Mixed Group Research Articles

Evaluating the Combined Effects of Erythromycin and Levofloxacin on the Growth of Navicula sp. and Understanding the Underlying Mechanisms.

Navicula sp., a type of benthic diatom, plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle as a widely distributed algae in water bodies, making it an essential primary producer in the context of global carbon neutrality. However, using erythromycin (ERY) and levofloxacin (LEV) in medicine, livestock, and aquaculture has introduced a new class of pollutants known as antibiotic pollutants, which pose potential threats to human and animal health. This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of ERY and LEV, individually or in combination, on the growth, antioxidant system, chlorophyll synthesis, and various cell osmotic pressure indexes (such as soluble protein, proline, and betaine) of Navicula sp. The results indicated that ERY (1 mg/L), LEV (320 mg/L), and their combined effects could inhibit the growth of Navicula sp. Interestingly, the combination of these two drugs exhibited a time-dependent effect on the chlorophyll synthesis of Navicula sp., with ERY inhibiting the process while LEV promoted it. Furthermore, after 96 h of exposure to the drugs, the activities of GSH-Px, POD, CAT, and the contents of MDA, proline, and betaine increased. Conversely, the actions of GST and the contents of GSH and soluble protein decreased in the ERY group. In the LEV group, the activities of POD and CAT and the contents of GSH, MDA, proline, and betaine increased, while the contents of soluble protein decreased. Conversely, the mixed group exhibited increased POD activity and contents of GSH, MDA, proline, betaine, and soluble protein. These findings suggest that antibiotics found in pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) can harm primary marine benthic eukaryotes. The findings from the research on the possible hazards linked to antibiotic medications in aquatic ecosystems offer valuable knowledge for ensuring the safe application of these drugs in environmental contexts.

Development of an interprofessional person-centred care concept for persons with care needs living in their own homes (interprof HOME): study protocol for a mixed-methods study

IntroductionPeople receiving home care usually have complex healthcare needs requiring the involvement of informal caregivers and various health professionals. In this context, successful collaboration is an important element of person-centred...

Factors associated with COVID-19 length of hospitalization and mortality during four epidemic waves, March 2020-November 2021, Suriname.

To determine the sociodemographic risk factors associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality in Suriname. This was a retrospective cohort study. All registered deaths from COVID-19 in Suriname (n=1112) between March 13, 2020 and November 11, 2021 were included. Data were collected from medical records and included demographic variables and hospitalization duration of patients who died. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, ANOVA models, and logistic regression analyses were used to determine associations between sociodemographic variables, length of hospitalization, and mortality during four epidemic waves. The case fatality rate over the study period was 22 per 1 000 population. The first epidemic wave was from July to August 2020, the second from December 2020 to January 2021, the third from May to June 2021, and the fourth from August to September 2021. Significant differences were found in the number of deaths and hospitalization duration by wave (p<0.001). Patients were more likely to have a longer hospitalization during the first (OR 1.66; 95% CI: 0.98, 2.82) and third waves (OR 2.37; 95% CI: 1.71, 3.28) compared with the fourth wave. Significant differences in mortality were also seen between ethnicities by wave (p=0.010). Compared with the mixed and other group, people of Creole ethnicity (OR 2.7; 95% CI: 1.33, 5.29) and Tribal people (OR 2.8; 95% CI: 1.12, 7.02) were more likely to die during the fourth wave than the third wave. Tailored interventions are needed for males, people of Creole descent, Tribal and Indigenous peoples, and people older than 65 years.

Premarital Sex Behavior Model with Generalized Linear Mixed Model Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator dan Generalized Linear Mixed Model GROUP Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator

ABSTRACT&#x0D; Premarital sexual behavior is sexual behavior that is carried out between men and women without legal marriage. As the number of premarital sex increases, efforts need to take. One that can do is to identify the main factors contributing to reducing or increasing premarital sex behavior by a Regression model. In the context of sexual behavior, environmental influences cannot be ignored. GLMM is used to model data that is grouped into certain Groups, include environment effect that is modeled as mixed effect in GLMM. In terms of parsimony, the LASSO method can do selection variables. This research uses GLMM LASSO and GLMM Group LASSO as a model to approach the data. The best model that describes premarital sex behavior in South Sulawesi is the GLMM Group LASSO model based on the greatest AUC value. The variables that significantly influence the model are Type of Residence (X_1), Education Level (X_2), Literacy (X_3), Internet use (X_4), Knowledge of Contraceptive Methods (X_6), Health Insurance Ownership (X_7), Employment Status (X_8), Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (X_9). By knowing the factors that influence premarital sex behavior, the government is expected to take the appropriate action for handling it.

