbal Learning Test), processing speed (Color Trail Test), executive function (Stroop Test), motor dexterity (Grooved Pegboard Test) and language ability (Verbal Fluency Test). Mean percentiles and Z-scores of all neurocognitive assessments were compared with age- and/or education-matched population normative data using one-sample t-tests. Correlation of cognitive outcomes with clinical factors were analyzed using multivariable linear regression. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 182 NPC survivors were enrolled. The median post-radiotherapy interval was 6.9 years, 129 (70.9%) were long-term survivors at least 5 years beyond radiotherapy. The median age was 56 years old, 89% of the enrolled patients had stage III-IVA NPC by AJCC/UICC 8^th Edition, and 87% of patients received chemotherapy. The mean MoCA score was 23.6, 25.8% of patients were considered cognitively impaired. NPC survivors demonstrated significant cognitive impairment in verbal memory (p<0.001), processing speed (p<0.001), executive function (p<0.001), motor dexterity (p<0.001) and language ability (p=0.001). Most significant impairment was observed in executive function, mean z-scores of which were -1.76 to -1.38 below normative data. Post-IMRT interval, disease stage and chemotherapy usage showed no significant association with the degree of neurocognitive impairment. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Post-IMRT neurocognitive impairment was prevalent in NPC survivors. Neurocognitive function was not impaired globally but occurred predominantly in selected domains, particularly executive function. Cognitive assessment and training should be considered a part of survivorship care for NPC patients. Future research on the correlation between neurocognitive function and radiation dosimetry of various brain subsites would be informative.

Human dietary exposure to bisphenol-diglycidyl ethers in China: Comprehensive assessment through a total diet study

Despite the widespread use of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) and bisphenol F diglycidyl ether (BFDGE) in various consumer products as protective plasticizer, studies on human dietary exposure to these compounds are scare. In this study, nine bisphenol diglycidyl ethers (BDGEs) including BADGE, BFDGE, and seven of their derivatives were determined in the Chinese adult population based on composite dietary samples collected from the sixth (2016–2019) China total diet study (TDS). Contamination level of nine BDGEs was determined in 288 composite dietary samples from 24 provinces in China. BADGE·2H2O and BADGE are the most frequently detected and BADGE·2H2O presented the highest mean concentration (2.402 μg/kg). The most contaminated food composite is meats, with a mean ∑9BDGEs of 8.203 μg/kg, followed by aquatic products (4.255 μg/kg), eggs (4.045 μg/kg), and dairy products (3.256 μg/kg). The estimated daily intake (EDI) of ∑9BDGEs based on the mean and 95th percentile concentrations are 121.27 ng/kg bw/day and 249.71 ng/kg bw/day. Meats, eggs, and aquatic products are the main source of dietary exposure. Notably, beverages and water, alcohols were the main contributors of dietary exposure to BADGE and BADGE·2H2O, followed by animal-derived foods. Dietary exposure assessment demonstrated that human dietary BDGEs do not pose risks to general population based on the mean and 95th percentile hazard index with < 1. This is the first comprehensive national dietary exposure assessment of BDGEs in Chinese general population.

Statistical Methods for Handling Nondetected Results in Food Chemical Monitoring Data to Improve Food Risk Assessments

Chemical risk assessment is important for risk management, and estimates of chemical exposure must be as accurate as possible. Chemical concentrations in food below the limit of detection are known as nondetects and result in leftcensored data. During statistical analysis, the method used for handling values below the limit of detection is important. Many risk assessors employ widely used substitution methods to treat left-censored data, as recommended by international organizations. The National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation of South Korea also recommend these methods, which are currently used for chemical exposure assessments. However, these methods have statistical limitations, and international organizations recommend more advanced alternative statistical approaches. In this study, we assessed the validity of currently used statistical methods for handling nondetects. The best method was determined based on a simulation study. In three case studies, we compared the various methods based on the root mean squared error. The data for all case studies were from the same source, to avoid heterogeneity. Across various sample sizes and nondetection rates, the mean and 95th percentile values for all treatment methods were similar. However, “log normal maximum likelihood estimation” method was not suitable for estimating the mean. Risk assessors should consider statistical processing of monitoring data to reduce uncertainty. Currently used substitution methods are effective and easy to apply to large data sets with nondetection rates &lt; 80%. However, advanced statistical methods are required in some circumstances, and national guidelines are needed regarding their use in risk assessments.

