Mean Weight Research Articles

Robot-assisted resection of choledochal cyst in neonates

ObjectiveLaparoscopic choledochectomy and hepatojejunostomy have been reported in children since 1995, but this procedure is technically demanding. Robotic surgical systems can simplify complex minimally invasive procedures. Currently, few reports have been made on neonates. We present the experience of 6 cases of neonatal CC(choledochal cysts).Study designBetween January 2022 and December 2023, 6 neonates underwent robotic resection of choledochal cyst and hepaticojejunostomy using the Da Vinci surgical system at Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, a high-volume hepatobiliary disease center. demographic data of the patients and surgical outcomes were collected and analyzed.ResultsAll 6 patients were successfully treated by robotic cystectomy and hepaticojejunostomy. The mean age was 17.3 days (range 4–25) and the mean weight was 3.6 kg (range 2.55–4.4). 5 cysts were type Ia and 1 was type Iva. The mean diameter of the cysts was 3.8 cm (range 1.25-5). The mean time to establish feeding was 4.83 days (range 4–6), and patients were discharged after a median time of 16.83 days (range 7–42) without postoperative complications.ConclusionsThis procedure is safe and effective for neonates. The authors found that the use of robot-assisted surgery has ergonomic advantages in this delicate, minimally invasive procedure.

The Effect of Biomechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of Gastrocnemius (Lateral-Medial) Muscle and Achilles Tendon on Jumping Performance in Professional Soccer Players

Anaerobic performance (vertical jumps) is an important indicator in determining athletic performance in soccer. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of lateral and medial gastrocnemius (LG&MG) muscle and achilles tendon (AT) on jumping performance of professional soccer players. A total of 21 male professional soccer players with a mean age of 18.19±0.40 years, a mean height of 180.48±6.25 cm, a mean body weight of 70.71±7.82 kg, and a mean BMI of 21.66±1.65 kg/m₂ were included in this study. LG and MG muscle, as well as AT biomechanical and viscoelastic properties were evaluated with Myoton Pro device. Measurements were performed in the prone position of the soccer players, LG and MG at 50° plantar flexion, and AT at 0° (neutral position) at an angle of 4 cm above the calcaneal tubercle. Counter movement jump (CMJ) were recorded with the high-speed camera in the validated My Jump 2 application. A significant correlation was observed between the LG (F) tension value and CMJ (P) value and between the MG (R&C) values and the CMJ (F&P) value of professional soccer players (p<0.05). There was no significant relationship between AT values and CMJ values (p>0.05). It should not be forgotten that training coaches on this subject and applying this information to soccer players by conscious coaches will bring about increases in the athletic performance of soccer players, and all these performance characteristics can be achieved with planned and programmed training.

Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect using the cocoon membranous VSD occluder

BackgroundTranscatheter device closure is a well-established treatment for suitable ventricular septal defects (VSDs). The Cocoon Membranous VSD Occluder is a relatively new device specifically designed for perimembranous VSDs. Existing research on the Cocoon Membranous VSD Occluder for closing PM VSD is limited. ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe a single-center experience using the Cocoon Membranous VSD Occluder for perimembranous VSD. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from patients who underwent device closure of perimembranous VSD using the Cocoon occluder between May 2023 and April 2024. Procedural success, complications, and short-term outcomes were evaluated. ResultsBetween May 2023 and April 2024, 13 patients with perimembranous VSD and left-to-right shunt underwent device closure with the Cocoon Membranous VSD Occluder. Twelve patients (92.3 %) achieved successful VSD closure. The mean age was 8.06 years with standard deviation (SD) of 7.24 years. The mean weight was 11.98 kg with SD of 18.93 kg. The mean VSD size was 4.96 mm with SD of 0.92 mm. The VSD was crossed from the right ventricle in 5 patients and from the left ventricle in 9 patients. All patients had successful device placement from the right ventricle approach. The Cocoon Membranous VSD device size ranged from 6 to 4 mm to 12–4 mm. In one smaller patient, the device was electively removed due to significant flow through an additional exit, and the patient subsequently underwent surgery. Another patient developed hemoglobinuria on the fourth day, which resolved by the tenth day with hydration therapy. Two patients experienced trivial to mild aortic regurgitation, and one had Wenckebach phenomenon that resolved the next day. In the short-term follow-up (mean duration of 4.33 months), all patients were doing well, had good device performance, and showed no evidence of heart block. ConclusionsDevice closure of perimembranous VSD in infants with the Cocoon Membranous VSD Occluder appears to be safe and effective in carefully selected patients during short-term follow-up. Larger studies with long-term data are necessary for future recommendations.