Peer-Mediated Strategies for Managing Inclusive Early Childhood Classrooms: A Phenomenological Study

This qualitative phenomenological study explored early childhood teachers’ perspectives on managing inclusive classrooms in Lahore, Pakistan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 teachers from 9 inclusive schools. Thematic analysis revealed that most teachers reported that students help each other in inclusive classrooms through peer learning and cooperation. Teachers created mixed ability groups and peer support, facilitating disabled students’ learning and social skills. Cooperative learning was viewed as improving academic achievement, social acceptance, positive behaviour and friendships. Findings suggest that peer collaboration and self-regulation strategies can effectively manage inclusive classrooms. More teacher training is needed on student-directed strategies.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC53103 and Lactobacillus plantarum JL01 improved nitrogen metabolism in weaned piglets by regulating the intestinal flora structure and portal vein metabolites.

At present, most studies have shown that probiotics have a positive regulatory effect on the nutritional metabolism of the body, but the mechanism is still unclear. Here, 48 piglets were divided into four groups. The control group was not fed probiotics, the Lac group was fed L. Rhamnosus GG ATCC53103, the Rha group was fed L. Plantarum JL01, and the mix group was fed two types of probiotics. Nitrogen metabolism and mRNA levels of mTOR and S6K in skeletal muscle were observed in each group. Then, metagenome and non-targeted metabonomics were used to observe the changes of intestinal microorganisms and plasma metabolites in portal channels after probiotics feeding. Finally, we combined the results of omics analysis to reveal the mechanism of probiotics on nitrogen metabolism in weaned piglets. The results showed that L. Rhmnosus GG ATCC53103 and L. Plantarum JL01 increased nitrogen apparent digestibility, nitrogen deposition rate, and nitrogen utilization rate of weaned piglets (P < 0.05); the relative expression of mTOR and SK6 mRNA in skeletal muscle increased significantly (P < 0.05). When L. rhamnosus GG ATCC53103 and L. plantarum JL01 were combined, we found that Clostridium and Prevotella significantly increased in the jejunum (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, Streptococcus, and Prevotella in the ileum increased significantly (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, L-Tryptophan, 3-Phosphonyloxypyruvate, cis-Aconitate, and Carbamoyl phosphate were significantly increased in the mixed group portal vein. The result of the combinatorial analysis showed that the significantly increased microorganisms could encode the enzyme genes for the synthesis of L-Tryptophan, 3-Phosphonooxypyruvate, cis-Aconitate, and Carbamoyl phosphate. In summary, our results demonstrated that L. Rhamnosus GG ATCC53103 and L. Plantarum JL01 could stimulate the expression of skeletal muscle protein synthesis genes of weaned piglets by modulating the structure of the gut microbiota and its metabolites, thereby improving nitrogen metabolism in weaned piglets.

Transitioning to Individual Learning Paths in the Opinions of Students and Teachers: the Case of the University of Tyumen

The aim of this study is to measure and evaluate the application of personalized learning technology based on the system of individual educational paths at the University of Tyumen. In order to collect and analyze the data, the strategy of mix-methods was applied, which allows both for identifying the most common trends in the opinions of the subjects of educational space, and for obtaining detailed interpretations of the ongoing changes. The purpose of the study is to identify the opinions held by the key subjects of education when it comes to educational activity content and technologies, the benefits and risks of individual learning paths and the traditional way of teaching. Interviews with teachers demonstrate that in assessing the positive aspects of the transition to individual learning paths, such aspects have been taken note of as the possibility of focusing on one’s own interests, increased motivation and desire for professional development in a competitive environment, as well as simplification of reporting as a result of digitization. What teachers are apprehensive about is a decline in the fundamental nature of training and the de-professionalization of students, the collapse of stable social ties and identities of teachers, subpar living conditions due to continuous spatial mobility, and uncertainty when it comes to workload. The study showed that a fifth of students are not satisfied with the learning outcomes under new conditions and experience difficulty adapting in mixed groups with other students of different specialties. The variability and individualization of education is not yet a priority for students enrolled in traditional programs. Students pursuing individual study paths do not realize the many advantages the new system provides when it comes to forming the personal qualities necessary for successful selfrealization, due to them lacking the opportunity to compare their form of education to what is considered traditional.