Patient-specific three-dimensional evaluation of interface micromotion in two different short stem designs in cementless total hip arthroplasty: a finite element analysis

BackgroundEvaluation of micromotion in various activities in daily life is essential to the assessment of the initial fixation of cementless short stems in total hip arthroplasty. This study sought to evaluate three-dimensionally the micromotion of two types of cementless short stems.MethodsTwo types of stems were used: the Fitmore stem with a rectangular cross-section (rectangular stem) and the octagonal-oval GTS stem with fins (finned stem). Finite element analysis was used to calculate the micromotion of two activities that place a heavy load on the stem (single-leg stance and stair climbing). Three values were measured: the magnitude of micromotion (mean and 95th percentile), the location of micromotion above the 95th percentile value, and the directions of the micromotion vector.Results1. There was no significant difference in the magnitude of the micromotion between the rectangular stem and finned stem groups for single-leg stance or stair climbing. 2. In both groups, the micromotion was greatest at the proximal and distal ends. 3. The direction of the micromotion was similar in both groups; internal rotation occurred from the distal to the middle of the stem during stair climbing.ConclusionsThe rectangular stem had comparable initial fixation to that of the finned stem. In both models, the micromotion was greater at the proximal and distal ends. The direction of the micromotion was not dependent on the stem shape but on the direction of the load on the artificial femoral head. These results will be important for stem selection and future stem development.

A Pilot Establishment of the Job-Exposure Matrix of Lead Using the Standard Process Code of Nationwide Exposure Databases in Korea

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to construct a job-exposure matrix for lead that accounts for industry and work processes within industries using a nationwide exposure database. MethodsWe used the work environment measurement data (WEMD) of lead monitored nationwide from 2015 to 2016. Industrial hygienists standardized the work process codes in the database to 37 standard process and extracted key index words for each process. A total of 37 standardized process codes were allocated to each measurement based on an automated key word search based on the degree of agreement between the measurement information and the standard process index. Summary statistics, including the arithmetic mean, geometric mean, and 95th percentile level (X95), was calculated according to industry, process, and industry process. Using statistical parameters of contrast and precision, we compared the similarity of exposure groups by industry, process, and industry process. ResultsThe exposure intensity of lead was estimated for 583 exposure groups combined with 128 industry and 35 process. The X95 value of the “casting” process of the “manufacture of basic precious and non-ferrous metals” industry was 53.29 μg/m3, exceeding the occupational exposure limit of 50 μg/m3. Regardless of the limitation of the minimum number of samples in the exposure group, higher contrast was observed when the exposure groups were by industry process than by industry or process. ConclusionWe evaluated the exposure intensities of lead by combination of industry and process. The results will be helpful in determining more accurate information regarding exposure in lead-related epidemiological studies.

Representative and Morphological Waves along the Adriatic Italian Coast in a Changing Climate

This paper investigates the impact of climate change on coastal dynamics along the Adriatic Italian coast, with reference to the period 2021–2050 considering the IPCC RCP 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. The wave datasets are obtained by forcing a spectral wave model with ERA5 wind fields corrected with a procedure that makes them suitable for the investigated semi-enclosed basin where local meteorological events occur at scales of a few kilometers. The wave climate changes between the historic run (1981–2010) and the future scenarios are studied in terms of mean values, percentile and extreme waves in 120 virtual buoys along the coasts. Moreover, a morphological equivalent wave is computed for all the datasets to highlight the consequences of climate change on coastal sediment transport. Along the Adriatic Italian coast, a small decrease in the significant wave heights is found, both for mean and extreme values, and the sediment transport is reduced. However, significant deviations along the coast are highlighted and the longshore sediment transport even reverses its direction in some locations for the future scenarios.