Effectiveness of an Email-Based, Semaglutide-Supported Weight-Loss Service for People with Overweight and Obesity in Germany: A Real-World Retrospective Cohort Analysis

Quality glucose-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA)-supported digital weight-loss services (DWLSs) have the potential to play a significant role in shifting the alarming global obesity rate. Previous studies have demonstrated various aspects of their utility in Australian and British populations, but nothing has hitherto been investigated in real-world European settings, where GLP-1 RA weight therapy and digital healthcare are widely used. This study retrospectively analysed the 5-month (Mean = 160.14 days) weight-loss outcomes in a cohort of patients who received email-based health coaching and Semaglutide therapy via the Juniper Germany DWLS (n = 833). Mean weight loss was 9.52 (±5.46) percent, with 81.51% of the cohort losing a ‘meaningful’ (5% or more) amount of weight. Females (Mean = 9.75) tended to lose more weight than males (Mean = 8.41) and patients from the lowest two BMI categories (27.5–29.99 kg/m2 Mean = 10.1; 30–34.99 kg/m2 Mean = 9.74) lost significantly more weight than those in the highest BMI category (≥40 kg/m2 Mean = 8.11). These findings indicate that GLP-1 RA-supported DWLSs can contribute to meaningful weight loss in Germany. Future research should seek to conduct a dedicated adherence analysis of the Juniper Germany DWLS and measure the effect of subsidisation and baseline body mass index on general DWLS effectiveness.

Glucagon-like peptide agonists for weight management in antipsychotic-induced weight gain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Managing body weight in patients with antipsychotic-induced weight gain (AIWG) is challenging. Besides lifestyle interventions, pharmacological interventions may contribute to weight loss. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effect on weight loss and adverse effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists in patients with AIWG. Following PRISMA guidelines, we performed a meta-analysis of blinded and open-label randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomised controlled trials and cohort studies that evaluated treatment with GLP-1 in patients with AIWG, regardless of psychiatric diagnosis. PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Primary outcome measures were changes in body weight and BMI. Secondary outcomes were changes in adverse effects and severity of psychopathology due to GLP-1 agonists. Only data for exenatide and liraglutide could be included, that is, five RCTs and one cohort study. For exenatide the mean weight loss was -2.48 kg (95% Confidence Interval (CI) -5.12 to +0.64; p = 0.07), for liraglutide the mean weight loss was -4.70 kg (95% CI -4.85 to -4.56; p < 0.001). The mean change in BMI was -0.82 (95% CI -1.56 to -0.09; p = 0.03) in the exenatide groups and -1.52 (95% CI -1.83 to -1.22; p < 0.001) in the liraglutide groups. Exenatide and liraglutide did not adversely affect psychopathology. The most common adverse events were nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. The GLP-1 agonists exenatide and liraglutide are promising drugs for inducing weight loss in patients with AIWG. The adverse effects are acceptable, and the addition of GLP-1 does not increase the severity of psychopathology. However, more research is needed.

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Mental Health and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To assess whether mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) affect mental health and cognitive abilities in older adults. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to June 2023. Weight mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were provided as summary statistics. In total, 26 articles were eligible. Overall, MBIs showed a statistically significant improvement in depression, anxiety, quality of life, and working memory compared to controls. However, no significant effects of MBIs on other cognitive parameters were found. In moderator analysis, less than eight weeks of MBIs showed greater improvement in anxiety and quality of life than longer periods. There was no evidence for publication bias. Mindfulness-based interventions can be an encouraging alternative in place of conventional treatments in improving depression, anxiety, quality of life and working memory in cognition among older adults. However, findings strongly recommend future research to have definite conclusion.

Establishment of a swine model of delayed bleeding after endoscopic procedure.