Individual and interactive biochemical profile damages in Labeo rohita (Cyprinidae) by imidacloprid and clothianidin

Neonicotinoid insecticide residues are found frequently in different water resources, but the knowledge of their ecological consequences is scanty. The present research focused on one-third of the LC50 concentration of the two neonicotinoids imidacloprid (66.6 mg/L) and clothianidin (30 mg/L) individually and a mixture (range of 33.3 + 15 mg/L) were exposed to Labeo rohita for 42 days. The investigation evaluated the single and combined insecticidal antagonistic effects on fish cholinesterases (AChE and BChE), oxidative stress activities, and DNA damage (8-OHdG) after intoxication. The imidacloprid (IMI), clothianidin (CLO), and combination intoxication significantly reduced AChE and BChE enzyme activities in the brain, muscle, and serum. The highest levels of AChE inhibition were found in the muscle and brain, whereas the highest levels of BChE were seen in the serum and muscle in the mixed group. The enzymatic and non-enzymatic oxidative activities in the brain and liver varied, with significant increases in superoxide dismutase, catalase activities, lipid peroxidation levels, glutathione S-transferase activity, and a decreasing trend in reduced glutathione levels compared to controls. The 8-OHdG activity increased significantly in proportion to exposure time, while the liver showed the highest increase, followed by the brain in the mixture group. Long-period exposure to neonicotinoids can cause severe neurotoxicity by inhibiting cholinesterase, altering antioxidant activities, and inducing DNA damage (increasing 8-OHdG). The results showed that clothianidin is more toxic than imidacloprid as a single active ingredient, whereas the mixture of two insecticides is more toxic than the single active ingredients.

O-285 The 6th edition of the WHO manual for the examination and processing of human semen: How should it affect our practice?

Abstract The WHO laboratory manual (World Health Organization 2021) has widened the scope of semen examination from primarily a prognostic tool for Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR) by indicating the importance of evaluating men with possible disorders in male reproductive functions. Practical instructions for basic examination have been clarified and focused to measures of sperm production and motility as judged from sperm number, motility (vitality if poor motility) and sperm morphology. In addition to the recommendations by the WHO, an international standard based on the same laboratory science as the WHO manual has been published (International Organization for Standardization 2021) to facilitate for laboratories to provide reliable results of semen examination. Each ejaculate must be handled with great care before analysis begins. Time and temperature between sample collection and start of assessments is crucial. To reduce assessment variability, it is essential to ascertain that the examined aliquots are representative for the entire ejaculate and that the number of observations is sufficient to reduce the risk for significant influence of random factors. The former is handled both by aliquot volume (at least 50 µL for sperm concentration) and replicate assessment and comparison that the two assessments don’t differ too much. Regarding number of observations, 400 sperm counted in sperm concentration and in sperm motility assessments is required to reduce this source of errors to ± 10%. For assessment of sperm morphology and vitality a minimum number of observations is 200 spermatozoa. To achieve acceptable performance, thorough in-house training is necessary. There are protocols how to set up and run such schemes (Mortimer 1994, 1994). Basic medical laboratory standards also require that the laboratory regularly performs internal quality control to monitor that inter- and intra-personal variability is under control. Each laboratory should also participate in an external scheme for quality assessment (EQA) (International Organization for Standardization 2012). For the proper interpretation of semen examination results reference limits are important. However, the reference limits suggested by the WHO (World Health Organization 2021) come from a very mixed group of men and should therefore not be mistaken for true limits between fertility and infertility. The new WHO manual therefore argues for development of decision limits (when is it reasonable to act?) that are much more important than limits from a mixed population. It has been argued that semen examination must be better standardized (Björndahl et al. 2016), but the compliance has been almost non-existent (Vasconcelos et al. 2022) leading to even stronger appeals for stronger improvement of basic laboratory investigations of male reproductive functions (Björndahl et al. 2022) References Björndahl L, Barratt CL, Mortimer D, and Jouannet P. ‘How to count sperm properly': checklist for acceptability of studies based on human semen analysis. Hum Reprod 2016: 31; 227-232. Björndahl L, Barratt CLR, Mortimer D, Agarwal A, Aitken RJ, Alvarez JG, Aneck-Hahn N, Arver S, Baldi E, Bassas L, et al. Standards in semen examination: publishing reproducible and reliable data based on high-quality methodology. Hum Reprod 2022. International Organization for Standardization. ISO 15189:2012 Medical Laboratories – Requirements for Quality and Competence 2012. Geneva. International Organization for Standardization. ISO 23162:2021 Basic semen examination — Specification and test methods 2021. ISO, Geneva. Mortimer D. Laboratory standards in routine clinical andrology. Reproductive Medicine Review 1994: 3; 97-111. Mortimer D. Practical Laboratory Andrology 1994. Oxford University Press, Oxford. Vasconcelos AL, Campbell MJ, Barratt CLR, and Gellatly SA. Do studies published in two leading reproduction journals between 2011 and 2020 demonstrate that they followed WHO5 recommendations for basic semen analysis? Hum Reprod 2022. World Health Organization. WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. 6th edn, 2021. World Health Organization, Geneva.

