Pairwise Comparisons Research Articles

Outpatient endoscopic polypectomy

AIM: to estimate the efficacy and safety of outpatient polypectomy of epithelial benign tumors of the colon.PATIENTS AND METHODS: the prospective cohort study included 809 patients with colon polyps removed by cold loop polypectomy (CSP), hot loop polypectomy (HSP) and hot loop polypectomy with injection (HSP + injection). Intraand postoperative complications were assessed.RESULTS: a total of 2115 colon polyps 2–20 mm (0.5 [0.4; 0,7] mm) were removed. No intraoperative complications occurred. Prophylactic clipping was performed in 6,5% of cases with a significant higher rate for larger neoplasms: 10–20 mm — 77/324 (23.8%), 6–9 mm — 43/618 (7%), 2–5 mm — 17/1173 (1.4%), p < 0.001 in the omnibus test and all pairwise comparisons. The frequency of delayed complications (within 3 days) was 0.49% (4/809 patients) IIIa according to the Clavien-Dindo classification and 0.19% (4/2115 removed neoplasms).CONCLUSION: removal of benign epithelial neoplasms of the colon ≤ 20 mm without admission in a 24-hour hospital is associated with a low rate (0.19%) of delayed bleeding (within 3 days), so it is necessary to remove polyps less than 10 mm during screening colonoscopy.

Phenotypic and genetic variation of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand and its global relationships: Insights from wing morphometric and mitochondrial COI gene analyses.

Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae), commonly known as the Asian tiger mosquito, is an important vector transmitting dangerous arboviruses to humans. This study investigated the phenotypic and genetic variation of this species in Thailand through wing geometric morphometric (GM) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequence analyses. A total of 236 Ae. albopictus specimens from 12 populations in Thailand and 89 specimens from invasive populations in Florida, Hawaii and Brazil underwent wing GM analysis. The centroid size (CS) of Ae. albopictus populations in Thailand ranged from 2.00 mm in Bangkok to 2.36 mm in Chanthaburi, while in invasive populations, CS varied from 2.25 mm in Brazil to 2.47 mm in Florida. Pairwise comparisons of wing shape revealed significant differences for most population pairs, with distances ranging from 1.63 to 10.02. The clustering tree indicated distant relationships in wing shape between native and invasive populations. Additionally, partial COI gene sequences were amplified from 108 specimens, revealing a mean haplotype diversity of 0.842 ± 0.025 and a mean nucleotide diversity of 0.002 ± 0.001. The results from neutral Tajima's D and Fu's Fs tests indicated negative and statistically significant values (-2.159 and -33.846, respectively), suggesting population expansion. Further examination of haplotype relationships between Thailand and other countries identified two distinct groups: a Southeast Asia group, with Thai haplotypes clustered exclusively within it, and a non-Southeast Asia group. These findings highlight the phenotypic and genetic variation of Ae. albopictus in Thailand, providing essential insights for disease control strategies and tracing the mosquito's origins across regions.

Pilot Study on the Relationship Between Different Lower Limb Raising Velocities and Trunk Muscle Contraction in Active Straight Leg Raise