Although delayed bleeding after endoscopic procedures has become a problem, currently, there are no appropriate animal models to validate methods for preventing it. This study aimed to establish an animal model of delayed bleeding after endoscopic procedures of the gastrointestinal tract. Activated coagulation time (ACT) was measured using blood samples drawn from a catheter inserted into the external jugular vein of swine (n = 7; age, 6 months; mean weight, 13.8 kg) under general anesthesia using the cut-down method. An upper gastrointestinal endoscope was inserted orally, and 12 mucosal defects were created in the stomach by endoscopic mucosal resection using a ligating device. Hemostasis was confirmed at this time point. The heparin group (n = 4) received 50 units/kg of unfractionated heparin via a catheter; after confirming that the ACT was ≥200 s 10 min later, continuous heparin administration (50 units/kg/h) was started. After 24 h, an endoscope was inserted under general anesthesia to evaluate the blood volume in the stomach and the degree of blood adherence at the site of the mucosal defect. Delayed bleeding was observed in three swine (75%) in the heparin-treated group, who had a maximum ACT of >220 s before the start of continuous heparin administration. In the non-treated group (n = 3), no prolonged ACT or delayed bleeding was observed at 24 h. An animal model of delayed bleeding after an endoscopic procedure in the gastrointestinal tract was established using a single dose of heparin and continuous heparin administration after confirming an ACT of 220 s.

Castor Meal and Ground Hydrothermalized Phonolite Optimize Sweet Potato Nutrition, Yield, and Quality

To assess the effect of pure castor meal and a mixture of castor meal with ground hydrothermalized phonolite rock (CM+HP mixture) in providing nutrients, particularly N and K, and optimizing yield and quality of sweet potato, a field experiment was conducted using a randomized block design. Treatments were the absence and presence of synthetic N and K fertilizers (ammonium nitrate and KCl) combined with rates of organic fertilizers (1.2 and 2.4 Mg ha−1 of castor meal, 2.25 and 4.5 Mg ha−1 of CM+HP mixture, plus a treatment without organic fertilizers). The CM+HP mixture maintained adequate N and K status in plant leaves. Organic fertilizers increased the number of storage roots per plant and the sweetness of the storage roots, while synthetic fertilizers increased the storage root mean weight. Castor meal combined with synthetic fertilizers improved soil health (increased organic matter and enzyme activity in the soil). The combined application of synthetic fertilizers with 2.4 Mg ha−1 of castor meal or 4.5 Mg ha−1 of CM+HP mixture had the greatest benefit on storage root yield, with an average increase of 128% (10.9 Mg ha−1) on marketable storage root yield, and the nutrient removal compared with the sole application of organic fertilizers.

Effects of Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Essential Oil Supplementation on Growth Performance of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Fed a High-Inclusion Soybean Meal Diet.

Soybean meal (SBM) has become a common dietary replacement for fish meal (FM) in aquafeed. However, at high inclusions, SBM has been shown to have negative impacts presenting as reduced feed intake and intestinal inflammation. Medicinal plant extracts, namely essential oils, have been used to promote growth performance and immune response. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oil (OEO) inclusion on utilization of a high-inclusion SBM diet using zebrafish as a model. Five diets were used in this study: reference-FM-based diet, control-55.7% inclusion SBM diet, and three experimental SBM-based diets OEO1, OEO2, and OEO3 that were supplemented with 1%, 2%, or 3% of oregano oil, respectively. The FM group had overall better growth performance when compared with the other treatment groups; however, the OEO3 mean weight and feed conversion ratio were not significantly different from the FM group (p > 0.05) and were significantly improved compared with the SBM group (p < 0.05). Similarly, OEO2 total length was not significantly different from FM (p > 0.05) but significantly higher than the SBM group (p < 0.05). Expression of inflammation-related genes did not significantly differ between the OEO groups and the SBM-only group. However, the OEO2 and OEO3 groups displayed improved growth performance compared with the SBM group, suggesting that inclusion of OEO at or above 2% inclusion may help to alleviate common symptoms induced by a high-inclusion SBM diet.