Clinico-epidemiological Profile of Primary Brain Tumours in North-Eastern Region of India:A Retrospective Single Institution Study

Background: Brain tumours are mixed group of neoplasms originating from the intracranial tissues. The two basic types of brain tumours are primary and metastatic tumours. Very little is known about the epidemiology of primary brain tumours in the North-Eastern region of India. We carried out a 5-year retrospective study on the epidemiology of the primary brain tumour treated in our hospital.Aim: To study the clinico-epidemiological patterns of brain tumour in a tertiary care center in North-Eastern region of India. Materials and Methods: A retrospective epidemiological approach has been used. The records of patients registered in our hospital from 2017-2022 diagnosed as primary brain tumours have been selected. Data regarding age,sex,site of the tumour, histology, geographical distribution and treatment delivered have been collected. Results: Out of a total of 100 patients studied, males (68%) outnumbered females (32%) with a male:female ratio of 2.1:1. Frequency of brain tumours was found to be higher in the age group 31-40 years i.e. 23% compared to age groups 21-30 years and 41-50 years which were 18% and 15% respectively. Mean age was 38.23 years with ages ranging from 4 to 73 years. The most common presenting symptom was headache (53%), followed by vomiting (28%).The most common anatomical site was found to be cerebrum (81%), followed by ventricular and periventricular regions (6%). Supratentorial tumours (91%) were predominant over infratentorial tumours (9%). Histologically, the most common variety was found to be Glioblastoma Multiforme(30%) followed by Grade II Astrocytoma (15%) and GradeIII Astrocytoma (15%). Patients were mostly seen to be belonging to Lower Assam region (46%) . Among all the patients in the study, surgery was done for 90% of patients while 10% did not undergo surgery. 61% of the patients took radiotherapy and chemotherapy, 22% took radiotherapy alone, 7% defaulted treatment(drop outs) and 10% didn’t turn up for treatment. All patients received a radiation dose of 54-60 Gy. A total of 41 patients took adjuvant chemotherapy with Temozolomide. Conclusion: Glioblastoma Multiforme and Astrocytoma are the most common brain tumours in our study. Multimodality management including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy is the cornerstone in the management of brain tumours.

Implementation of EPR-Youth, a Client-Accessible and Multidisciplinary Health Record; A Mixed-Methods Process Evaluation.