Background/Objectives: The active straight leg raise requires intricate coordination between the hip, knee, pelvis, and spine. Despite its complexity, limited research has explored the relationship between lower limb raising velocity and trunk muscle motor control during an active straight leg raise in healthy individuals. This study aimed to explore the potential effects of increased lower limb raising velocity on core muscle contractions during active straight leg raises. Methods: Six healthy adult men (mean age: 24.5 ± 2.5 years) participated in this study. Electromyography signals were recorded using surface electrodes placed on the rectus abdominis, external oblique, and internal oblique/transverse abdominis muscles. The participants performed active straight leg raises at three different velocities: 3 s, 2 s, and as fast as possible (max). The electromyography data were analyzed from 250 ms before to 1000 ms after movement initiation, with muscle activity expressed as a percentage of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Statistical analyses were conducted using non-parametric tests, including the Friedman test for overall differences, followed by pairwise Wilcoxon signed-rank tests with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons (p < 0.05). Results: During the 250 ms before movement initiation, the internal oblique/transverse abdominis, external oblique, and rectus abdominis muscles showed greater activity in the max condition compared to the 3 s and 2 s conditions (Friedman test, p < 0.05), but no significant differences were found in pairwise comparisons (Wilcoxon test, p > 0.05). Similarly, during the 500 ms after movement initiation, internal oblique/transverse abdominis activity was higher in the max condition, with no significant pairwise differences observed. Conclusions: Faster lower limb raising velocities during active straight leg raise may enhance core stability by activating anticipatory and sustained internal oblique/transverse abdominis, external oblique, and rectus abdominis activity on the raised limb side. Training to promote this activation could improve dynamic stability in rapid or asymmetric movements.

Exploring the Impact of Thermal Environment on Student Well-Being in Sustainable Campus Settings

As universities strive to create sustainable and comfortable learning environments, understanding the factors that influence student well-being is crucial for promoting good health and well-being (SDG 3) and fostering sustainable communities (SDG 11). This study, conducted at a female campus in the UAE, investigates the impact of various external factors on students’ psychological perceptions. Specifically, it examines how abaya color, landscape settings, and time of day affect body fatigue, eye fatigue, and thermal discomfort, providing valuable insights for campus planning and design. Using GrADS and an FLIR thermal camera, this research analyzed temperature, humidity, and surface temperatures. The Kruskal–Wallis test and Don Bonferroni pairwise comparisons were employed to assess the impact of conditions on psychological perceptions. The results indicate that abaya color insignificantly affected perceptions in summer, but light brown was preferred in spring. Landscape sites influenced eye fatigue and skin dryness in summer, favoring shaded areas. The time of day affected body heat, skin dryness, and thermal discomfort, with greater discomfort in summer afternoons. These findings offer valuable insights for campus planning, particularly in hot summer months, promoting students’ psychological well-being (SDG 3) and sustainable campus communities (SDG 11).

The effect of fabrication procedures and thermomechanical loading on the structural properties of screw-retained metal-ceramic implant restorations: An in vitro study.

Metal-ceramic screw-retained implant restorations persist as a fundamental choice in specific clinical scenarios. Little is known about the effects of fabrication steps and aging on their structural properties. This study aimed to investigate how laboratory fabrication procedures and thermomechanical loading affect the structural properties of screw-retained metal-ceramic implant restorations. Ten screw-retained metal-ceramic restorations were conventionally cast using UCLA chromium-cobalt overcast abutments. After 500 cycles of thermocycling and 500,000 cycles of mechanical loading, changes in connection dimensions and rotational freedom (RF) were measured and compared at various fabrication steps and post-thermomechanical loading. A generalized estimating equations (GEE) model was employed to analyze trends across the studied time points within the fabrication stage and after thermomechanical loading, with LSD post-hoc tests applied for pairwise comparisons. The level of significance was set at α = 0.05. Significant changes were observed across the analyzed time points: the average hexagonal side length (L) decreased (p < 0.001), and the average hexagonal angle deformation (P) increased, with notable differences observed in most comparisons between different fabrication steps (p < 0.001). Short (T1) and long (T2) diagonals of the hexagon showed downward trends (p < 0.001), while concentricity (O) and RF increased (p < 0.001), except between porcelain firing and loading steps for RF (p = 0.637). Casting had the greatest impact on variations in O (93.33%), T1 (88.88%), and T2 (45%), while porcelain firing significantly affected L (71.42%), P (71.42%), with the greatest effect on RF (75.32%). The fabrication processes and simulated clinical use adversely impacted the structural integrity and RF of abutments in screw-retained chromium-cobalt overcast implant restorations.