Finding Codes on Infinite Grids Automatically

We apply automata theory and Karp’s minimum mean weight cycle algorithm to minimum density problems in coding theory. Using this method, we find the new upper bound 53/126 ≈ 0.4206 for the minimum density of an identifying code on the infinite hexagonal grid, down from the previous record of 3/7 ≈ 0.4286.

Coated Crystalline Amino Acid Supplementation May Assist Higher Soybean Meal Inclusion in Diets for Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) With Improved Protein Assimilation and Retention

The aquaculture industry has previously relied on high-quality fishmeal (FM) to fabricate diets of excellent standards. However, plant-based proteins such as soybean are more economic for low-value fish species, for example, tilapia and carp, and fishmeal use has been significantly lessened. Previous studies have addressed standard soybean meal (SBM) sources in aquafeeds seldom addressing essential amino acid correction. An eight-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the replacement of fish meal with soybean meal concentrate in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) using a semi-purified diet against a Low Temperature (LT) fishmeal as a primary reference protein. Four diets with varying levels of soybean meal were evaluated and compared to a control diet of 100 % fish meal. Three diets containing 20, 40, and 80 % soybean protein concentrate (SBPC) were examined. The fourth diet consisted of 80 % SBPC and supplementation with two essential amino acids: lysine and methionine (80SBPCAA) in a coated form. Daily growth values highlight similar rates when tilapia was fed 100FM and 40SBPC diets. No differences were observed in the final mean weights for all soybean-fed tilapia, but they were marginally lower than the 100FM control diet group. The 80SBPC diet showed the poorest feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 1.31 and protein efficiency ratio (PER) at 2.19. However, the 80SBPCAA diet showed a significantly improved percent weight gain for tilapia compared to the 80SBPC-fed tilapia. PER was significantly higher at 2.47 and had a better Apparent Net Protein Utilization (ANPU) value of 28.51 % compared to un-supplemented 80SBPC-fed tilapia (25.48 %). These results confirmed that high-quality fishmeal can be substituted by up to 40 % SBPC alone and without any detrimental effects on growth or carcass composition in juvenile tilapia. Crystalline coated essential amino acid supplementation showed marginal improvement of performance for tilapia at high SBPC inclusion level.

Long-term effects of a lifestyle modification program for men with obesity delivered in German football clubs.

This study examined the long-term effects of a lifestyle modification program delivered at German Bundesliga football clubs. Weekly 90-minute group sessions over 12 weeks combined health education and physical activity and were delivered by coaches affiliated with the football clubs. A total of 371 men (mean age 49.7 years [SD = 7.6]) attended 41 classes at 19 clubs in 2017 and 2018 and participated in the long-term follow-up. Primary outcome was weight-loss at follow-up with a mean observation period of 20.4 months after baseline. Measures were taken partly by research staff and partly by participants themselves. At baseline, the men had a mean weight of 111.3 kg (SD = 16.9). Three months after baseline (posttest), the men had lost a mean of 6.3 kg (95% CI: 5.7-6.9). From posttest to follow-up, growth curve model showed men lost an average of 0.8 kg (95% CI: 0.2-1.4). Weight regain from posttest to follow-up of at least 3% was observed in 75 participants (20.2%) and was associated with less improvement in vegetable consumption in an adjusted logistic regression model. The data suggest that participation in a male-only lifestyle modification program offered by German football clubs may lead to sustained weight loss, but lack of a randomized control group and drop-outs prevent generalization of the results.

Comparable to 17α- methyl testosterone, dietary supplements of Tribulus terrestris and Mucuna pruriens promote the development of mono-sex, all-male tilapia fry, growth, survival rate and sex-related genes (Amh, Sox9, Foxl2, Dmrt1)