Client-accessible interdisciplinary health records potentially contribute to integrated care by facilitating collaboration and enhancing clients' involvement in care. To achieve this, three Dutch organizations providing 'care for youth' developed a fully client-accessible electronic patient record (EPR-Youth). To evaluate the implementation of EPR-Youth and to determine barriers and facilitators. A mixed methods design combined system data, process observations, questionnaires and focus group interviews. Target groups were parents, adolescents, professionals using EPR-Youth, and implementation stakeholders. Client-portal acceptability was high among all clients. Client-portal adoption rate was high and differed between age groups and educational levels. Professionals' doubts about acceptability, appropriateness and fidelity were partly due to lack of system knowledge. Implementation barriers were the complexity of co-creation, lack of clear leadership, and concerns about legal issues. Facilitators were clarifying vision and legal context, setting deadlines, and a pioneering spirit. The early implementation of EPR-Youth, the first Dutch client-accessible interdisciplinary electronic health record in 'care for youth' was successful. To enhance adoption among clients, group-specific barriers for portal-use should be determined. Professionals need additional training. Further research is needed to gain insight into client-portal access barriers. To benefit more from co-creation, an organizational change towards situational leadership is necessary.

The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Balance and Dynamic Stability in College-Age Recreational Runners with Ankle Instability.

(1) Background: Running is one of many sports that have increased in popularity since it can be conducted at any time or anywhere. Ankle instability is a common injury that usually occurs during running and is usually associated with abnormalities in postural stability. Recently, kinesio taping has gained increasing interest as a tool that can be used in rehabilitation, to improve stability, and to help in injury prevention. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Kinesio taping on balance and dynamic stability in recreational runners with ankle instability. (2) Methods: This randomized controlled trial recruited 90 RRs with ankle instability. The participants were randomly divided into three equal groups: a KT group (KTG) who received Kinesio taping on their ankle joints; a mixed group (MG) who received Kinesio taping and exercises; and an exercise group (EG) who received exercises only. Outcome measures (balance and dynamic stability) were assessed before and after the end of an 8-week treatment program using a Biodex balance system and a star excursion balance test, respectively. (3) Results: Within-group comparisons showed statistically significant improvements in most of the outcome values when compared to baseline. Overall stability index was statistically significantly better (with a high effect size) in the MG compared to KTG or EG (p = 0.01, Cohen's d = 1.6, and p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.63, respectively). A similar finding was evident in the anteroposterior stability index (p = 0.02, Cohen's d = 0.95, and p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.22, respectively). The mediolateral stability index of the KTG was statistically significantly better with a high effect size when compared to MG or EG (p = 0.04, Cohen's d = 0.6, and p < 0.01, Cohen's d = 0.96, respectively). The star excursion balance test values were statistically significant with high effect sizes in the posterior (p = 0.002, Cohen's d = 1.2) and lateral (p < 0.02, Cohen's d = 0.92) directions in the MG compared to KTG and EG. (4) Conclusions: Kinesiotape with exercises is superior to either kinesiotape alone or exercises alone in improving postural stability indices and dynamic stability in recreational runners with ankle instability. Recreational runners with ankle instability should be educated about practicing balance exercises and applying kinesiotape.

#4168 RISK FACTORS FOR POST-CONTRAST AKI IN PATIENTS MIXEDLY ADMINISTERED BOTH IODINE- AND GADOLINIUM-BASED CONTRAST MEDIA ON VISITING EMERGENCY ROOM

Abstract Background and Aims This study aimed to investigate the incidence of post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI) and its risk factor in patients administered iodine-based contrast media alone and mixed use of iodine-based contrast media and gadolinium-based contrast media. Method This retrospective study analyzed the data from 2016 to 2021. Patients who had end-stage of renal disease or missing data for estimating renal function were excluded. The primary outcome was the development of PC-AKI, i.e., an increase in creatinine of ≥25% or 0.5 mg/dL over the baseline or reduction in eGFR of ≥25% within 72 h. We compared the primary outcomes between the iodine-based contrast media alone and Mixed groups using a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis, and its risk factors were assessed from multivariable logistic regression. Results Of the 29,635 patients administrated iodine-based contrast media, 6,318 were included. There were 139 patients who mixedly administered iodine-based contrast media and GBCA. Mixed group showed significant higher rate of development of PC-AKI compared with iodine-based contrast media alone group in total cohort (adjusted OR, 3.09 [95% CI, 2.09 – 4.58]) and PSM cohort (adjusted OR, 2.38 [95% CI, 1.25 – 4.55]). On multivariate analysis to investigate risk factors in Mixed group, osmolality (adjusted aOR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.01–1.10]) and eGFR (adjusted OR, 0.931; 95% CI, 0.883–0.983) were associated with PC-AKI. Conclusion Mixed administration of iodine-based contrast media and GBCA on same day at ED visit may be a risk factor for PC-AKI compared with single administration of iodine-based contrast media alone. Osmolality and eGFR may be independently associated with PC-AKI after mixed administration of iodine-based contrast media and GBCA