Cardiorespiratory fitness in COPD and HF from the Fitness Registry and the Importance of Exercise: A National Database

Abstract Aims To better characterize functional consequences of the presence of COPD on cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with HF. Methods Patients with any clinical indication for cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) were included in the international FRIEND registry. Diagnosis of COPD was confirmed by a ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) &amp;lt;0.70. HF was diagnosed in the presence of symptoms and signs of HF. Results 10,957 patients were divided into four groups; patients without HF or COPD (n=8963), patients with HF (n=852) or COPD (n=991) alone, and patients with both HF and COPD (n=151). Maximal workload was the lowest in patients with both HF and COPD (78.09 (95% CI: 72.92, 83.64 watts) and all pairwise comparisons with adjusted p&amp;lt;0.05 between groups were statistically significant. Patients with both HF and COPD yielded the lowest PETCO2 values (31.80 (95% CI: 31.00, 32.60)) mmHg and exhibited a higher VE/VCO2 slope compared with HF (36.73 (95% CI: 35.78, 37.68) vs. 33.91 (95% CI: 33.50, 34.33) units, p&amp;lt;0.0001). Peak VO2 was the lowest with concomitant HF and COPD 19.93 (95% CI: 18.60, 21.27) ml/kg/min and was significantly different compared to all other groups (p&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusion Patients referred for CPET with COPD and concomitant HF exhibit a profound impairment in CRF compared to patients with COPD or HF alone. Early identification of pulmonary obstruction in patients with HF by more frequent usage of pulmonary function testing may contribute to provide better treatment for both COPD and HF in these high-risk individuals.

Optimization model for reducing inconsistency of pairwise comparison matrices with minimal change

Optimization model for reducing inconsistency of pairwise comparison matrices with minimal change

Influence of Oestradiol Fluctuations in the Menstrual Cycle on Respiratory Exchange Ratio at Different Exercise Intensities: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Pooled-Data Analysis

Background: Oestradiol has been implicated as a factor in substrate utilisation in male and mouse studies but the effect of acute changes during the menstrual cycle is yet to be fully understood. Objective: To determine the role of oestradiol in respiratory exchange ratio (RER) during exercise at various intensities. Methods: This systematic review was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. From inception to November 2023, four online databases (Cochrane, SPORTDiscus, MEDline and Web of Science) were searched for relevant articles. Studies that reported a resting oestradiol measurement in naturally menstruating women with exercise at a percentage of maximal aerobic capacity (%V˙O2max) were included. Mean and standard deviation for oestradiol, RER and exercise intensity were extracted and study quality assessed using a modified Downs and Black checklist. Risk of bias was assessed using I2 measure of heterogeneity and Egger’s regression test, assessment of bias from methodological quality was identified by sensitivity analysis. Eligible datasets were extracted for pairwise comparisons within a meta-analysis and correlation between change in oestradiol and change in RER. Data were also pooled to produce a mean and standard deviation for RER for menstrual stage and for low and high oestradiol groups. Results: Twenty-four articles were identified, over 50% were identified as high quality. Sixteen articles included datasets eligible for meta-analysis. Eleven articles utilised a submaximal constant-load exercise intensity, finding a standardised mean difference of − 0.09 ([CI: −0.35–0.17], p = 0.5) suggesting no effect of menstrual phase on constant-load exercise RER. In six articles using incremental exercise tests to exhaustion, a standardised mean difference of 0.60 ([CI 0.00–1.19], p = 0.05) was identified towards a higher maximal RER attained in follicular compared to luteal phase. There was no correlation (R = −0.26, p = 0.2) between change in oestradiol and change in RER between phases. All 24 articles, totalling 650 participants, were included in pooled analysis. When grouped by menstrual cycle phase or when grouped by oestradiol levels, RER was higher in the follicular phase than the luteal phase at low and high constant load exercise intensities. Discussion: Findings from the pooled-analysis and meta-analysis suggest that there may be menstrual cycle phase differences in RER that are intensity dependent. These differences may be related to sex hormone levels, but this was not supported by evidence of correlation between differences in RER and differences in oestradiol. At present, it remains best practice to assess performance in the same menstrual cycle phase if seeking to assess change from baseline.