To evaluate Tribulus terrestris and Mucuna pruriens for inducing all-male tilapia, mixed-sex Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, (mean weight 0.025 ± 0.009 g; mean length 1.25 ± 0.012 cm), were given a meal supplemented with either T. terrestris powder (commercial fish feed, 40% crude protein) (TT group), M. pruriens seed extract (MP group), MP + TT (mixed group), 17α-methyl testosterone (MT, control positive), or without supplements (control negative). The MP extracts significantly increased (P < 0.05) the final weight, weight gain, weight gain rate, and specific growth rate while feed conversion ratio was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Plant extracts markedly improved (P < 0.05) the survival rate, proportion of males, and total testosterone compared to control and MT. Estrogen levels were lower in groups with plant extract than other groups. Fifteen days post-feeding, the Amh gene was expressed in the brain of O. niloticus fries with higher levels in MP, TT, and MT groups. Additionally, the expression of the Sox9 and Dmrt1 genes as a male related genes in fish fry gonads revealed significantly (P < 0.05) higher levels in groups fed on MP, TT, and MT compared to control after 30-day post-feeding, whereas; Foxl2 gene expression as a female related gene was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in fish fed on MP, TT, and MT compared to other groups after 30 days post feeding. Histologically, MT, MP, TT, and the mixture all exhibited solely male reproductive traits without noticeable abnormalities. This study concluded that each of the TT or MP extracts can induce sex reversal in tilapia while having no negative health impact compared to MT as the growth and survival rate in the treated groups with TT and MP were higher than control and group treated with MT.

3D-printed porous titanium suture anchor: a rabbit lateral femoral condyle model

BackgroundThe inclusion of a connecting path in a porous implant can promote nutrient diffusion to cells and enhance bone ingrowth. Consequently, this study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical, radiographic, and histopathological performance of a novel 3D-printed porous suture anchor in a rabbit femur model.MethodsThree test groups were formed based on the type of suture anchor (SA): Commercial SA (CSA, Group A, n = 20), custom solid SA (CSSA, Group B, n = 20), and custom porous SA (CPSA, Group C, n = 20). The SAs were implanted in the lateral femoral condyle of the right leg in each rabbit. The rabbits (New Zealand white rabbits, male, mean body weight of 2.8 ± 0.5 kg, age 8 months) underwent identical treatment and were randomized into experimental and control groups via computer-generated randomization. Five rabbits (10 femoral condyles) were euthanized at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-implantation for micro-CT, histological analysis, and biomechanical testing.ResultsAt 12 weeks, the CPSA showed a higher BV/TV (median 0.7301, IQR 0.7276–0.7315) than the CSSA and CSA. The histological analysis showed mineralized osteocytes near the SA. At 4 weeks, new bone was observed around the CPSA and had penetrated its porous structure. By 12 weeks, there was no significant difference in ultimate failure load between the CSA and CPSA.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that the innovative 3D-printed porous suture anchor exhibited comparable pullout strength to conventional threaded suture anchors at the 12-week postoperative time-point period. Furthermore, our porous anchor design enhanced new bone formation and facilitated bone growth into the implant structure, resulting in improved biomechanical stability.

Experience of percutaneous closure of small to large patent ductus arteriosus with Nit-Occlud® device in a tertiary referral hospital in Colombia.

The decision to close patent ductus arteriosus should always be individualized and taken together with the child's family once the risks and benefits of both choices have been exposed. This study aims to report the experience and outcomes in patients undergoing endovascular closure of small to medium-size PDA with a Nit-Occlud® device in a tertiary referral hospital in Colombia. Longitudinal descriptive study, which included all patients under 18 years of age who underwent percutaneous ductal closure with Nit-Occlud® device between January 1, 2011, and February 1, 2023. Patients with associated complex congenital heart disease requiring surgical management, pregnant patients, and patients with incomplete data regarding studied variables were excluded from the study. Eighty-seven patients were documented, with a mean age, weight, and height at closure of 51 months, 14 kg, and 95.83 cm, respectively. About 70% of the patients (n = 61) were female, 76% were under 6-years-old and only one patient was over 15. The average size of the ductus at the pulmonary end was 2 mm. Four of the total number of patients did not achieve PDA closure during the procedure. Of the remaining 83, complete immediate closure was achieved in 81 patients. A device exchange for a larger device was required during the same procedure in one of the cases. Two patients presented residual shunt of 0.5 mm during follow-up, and one required a new procedure for device closure 10 months later. Only one device presented repeatedly embolization to the aorta, requiring surgical removal. As a technical difficulty, one device presented repeated passage into the aorta, so it was decided to remove it before releasing it to avoid complications, and given the complex anatomy of the ductus, surgical closure was indicated. Among the complications, one patient presented a hematoma of the subcutaneous tissue in the right thigh, which improved with medical management, and no deaths related to the procedure were registered. Using the Nit-Occlud® device to close small to moderate-sized ductus remains a safe and effective strategy with successful closure rates at 1-year follow-up irrespective of age, weight, height, or whether it involves a small or medium-sized duct. Despite our limitations, results concerning adverse effects are comparable to those observed in multicentric studies conducted in other regions.