#5346 RE-ASSESSMENT OF PATHOLOGICAL DATA OF VASCULITIS PATIENTS WITH RENAL INVOLVEMENT ACCORDING TO CURRENT SCORING SYSTEMS AND CLINICAL CORRELATION

Abstract Background and Aims Renal involvement is responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality in ANCA associated vasculitis (AAV) patients. Predicting renal prognosis in AAV patients with renal involvement has been a challenge over the last decade. To date Berden Classification which focuses on glomerular lesions at renal biopsy proposed in 2010, Mayo Clinic Chronicity Score also including non-glomerular histopathological chronicity findings proposed in 2017 and adding eGFR at diagnosis to glomerular and non-glomerular chronicity findings at renal biopsy constructing ANCA Renal Risk Score (ARRS) proposed in 2018 have all addressed the latter challenge. In this study, we aimed to validate the impact of these 3 classification systems on the renal and patient survival in our ANCA associated glomerulonephritis (AAGN) patient population. Method Thirty-seven AAV patients with biopsy proven renal involvement who have been treated and followed-up at our multidisciplinary vasculitis clinic at Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey between 2000-2020 were included in the study. Renal biopsies were re-evaluated by our pathologist and patients were grouped according to Berden Classification, Mayo Chronicity Score and ARRS. Renal survival and mortality analyses were carried out for 3 classification systems in order to evaluate their success at predicting prognosis and survival. Results Evaluated according to Berden Classification, 40.5% (n = 15) were classified as focal, 8.1% (n = 3) were sclerotic, 40.5% (n = 15) were crescentic and 10.8% (n = 4) were mixed. Focal group was associated with best renal prognosis and patients in mixed group had poorest renal prognosis. Differences in renal survival rates (p = 0.111) and patient survival rates (p = 0.129) among Berden Classification groups were not statistically significant. According to Mayo Chronicity Score, 16.2% of the patients were scored as minimal, 51.4% were as mild and %32.4 were in medium group. None of the patients were classified as severe. Compared to minimal group, mild and medium groups were found to be significantly associated with CKD development (p = 0.002). Mortality rates were similar between the groups according to Mayo Chronicity Score (p = 0.143). In renal survival analysis, mild and medium groups were associated with decreased renal survival (p = 0.046). When evaluated for ARRS, 29.4% of the patients were in low risk group, 45.9% of the patients were in medium risk group and 24.3% of the patients were in high risk group. Medium and high risk groups were associated with higher probability of progression to CKD (p = 0.000). Renal survival was found to be poorest in high risk group and best in low risk group (p = 0.017). Although mortality rates were higher in medium risk group than lower and higher risk groups, the difference has not reached statistical significance (0(0%) vs. 7 (38.9%) vs. 2 (22.2%); p = 0.067). Renal survival in AAGN patients according to Berden Classification, Mayo Chronicity Score and ARRS parameters are shown in Figure 1. Conclusion Recent classification systems were evaluated among our AAGN patients and our results showed that addition of eGFR at diagnosis to glomerular and non-glomerular histopathological findings were predictive of renal prognosis. Mayo Chronicity Score and ARRS systems can be used to predict patients’ renal reserve at diagnosis and also they can be used as a prognostic tool to predict patients’ probability of progressing to chronic kidney disease, end stage kidney disease.

Effect of strontium ranelate and cerium oxide addition in the diet on bone quality and expression level of osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase genes in broiler chicken.