TDCS induced GABA change is associated with the simulated electric field in M1, an effect mediated by grey matter volume in the MRS voxel

Background and objectiveTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has wide ranging applications in neuro-behavioural and physiological research, and in neurological rehabilitation. However, it is currently limited by substantial inter-subject variability in responses, which may be explained, at least in part, by anatomical differences that lead to variability in the electric field (E-field) induced in the cortex. Here, we tested whether the variability in the E-field in the stimulated cortex during anodal tDCS, estimated using computational simulations, explains the variability in tDCS induced changes in GABA, a neurophysiological marker of stimulation effect. MethodsData from five previously conducted MRS studies were combined. The anode was placed over the left primary motor cortex (M1, 3 studies, N = 24) or right temporal cortex (2 studies, N = 32), with the cathode over the contralateral supraorbital ridge. Single voxel spectroscopy was performed in a 2x2x2cm voxel under the anode in all cases. MRS data were acquired before and either during or after 1 mA tDCS using either a sLASER sequence (7T) or a MEGA-PRESS sequence (3T). sLASER MRS data were analysed using LCModel, and MEGA-PRESS using FID-A and Gannet. E-fields were simulated in a finite element model of the head, based on individual structural MR images, using SimNIBS. Separate linear mixed effects models were run for each E-field variable (mean and 95th percentile; magnitude, and components normal and tangential to grey matter surface, within the MRS voxel). The model included effects of time (pre or post tDCS), E-field, grey matter volume in the MRS voxel, and a 3-way interaction between time, E-field and grey matter volume. Additionally, we ran a permutation analysis using PALM to determine whether E-field anywhere in the brain, not just in the MRS voxel, correlated with GABA change. ResultsIn M1, higher mean E-field magnitude was associated with greater anodal tDCS-induced decreases in GABA (t(24) = 3.24, p = 0.003). Further, the association between mean E-field magnitude and GABA change was moderated by the grey matter volume in the MRS voxel (t(24) = −3.55, p = 0.002). These relationships were consistent across all E-field variables except the mean of the normal component. No significant relationship was found between tDCS-induced GABA decrease and E-field in the temporal voxel. No significant clusters were found in the whole brain analysis. ConclusionsOur data suggest that the electric field induced by tDCS within the brain is variable, and is significantly related to anodal tDCS-induced decrease in GABA, a key neurophysiological marker of stimulation. These findings strongly support individualised dosing of tDCS, at least in M1. Further studies examining E-fields in relation to other outcome measures, including behaviour, will help determine the optimal E-fields required for any desired effects.

Amniotic fluid absorption and growth functions in humans: what can we indirectly learn from congenital digestive atresias?

BackgroundAmniotic fluid (AF) was thought of just as a mechanical cushioning to the foetus. Nowadays, its role during pregnancy is getting more attention, suggesting hitherto unknown aspects. The aim of the study is to speculate on AF nutritional functions and its clinical repercussions based on what digestive tract (DT) atresias seem to suggest.MethodsA retrospective analysis of the patients admitted to our department for DT atresias between 2000 and 2020 was conducted. Patients’ birth weight (BW), gestational age (GA) at birth and diagnosis were recorded. The following were excluded from the study: oesophageal atresias (OA) with tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF), colonic and anal atresias and patients with associated major comorbidities. A control group was made of patients admitted to our ward in the same period for congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAM). To standardize the BW, it was coupled with birth GA calculating the newborn percentiles. The mean newborn percentiles of OAs, duodenal atresias (DAs), jejunal atresias (JAs), and ileal atresias (IAs) were independently compared with the control group using Student’s t-test. Lastly, the significance of the frequencies’ distribution of newborns born small for gestational age (SGA) between the DT atresias and the control group was evaluated with the χ2 test, and the OR were calculated. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 231 patients were eligible for the study: 36 OAs without TOF, mean BW 2488.8 ± 491 g (range 1630–3750 g), mean GA 36.8 ± 2.1 weeks (31–40 weeks), mean newborn percentile 18 ± 22 (1–75); 20 DAs, mean BW 2586.8 ± 577.9 g (1250–3462 g), mean GA 36.2 ± 2.5 weeks (31–40 weeks), mean newborn percentile 31 ± 23 (3–79); 17 JAs, mean BW 2483.5 ± 621.7 g (900–3205 g), mean GA 34.8 ± 2.1 weeks (30–38 weeks), mean newborn percentile 44 ± 28 (4–96); 17 IAs, mean BW 2646.1 ± 769.8 g (1162.0–3888 g), mean GA 35.9 ± 3.2 weeks (30–41 weeks), mean newborn percentile 44 ± 26 (1–82); and 141 CPAMs with mean BW 3287.4 ± 492.0 g (980–4580 g), mean GA 38.7 ± 1.8 weeks (26–41 weeks), mean newborn percentile 43 ± 26 (1–99). The number of SGA neonates was 18 between OA patients (50%), 4 between DAs (20%), 1 between JAs (6%), 2 between IAs (12%) and 11 between CPAMs (8%). The mean percentile of the OAs and DAs was lower than the control group with a p of < .01 and .03 while no statistical significance was found in the comparison between DAs, JAs, IAs and CPAMs with a p of .06, .86 and .59. The incidence of SGA in the control group resulted lower than the one in the DT atresias where it becomes higher the more proximal the atresia is (p < .05). The OR of SGA newborn in the OA group was 11.8, in DA 3.0, in JA 0.7 and in IA 1.6.ConclusionAF showed to have a great impact on foetal growth, and its preferred site of absorption seemed to be the stomach and duodenum. Its nutritional role could have an important predictive value in diagnosing DT atresia both prenatally and postnatally.