Between Volga and Ural River basins: concerning family ties of the Abashevo and Sintashta population of the Bronze Age in the context of genetic data

The focus of our study is the burials of two young men who died in distant lands (Middle Volga region and Southern Urals). Whole genome sequencing revealed a remarkable genetic similarity between the individuals and their potential decent from common ancestors. Men from the excavations of the Pepkino mound (burial No. 8, bronze caster) and buried No. 3 at the settlement of Maloyuldashevo 1 (sacrificed individual) were the owners of haplogroup R1b (Z2103) with a common paternal ancestor. The search of genome fragments identical by origin (IBD method — Identity-By-Descent) showed patterns inherited from a common ancestor without recombination. In a pairwise comparison of Pepkino caster with other samples, the probability of the occurrence of at least one IBD fragment in the genomes was more than 0.9 for both the Maloyldashevo sample, as well for a female (sample POST_131) from Southern Bavaria with close AMS date. Using the PCA method, we identified the owner of a similar genotype in a burial of the Sintashta culture (Kamennyi Ambar 5 burial ground, mound 2, burial 16), for which a mixed origin was previously established with the participation of West Siberian hunter-gatherers and steppe dwellers of the Bronze Age. In addition, among other genetic outliers of the same necropolis, there were men with haplogroup of the Y chromosome R1b, which brings them closer to the individuals we studied from the Pepkino mound and Maloyuldashevo settlement. Thus, the distribution of a mobile group has been shown, which was incorporated into different cultural traditions.

Evaluating the anti-Candida effects of selenium nanoparticles impregnated in acrylic resins: An in vitro study

Background. Candida albicans in the oral cavity causes denture-induced stomatitis, but current treatments have side effects and contribute to drug resistance. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) show promise as an antimicrobial agent, but their effectiveness against C. albicans is unknown and warrants further research. Methods. Acrylic resins containing different concentrations of SeNPs (0.2, 2, and 10 g/mL) were formulated and evaluated against C. albicans isolates. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of SeNPs was determined, and a fungal biofilm was developed on acrylic samples. The quantity of biofilm was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical density (OD) at 570 nm after staining with crystal violet. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA software, with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests to establish significance (P&lt;0.05). Results. The MIC of SeNPs was 25%. The OD in the group with 10% SeNPs was 0.477 and 0.547 in the group with 0.2%. Kruskal-Wallis test results showed that at least two groups among those studied had significant differences (P=0.0273). In pairwise comparisons, the differences between all the groups were statistically significant (P=0.049). SEM analysis confirmed the destruction of C. albicans cell walls, leading to reduced colonization, with the 10% group showing the highest efficacy. Conclusion. The study demonstrated that SeNPs are effective against C. albicans colonization when combined with acrylic resin. Specifically, SeNPs exhibited enhanced antifungal properties at a concentration of 10%. These findings confirm that SeNPs are a promising alternative to traditional antifungal agents for treating oral candidiasis and denture-induced stomatitis.

Difficulty of diagnostic accuracy of periprosthetic joint infection: a retrospective analysis of revision surgery of total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty in a tertiary hospital