In the modern broiler industry, leg and gait disorders are considerable problems. Fast-growing broilers are especially susceptible to bone abnormalities, causing major problems for broiler producers. Strontium ranelate (SrR) has been used successfully for the treatment of osteoporosis in humans. In addition, cerium oxide (CeO) is an anti-stress agent applied in the biological system. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of SrR, CeO, and their combinations on tibia quality in broilers. A total of 384 one-day-old Ross chicks were divided into six treatments, with four replicates per treatment (16 birds per replicate). The control group was fed a standard diet, and other groups were fed SrR at levels 450, 900mg/kg feed, CeO at levels 300 and 600mg/kg feed and a combination of 450 SrR + 300 CeO mg/kg feed. Bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), bone strength (BS), tibia area, tibia weight, bone Length, bone diameter, minerals in tibia bone of male broilers, alkaline phosphatase gene (ALP) and osteocalcin gene (OC) in male broilers were analysed. The results showed that the addition of SrR and CeO had no significant influence (p > 0.01) on BMD, BMC, BS, bone weight, bone length and bone diameter. While there was a significant interaction between sex and treatments, especially in the combination group, BS in females significantly (p < 0.01) increased compared to the control group. Generally, females were found to be more responsive to treatments than males. Significant increases in gene expression were noticed in OC with the addition of low levels of SrR and CeO and mixed group compared to the control. The gene expression of ALP was increased significantly only in a combination group compared to the control group. It is concluded that SrR and CeO can be used as beneficial additives in the feed to improve the tibia quality of broilers.

Sudomotor deficits in Parkinson's disease with special reference to motor subtypes

IntroductionParkinson’s disease which shows clinically heterogeneous motor derangement may also accompany various autonomic disorders, but results of previous research on incidence and degree of each autonomic dysfunction have been inconsistent. As for sudomotor dysfunction, some investigators emphasize hypo- or anhidrois, whereas others stress hyperhidrosis. Subjects and methodsTo elucidate sudomotor dysfunctions in Parkinson’s disease (PD) with respect to subtypes, 225 clinically probable patients PD patients were stratified by motor phenotype (tremor-dominant group: 33; mixed group: 105; and akinesia-rigidity group: 87) and subjected to thermal and acetylcholine-induced (focal) sweating tests. Thermal sweating was qualitatively assessed with a modified version of Minor’s colorimetric methods. Thermoregulatory and acetylcholine-induced focal sweat rates were measured with capacitance hydrometers. ResultsThermoregulatory sweating was almost normal without anhidrotic area in 29.8% of PD patients, slightly defective in 38.7%, with anhidrotic area across <1/4 of the body surface, moderately defective in 22.2% with anhidrotic area across approximately 1/2 of the body surface, and extremely defective in 9.3% with anhidrotic area across more than 3/4 of the body surface. Patchy sweating was observed in 104 patients, implicating involvement of the hypothalamo-spinal and/or preganglionic systems in the disease process. Hyperhidrosis was seen in 15% of patients. Tremor-dominant group showed least impairment. ConclusionThis study suggests that PD is associated with various patterns and degree of sudomotor abnormalities, and that sudomotor sympathetic deficits may be related with the pathophysiology of akinesia and rigidity rather than that of resting tremor.

Case mix-based changes in health status: A prospective study of elective surgery patients in Vancouver, Canada.

Hospital activity is often measured using diagnosis-related groups, or case mix groups, but this information does not represent important aspects of patients' health outcomes. This study reports on case mix-based changes in health status of elective (planned) surgery patients in Vancouver, Canada. We used a prospectively recruited cohort of consecutive patients scheduled for planned inpatient or outpatient surgery in six acute care hospitals in Vancouver. All participants completed the EQ-5D(5L) preoperatively and 6months postoperatively, collected from October 2015 to September 2020 and linked with hospital discharge data. The main outcome was whether patients' self-reported health status improved among different inpatient and outpatient case mix groups. The study included 1665 participants with completed EQ-5D(5L) preoperatively and postoperatively, representing a 44.8% participation rate across eight inpatient and outpatient surgical case mix categories. All case mix categories were associated with a statistically significant gain in health status (p < .01 or lower) as measured by the utility value and visual analogue scale score. Foot and ankle surgery patients had the lowest preoperative health status (mean utility value: 0.6103), while bariatric surgery patients reported the largest improvements in health status (mean gain in utility value: 0.1515). This study provides evidence that it was feasible to compare patient-reported outcomes across case mix categories of surgical patients in a consistent manner across a system of hospitals in one province in Canada. Reporting changes in health status of operative case mix categories identifies characteristics of patients more likely to experience significant gains in health.