Evaluating the Influence of Different Agronomic Strategies on the Growth and Development of Maize (Zea mays L.) Grown in Rice Fallows of Northern Telangana Zone

Aims: To study the changes in plant height, dry matter production, leaf area and plant population under different tillage practices, irrigation and nitrogen levels in rice fallow maize. Study Design: Split- split plot design. Place and Duration of Study: Regional Agricultural Research Station farm, Polasa, Jagtial during rabi 2022-23 and 2023-24. Methodology: The experiment was laid out in split- split plot design with twelve treatment combinations that includes 2 main plot, 3 sub plot and 2 sub-sub plot treatments which are replicated thrice. The treatments are as follows: Main plots: T1- Zero tillage, T2- Conventional tillage (tillage with cultivator twice fb rotovator twice); Sub plots: I1- Irrigation at 60% ASM, I2- Irrigation at 40% ASM and I3- Irrigation at six critical stages; and Sub-sub plot treatments: N1- 100% RDN (240 kg ha-1) and N2- 120% RDN (288 kg ha-1). Results: Results indicated that highest mean plant height was recorded in conventional tillage (65.8, 204.4 &amp; 210.9 cm) and in N2 treatment (64.6, 201.3 &amp; 207.6 cm) during sixth leaf, silking and physiological maturity respectively. Irrigations showed non-significant effect during sixth leaf and during other two stages I3 treatment has recorded higher plant height (200.1 &amp; 206.6 cm). Similar results were obtained in case of leaf area. The mean dry weight was also higher in conventional tillage (17915 kg ha-1), I3 treatment (16789 kg ha-1) and N2 (16418 kg ha-1). The initial plant population was higher in conventional tillage (7.2 plants m-2) than that of zero tillage and irrigation &amp; nitrogen levels has no effect on population. Conclusion: All the growth parameters were significantly affected by tillage, irrigation and nitrogen levels at all the stages except the influence of irrigation on plant height at sixth leaf stage. Plant population was significantly affected by tillage but non-significant effect was recorded by irrigation an nitrogen levels. Interaction was found between irrigation and nitrogen levels in-case of dry matter production.

Patient dose and associated exposure parameters in pelvic x-ray examinations: dependence on radiographic system.

Technological differences between computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) systems can influence patient doses and exposure parameters in pelvic x-ray examinations. The presence of radiosensitive organs in the pelvic region underscores the need to optimize these parameters for both CR and DR systems. This prospective study aimed to compare the patient doses and exposure parameters for adult patients undergoing pelvic x-ray examinations using CR and DR systems, based on data from Sri Lanka. The study included data from 56 x-ray examinations, with 25 using CR and 31 using DR. Patient demographic characteristics and exposure parameters (kVp: kilovoltage peak, mAs: tube current-exposure time product) were recorded, and patient doses were measured in terms of the kerma-area product (PKA) using a PKA meter. Despite similar mean weight and body mass index (BMI), the CR systems showed significantly higher mean kVp (7.4%), mAs (16.4%), and PKA (29.7%) than the DR systems (CR - kVp: 73.2, mAs: 37.8, PKA: 2.29Gy cm2; DR - kVp: 67.8, mAs: 31.6, PKA: 1.61Gy cm2). The Mann-Whitney U test revealed statistically significant differences in PKA and kVp between the CR and DR systems (p < 0.05). Furthermore, even with lower patient weight and BMI, the mean mAs and PKA in this study were substantially higher than those reported in the literature for both CR and DR systems. These results suggest the need to optimize current mAs settings for the studied hospitals and introduce radiographic system-specific exposure parameters and reference dose levels for pelvic x-ray examinations in order to enhance patient protection.