BackgroundDiagnostic accuracy of periprosthetic joint infection still remains controversial and an unsolved problem with respect to clinical signs and laboratory measures. Influencing factors of diagnosis like age, sex, abnormal physical findings and comorbidities are published with different results. The aim of our study was to find factors strengthening the diagnosis.MethodsWe therefore retrospectively investigated all revision surgeries of total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty in the years 2019 and 2020 in a tertiary hospital with special regard to diagnostic accuracy of periprosthetic joint infection and switch in diagnosis to aseptic mechanical loosening or vice versa. All patients were divided into 4 non-hierarchical groups: suspected and discharge diagnosis periprosthetic joint infection (P1), suspected and discharge diagnosis mechanical loosening (P2), suspected diagnosis mechanical loosening and discharge diagnosis periprosthetic joint infection (P3), suspected diagnosis PJI and discharge diagnosis mechanical loosening (P4).ResultsIn the years 2019–2020, 106 patients underwent revision surgery of total knee arthoplasty and total hip arthroplasty. 33 patients showed periprosthetic joint infection (31.1%) according to Infectious Diseases Society (IDSA) criteria, 73 patients showed mechanical loosening (68.9%). Of the periprosthetic joint infection -patients, 15 were men (46%) and 18 were women (54%). The patients with mechanical loosening were 27 men (37%) and 46 women (63%). In group P1 (25 patients), 22 could be classified according to the histopathological classification Krenn and Morawietz grade 2 and grade 3, 2 patients to grade 4 and one patient could not be classified. In group P3 (8 patients) all could be classified according to the classification Krenn and Morawietz grade 2 and 3. Groups P1 – P4 were correlated with categorial basic data: All Groups P1 – P4 showed a statistical correlation towards American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) categorization 3–4 versus ASA 2 (p = 0.01). In the pairwise comparison in the exact Fisher´s exact test P1 and P2 showed a statistical correlation towards ASA categorization 3–4 versus ASA 2 (p = 0.01). Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) categories 5–7 versus 0,1–2 and 3–4 showed a statistical correlation towards groups P1-P4 (p = 0.007) and in the pairwise comparison in the exact Fisher´s exact test a discrimination of P1 and P2 (p = 0.001) and P1 and P3 (p = 0.007). The preoperative corticoid therapy showed a statistical correlation to groups P1-P4 (p = 0.05) and in the pairwise comparison in the exact Fisher test a discrimination of P1 and P4 (p = 0.02).ConclusionWe therefore conclude that diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection still remains difficult. Switches in diagnosis during hospital stay from periprosthetic joint infection to aseptic mechanical loosening and vice versa are not unusual and the role of different diagnostic tools needs further investigation. Patients categorized according to ASA and CCI as severely ill might be more likely to be diagnosed correctly with periprosthetic joint infection.

Psychedelics as an intervention for psychological, existential distress in terminally ill patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

The interest in psychedelics as a therapeutic intervention for existential distress of people with terminal illness grounds on their mechanism of action and effect on the spiritual/existential aspects accompanying end-of-life experiences. This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed at examining the efficacy and safety of psychedelic compounds for existential distress in terminally ill people. PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and clinicaltrials.gov were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) administering psychedelics for existential distress in people with terminal illnesses. Meta-analysis estimated the standardized mean difference (SMD) and odds ratio (OR), with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), between treated and control groups in pairwise and network comparisons, using random-effects models. Post-treatment measures of depression and anxiety, as proxies of existential distress, and tolerability were the primary outcomes. Nine studies, involving 606 participants (362 treated with psychedelics: psilocybin, ketamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)) were included. The meta-analysis supported the efficacy of psychedelics on depression (SMD: -0.80 (95% CI: -0.98, -0.63)) and anxiety (SMD: -0.84 (95% CI: -1.20, -0.48)). Network meta-analysis identified psilocybin as the most effective compound for depression, and LSD for anxiety. However, head-to-head comparison between psychedelics did not reach statistical significance. The rates of treatment discontinuation and adverse events between psychedelics and controls were comparable. Psychedelics, especially psilocybins and LSD, showed promising effects on depression and anxiety in people with terminal illnesses. Limitations include the small number of RCTs, methodological issues related to blinding, and the lack of direct comparisons between psychedelic compounds. Larger studies and comparative research are needed to consolidate these findings.

Comparison of apparent diffusion coefficients of resectable mid‑high rectal adenocarcinoma and distal paracancerous tissue.