Association between lower uterine wall thickness measured at 18–22 weeks of gestation and risk of Preterm Birth: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundPreterm labour prediction has been relied on history of previous preterm birth and cervical length of current pregnancy. However, universal cervical length measurement has some limitation. We aim to find a surrogate marker of cervical length to close the gap in preterm prevention program and lower uterine wall thickness seems promising. We generate the nomogram of lower uterine wall thickness during 18–22 weeks of gestation and evaluate the accuracy of LUW thickness as a predictor of preterm delivery before 37 weeks.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 524 Thai singleton pregnant women at 18–22 weeks of gestation between November 2016 and October 2017. After signing informed consent, transabdominal ultrasonography was performed to examine fetal anatomical structures and to measure LUW thickness. The results were blinded to the caregivers. The outcomes of all pregnancies were followed. The LUW thickness at 10th percentiles was established and was correlated with the outcomes of pregnancy. The performance of LUW thickness at 10th percentile as a predictor of preterm delivery was calculated. The intra-observer and inter-observer reliability of measurement were assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plot.ResultsOf the 524 pregnant women, 64 (12.2%) delivered before 37 weeks of gestation. The reference value of lower uterine wall thickness at 18–22 weeks was established. Mean and 10th percentile of LUW thickness were 6.2 and 4.5 mm respectively. The inter-observer and intra-observer variation of measurement were small (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.926 and 0.989 respectively). Using LUW thickness at less than 4.5 mm as a predictor of preterm delivery, we found a 2.37 folds increased risk of preterm delivery after adjustment of other factors (p = 0.037). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 14% (95% CI: 6.64–25.02), 92.8% (95% CI: 90.06–95.12), 22.5% (95% CI: 12.66–36.76) and 88% (95% CI: 86.92–89.08) respectively.ConclusionsThe measurement of LUW thickness by transabdominal ultrasonography is feasible and reproducible. The risk of delivery before 37 weeks of gestation is increased significantly if the LUW thickness at 18–22 weeks is less than 4.5 mm.Trial registrationThe study protocol was approved by institutional ethical committee (COA No. Si 657/2016).

Dietary Exposure to United States Food and Drug Administration-Approved Synthetic Food Colors in Children, Pregnant Women, and Women of Childbearing Age Living in the United States.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates artificial food colors (AFCs) in the United States. Exposure to AFCs has raised concerns about adverse behavioral effects in children. We quantified AFC exposure in women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and children and compared them to FDA and World Health Organization acceptable daily intakes (ADIs). We estimated the “typical” and “high” single-day and two-day average dietary exposure to each AFC (mg/kg/day) based on laboratory measurements and food consumption data from the 2015–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We also examined whether AFC intake differed by income, education, and ethnicity. Exposure tended to be higher in children and the highest AFC exposure was found for Red No. 40. Children’s mean and 95th percentile FD&C Red No. 3 estimated intakes exceeded the ADIs in some instances. Juice drinks, soft drinks, icings, and ice cream cones were major foods contributing to children’s (<16 years old) AFC exposure. AFC intake was higher in participants with lower incomes and education and of African American ethnicity. The findings indicate widespread AFC exposure including in very young children. Research is needed on the sociodemographic determinants of exposure and AFC toxicokinetics to better describe the absorption and organ-specific exposure.