Subglottic dilatation in extremely preterm infants on prolonged mechanical ventilation

BackgroundAirway injuries are reported among preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. We hypothesized that prolonged ventilation in preterm infants is associated with subglottic dilatation that can be reliably evaluated by point of care ultrasonography (POCUS). MethodsAll preterm infants (<29-weeks) admitted to the neonatal ICU at the Advent-Health from January-2020 to June-2022 were eligible if they required invasive ventilation for ≤7 days in the first 28 days of life (control) or remained intubated for ≥28 days (prolonged ventilation). Sonography was performed by one technician and all images were reviewed by the pediatric radiologist. The trachea size was measured 3 times by randomly selecting three images. The first 20 scans were also independently reported by a different pediatric radiologist. Intra and inter-observer variability was estimated. Mean trachea size and weight at the time of imaging were compared. ResultsOut of 417 eligible infants; 11 died before 28 days and 163 required ventilation for 8–27 days. Consent missed for 80 infants during COVID-19 pandemic. We enrolled 23 and 28 infants in the control & prolonged ventilation groups, respectively. Inter and intra-observer correlations were 0.83 and 0.97 respectively. Infants in the control group had higher gestation and birth weight. Infants on prolonged ventilation were at higher risk for infections, BPD, longer hospital stay and significant subglottic dilation (4.51 ± 0.04 vs 4.17 ± 0.02 mm, p < 0.01) despite smaller body weight at the time of imaging (884 ± 102 vs 1059 ± 123g, p < 0.01). ConclusionExtremely preterm infants on prolonged ventilation are at risk for sub-glottic dilatation that can be reliably measured by POCUS.

Current status and risk assessment of perfluoroalkyl acids in surface water and sediments of the Yellow River in Shandong, China

The Yellow River is the main source of water for urban and rural area and agricultural irrigation in northern China. Herein, the distribution and risk assessment of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) were investigated from the Yellow River in Shandong Province, China. The total concentration of PFAAs (∑PFAAs) in surface water and sediments were 37.5–2128 ng/L (mean: 167 ng/L) and not detected−6.95 ng/g dry weight (dw) (mean: 1.02 ng/g dw), respectively. Short-chain PFAAs-perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) were the most prevalent PFAAs in surface water. Source analysis showed that firefighting foam (proportion: 31.3 %) and textile treatments and food packaging (proportion: 30.3 %) were the main sources of PFAAs in water. Based on the concentration of PFAAs in water, ecological and potential human health risks were assessed. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoate (PFNA), perfluorodecanoate (PFDA) and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) posed nonnegligible ecological risk for some aquatic organisms. Levels of PFAAs (e.g., PFOA, PFNA, and PFDA etc.) in some water samples were higher than the advisory guidelines of PFAAs concentrations in water worldwide, indicating a potential human health risk. Therefore, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, and PFUnDA are the key focus of pollutants in the water of the Yellow River in Shandong Province, and the standards and limits of these PFAAs in environments including surface water and sediment should be promoted.

Estimates of Genetic Parameters, Growth Curve, and Environmental Effects for Nellore Cattle in the Pantanal.

The objective was to estimate the growth curves and genetic parameters using random regression methodology for Nellore cattle raised in Pantanal, MS, Brazil (6974 calves; n = 53,233 weights), with at least four weighings per individual. The model considered direct and maternal genetic additives and maternal permanent environmental effects at random. Orthogonal Legendre polynomials of cubic order were used to fit the growth curve. Analyses of variance were performed using the GLM procedure. The model used contained the fixed effects of sex, year of birth, farm, and the covariates calf birth month (linear and quadratic) and cow age at calving (linear and quadratic). The adjusted mean weight at 120 days of age was 93.43 ± 19.78 kg, and for 205 days of age, it was 180.42 ± 26.58 kg. Animals born in the dry season had a higher average weight [kg] (219.57 vs. 211.78, 3.7% higher) and, consequently, had higher weights at 646 days of age. Estimates of direct heritabilities (h2a) ranged from 0.35 to 0.75 (high magnitudes), and maternal heritabilities (h2m) along the trajectory of low magnitudes ranged from 0.03 to 0.08, respectively. The use of random regression to evaluate beef animals allows for adjusting the growth curve and selecting the best animals to be the parents of future generations.