Paracancerous tissues actively communicate with the tumor and undergo molecular alterations associated with tumorigenesis. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) can help distinguish between rectal adenocarcinoma (RA), tumor-adjacent and tumor-distant tissues. Preoperative determining optimal distal resection margin (DRM) is crucial for formulating surgical options. The present study aimed to assess ADC differences between RA and 1 cm-layer distal paracancerous tissues, providing a potential reference basis for preoperatively determining optimal DRM. A total of 110 consecutive patients with mid-high RA undergoing preoperative diffusion-weighted imaging were included. ADCs of RA and distal paracancerous tissues located ~1, 2 and 3 cm from the tumor margin (defined as D1, D2 and D3, respectively) were measured using five b-value pairs (0 and 50; 0 and 100; 0 and 800; 0 and 1,000; and 0 and 1,500 sec/mm2). Differences in ADCs between RA, D1, D2 and D3 were compared using the Friedman test with a post hoc Bonferroni correction. Variables that demonstrated statistical differences in multiple pairwise comparisons underwent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to assess diagnostic performance of ADCs in distinguishing between tissues. ADC at all b-value pairs demonstrated satisfactory performance in distinguishing RA from D1, D2 and D3 [areas under the ROC curves (AUCs), 0.838 to 0.996)]. When the maximum b-value was ≥800 sec/mm2, the ADC of D1 was significantly lower compared with those of D2 and D3 (P<0.001). ADC exhibited an optimal performance in differentiating D1 from D2 at b-values of 0 and 800 sec/mm2, and D1 from D3 at b-values of 0 and 1,000 sec/mm2 (AUCs: 0.652 and 0.692, respectively). However, ADCs of D2 and D3 demonstrated no differences at all b-value pairs (all P>0.05). In conclusion, ADC may distinguish RA from D1, D2 and D3, and D1 from D2/D3, but cannot distinguish between D2 and D3.

Оценка результатов хирургического лечения детей с деформацией позвоночника и грудной клетки с применением навигационной установки

Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) accounts for 2% to 5% of cases in orthopedic pathology. Surgical treatment of severe, rigid IS forms remains an important and pressing problem. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the surgical correction method of severe kyphoscoliotic deformity of the thoracic spine in children with the use of the active optical three-dimensional computer navigation technology. Materials and methods used: a retrospective, single-center cohort study of the surgical treatment results of 30 children aged 14 to 18 y/o with grade 4 IS was conducted with V (C) Level of Evidence. The inclusion criteria were as follows: the scoliotic deformity magnitude of over 80°, simultaneous discopphysectomy, mobilizing dorsal osteotomies and deformity correction with a multi-support metal structure. Results: the scoliosis magnitude in the preoperative period was 100.5° (min 82; max 130; SD=13.21), after surgery 27° (min 4; max 47; SD=12.53). Pairwise comparison demonstrated statistically significant differences (p=0.013). The kyphosis magnitude in the preoperative period was 39.4° (min 3; max 61; SD=16.61), after surgery - 37.7° (min 3; max 49; SD=6.59). The abovementioned data comparison demonstrated the absence of statistically significant differences (p=0.154). The vertebral rotation magnitude in the preoperative period was 35.5° (min 20; max 60; SD=8.73), after surgery - 20° (min 9; max 32; SD=6.54). When comparing the results, statistically significant differences were revealed (p=0.010). Neurological disorders after the surgical interventions were not noted in patients included in the study. Conclusion: the use of the method of surgical correction of severe kyphoscoliotic deformity of the spine from a combined approach using active optical three-dimensional computer navigation technology allows the complete correction of the spinal deformity, indirectly improving both the shape and the size of the chest and restoring the frontal and sagittal profiles of the spine.