Evaluation of electroretinography (ERG) parameters as a biomarker for ADHD

BackgroundThe retina is recognized as an accessible part of the brain due to their common embryonic origin. The electroretinogram (ERG) has proven to be a valuable tool for detecting schizophrenia and bipolarity. We therefore investigated its ability to detect ADHD. MethodsThe cone and rod luminance response functions of the ERG were recorded in 26 ADHD subjects (17 women and 9 men) and 25 controls (16 women and 9 men). ResultsNo significant differences were found between the mixed groups, but sexual dysmorphia was observed in the significant results. In males, a significant prolonged cone a-wave latency was observed in the ADHD group. In females, we observed a significant decrease in the cone a- and b-wave amplitudes and a trend for a prolonged cone b-wave latency as well as a higher scotopic mixed rod-cone a-wave in the ADHD group. ConclusionThe data obtained in this study show the potential of the ERG to detect ADHD, warranting further large-scale studies.

The development and pilot testing of a family treatment court best practices assessment: The model standards implementation scale

AbstractIn 2019, the family treatment court (FTC) best practice standards (the Standards) were published to clarify attributes of FTC programs associated with superior child, parent, and family outcomes. The Standards cover the breadth of FTC operations including program structure and leadership, substance use treatment and complementary services, and behavioral responses to participants. This study aimed to develop an instrument (the Model Standards Implementation Scale; “MSIS”) that stakeholders can use to assess implementation of the Standards by individual FTCs. The MSIS balances usability with scientific validity. Interrater reliability (IRR), internal consistency, and several types of validity were assessed. Results indicated moderate to strong IRR, high internal consistency, mixed known groups validity depending on Standard, and high convergent and divergent validity. Initial findings suggest good validity and usability of the MSIS for evaluating FTC Standards' implementation. Notably, the process of using the tool functioned to educate FTC team members on the Standards. Although implementation of the MSIS is a resource‐intensive process, the opportunity to receive constructive feedback proved to be an effective incentive for initial and subsequent participation in the evaluation among FTCs. Future research is needed to examine predictive validity, including association between Standards' implementation and family outcomes in FTCs.

Spatiotemporal Variation of Residual Cortisol Obstructs Nutrient Acquisition in Animal-Derived Foods by Perturbing Glycerophospholipid Metabolism.

Cortisol is inevitably secreted by pigs due to the physical and psychological stressors produced by mixed group transportation and preslaughter handling. Accumulated cortisol in animal tissues enters the human body through the food chain and entails potential risks to human health. An integrated lipidome and proteome analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of the spatiotemporal variation of residual cortisol on nutrient acquisition in pork. A total of 55 crucial lipid molecules associated with cortisol residue were identified based on debiased sparse partial correlation analysis. Label-free proteomics was applied to screen 58 differentially abundant proteins (including phospholipase A2, lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase, and CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase), indicating that cortisol residue perturbed the glycerophospholipid biosynthetic process and glycerophospholipid metabolic process. Cortisol induced downregulations of cPLA2 encoding genes and decreased phospholipase A2 activity, resulting in the bioaccumulation of phosphatidylethanolamine (from 36.86 to 43.18 mg kg-1). Cortisol increased the activity of CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase by improving the availability of fatty acids and aggregating the inactive L-form (lipid-independent form) to the active H-form (lipid-associated form). The metabolic pathways perturbed by cortisol resulted in phosphatidylcholine degradation (from 93.73 to 58.28 mg kg-1) and lysophosphatidylcholine accumulation (from 3.39 to 5.16 mg kg-1). These findings indicated that cortisol residue deteriorated meat quality and obstructed nutrient acquisition in animal-origin foods.