REDUCE—A Tool Supporting Inconsistencies Reduction in the Decision-Making Process

This paper presents REDUCE, a free online tool designed to support decision-making processes by addressing inconsistency in multiplicative pairwise comparison (PC) matrices, a key element of many multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods, including the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). AHP relies on pairwise comparisons to assign weights to decision criteria or alternatives, but human-generated PC matrices often exhibit inconsistencies. Consistency is evaluated using Saaty’s consistency ratio ( CR ), where a value below 0.10 is considered acceptable. Higher inconsistency levels necessitate matrix corrections, which are challenging if the original expert is unavailable or revision constraints exist. REDUCE autonomously reduces inconsistency in PC matrices using two different algorithms that require no expert intervention. The tool accommodates different PC matrices, enabling users to specify the desired CR threshold (e.g., CR≤0.10) and select the algorithm for adjustment. It ensures the resulting matrix is consistent while preserving the original preference structure to the greatest extent possible. Additionally, REDUCE calculates weights for the compared entities, making it a valuable tool for applications of AHP and related methodologies. Quantitative evaluations demonstrate that REDUCE can improve matrices with high inconsistency (e.g., CR=0.25) to acceptable levels (e.g., CR=0.08) while retaining up to 95% of the original preference integrity, depending on the chosen algorithm. By addressing the accessibility gap for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that lack resources for costly decision-making software or expert consultants, REDUCE facilitates broader adoption of MCDM tools. This work highlights the potential of REDUCE to enhance decision-making reliability and accessibility in resource-constrained environments.

Be aware of overfitting by hyperparameter optimization!

Hyperparameter optimization is very frequently employed in machine learning. However, an optimization of a large space of parameters could result in overfitting of models. In recent studies on solubility prediction the authors collected seven thermodynamic and kinetic solubility datasets from different data sources. They used state-of-the-art graph-based methods and compared models developed for each dataset using different data cleaning protocols and hyperparameter optimization. In our study we showed that hyperparameter optimization did not always result in better models, possibly due to overfitting when using the same statistical measures. Similar results could be calculated using pre-set hyperparameters, reducing the computational effort by around 10,000 times. We also extended the previous analysis by adding a representation learning method based on Natural Language Processing of smiles called Transformer CNN. We show that across all analyzed sets using exactly the same protocol, Transformer CNN provided better results than graph-based methods for 26 out of 28 pairwise comparisons by using only a tiny fraction of time as compared to other methods. Last but not least we stressed the importance of comparing calculation results using exactly the same statistical measures.Scientific Contribution We showed that models with pre-optimized hyperparameters can suffer from overfitting and that using pre-set hyperparameters yields similar performances but four orders faster. Transformer CNN provided significantly higher accuracy compared to other investigated methods.

Evaluating the biocontrol efficacy of beneficial soil microbes against the Fusarium wilt disease of tomato

Tomato is one of the most important agricultural crops in the world as it is a rich source of vitamins A and C. The quality and the quantity of tomato fruits is severely affected by the fungal plant pathogens. Fungal diseases are among the most dangerous biological stresses that cause severe damage to tomato crops in many countries. Fusarium wilt disease in tomato caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, become a major concern of yield loss worldwide. This study evaluated the efficacy of multiple antagonistic biocontrol agents, including Trichoderma species and non-pathogenic F. oxysporum, in mitigating Fusarium wilt. Pathogenic F. oxysporum strains were isolated from diseased tomato plants, while biocontrol agents were cultured from rhizosphere soil of healthy tomato plants. In vitro dual-culture assays demonstrated that non-pathogenic F. oxysporum inhibited pathogenic strains by 86.8% (±4.8) at 7 days post-inoculation (dpi), significantly higher than T. harzianum, which achieved 62.8% (±6.2) inhibition (p &lt; 0.01). Other Trichoderma strains, such as T. viride and T. asperellum, showed moderate inhibition levels of 54.3% (±2.3) and 51.9% (±5.9), respectively. Greenhouse pot trials reinforced these in vitro results, with non-pathogenic F. oxysporum achieving a significant disease reduction of 77.0% (±3.0) in Fusarium wilt incidence, followed by T. harzianum at 64.8% (±2.7) (p &lt; 0.01). Statistically significant improvements in plant growth were also recorded in treated plants. T. harzianum increased shoot length by 25.6% (±3.1) and root weight by 22.4% (±2.9) compared to control plants, while non-pathogenic Fusarium enhanced root length by 30.2% (±3.4) and overall biomass by 28.7% (±3.8) (p &lt; 0.01). Data were analyzed using ANOVA, followed by LSD for pairwise comparisons, confirming the efficacy of these biocontrol agents in reducing disease incidence and promoting plant growth. These findings underscore the potential of antagonistic biocontrol agents as viable, sustainable alternatives to chemical fungicides for managing Fusarium wilt in tomato production systems, supporting both plant health and environmental resilience.

National census of UK endoscopy services in 2023

BackgroundThe Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (JAG) conducts a biennial census of UK endoscopy services. The 2023 census aimed to assess the current status of endoscopy services and compare...

Application of 1H NMR Metabolic Profiling of Serum in Canine Multicentric Lymphoma.

Canine lymphoma represents a biologically and metabolically heterogeneous group of neoplasms that arise from malignant transformation of lymphoid cells. An accurate diagnosis is crucial because of its impact on survival. Current diagnostic methods include clinical laboratory tests and imaging, most of which are invasive and lack sensitivity and specificity. Interestingly, recent work in cancer patients focuses on the search for biomarkers for diagnosis, investigation of treatment response mechanisms, treatment efficacy and prognosis and the discovery of tumour metabolic pathways using metabolomic analysis. In this study, we compare the metabolite profiles in serum from 37 dogs with multicentric lymphoma (22 B-cell lymphomas/LB, 9 CD45+ T-cell lymphomas/LTCD45+, 6 CD45- T-cell lymphomas/LTCD45-) and 25 healthy dogs using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). 1H NMR-based metabolite profiling analysis recognised lipids and 22 metabolites, with 16 of them altered, and was shown to be an effective approach for differentiating samples from dogs with lymphoma and healthy controls based on principal component analysis of the NMR data. We also investigated variations in the serum metabolome between immunophenotypes and the control group through pairwise comparisons of the healthy against the LB, LTCD45+ and LTCD45- groups, respectively which showed similar metabolomic profiles. In addition, there were significant differences in the levels of five individual metabolites based on the univariate statistical analysis. Our results showed alterations in energy, protein and lipid metabolism, suggesting glucose, lactate, N-acetyl glycoproteins (NAGs), scyllo-inositol and choline as possible new candidate biomarkers in canine multicentric lymphoma.

Effects of concave thoracoplasty on chest circumference and ventilatory function in adolescence with idiopathic scoliosis

IntroductionAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) can reduce rib cage volume, which mechanically overloads the respiratory musculature. A current study examines the influences of concave thoracoplasty on pulmonary function and chest circumference.MethodsThis study included thirty AIS patients of both genders, aged 12 to 18 years, who had a concave thoracoplasty with posterior correction. Pulmonary function, Cobb angles, and chest circumferences were measured before surgery, on the fifth day following surgery, and at three months.ResultsA paired t-test was used to compare Cobb angles and chest expansion before and after intervention in the AIS-studied group. The statistical analysis stated that there was a significant decrease in Cobb angles and chest expansion (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05) at post-intervention follow-ups compared to pre-intervention measurements with a change percentage of 56.13% and 18.90%, respectively. Bonferroni correction test was employed to evaluate a pairwise intervention for outcome variables that revealed there were insignificantly increases in vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), and maximal voluntary breathing (MVV) after the intervention compared to before intervention (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &gt; 0.05). In contrast, the pairwise comparison test between pre-intervention versus follow-up revealed time effect had significantly increased VC, FVC, and MVV at post-intervention compared to 3 months after the intervention with improvement percentages of 16.51%, 16.11%, and 22.16%, respectively.ConclusionsPatients with AIS who underwent concave thoracoplasty showed greater improvements in Cobb angles and pulmonary function tests 3 months after surgical intervention. Future research activities should emphasize elucidating areas of confusion to improve care in the AIS.