PDI Score Research Articles

Investigation of Mirabegron-loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Improved Bioabsorption: Formulation, Statistical Optimization, andIn-VivoEvaluation.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a usual medical syndrome that affects the bladder, and Mirabegron (MBG) is preferred medicine for its control. Currently, available marketed formulations (MYRBETRIQ® granules and MYRBETRIQ® ER tablets) suffer from low bioavailability (29-35%) hampering their therapeutic effectiveness and compromising patient compliance. By creating MBG nanostructured lipid carriers (MBG-NLCs) for improved systemic availability and drug release, specifically in oral administration of OAB treatment, this study aimed to address these issues. MBG-NLCs were fabricated using a hot-melt ultrasonication technique. MBG-GMS; MBG-oleic acid interaction was assessed by in silico molecular docking. QbD relied on the concentration of Span 80 (X1) and homogenizer speed (X2) as critical material attribute (CMA) and critical process parameter (CPP) respectively, while critical quality attributes (CQA) such as particle size (Y1) and cumulative drug release at 24h (Y2) were estimated as dependent variables. 32 factorial design was utilized to investigate the interconnection in variables that are dependent and independents. Optimized MBG-NLCs with a particle size of 194.4 ± 2.25nm were suitable for lymphatic uptake. A PDI score of 0.275 ± 0.02 and zeta potential of -36.2 ± 0.721mV indicated a uniform monodisperse system with stable dispersion properties. MBG-NLCs exhibited entrapment efficiency of 77.3 ± 1.17% and a sustained release in SIF of 94.75 ± 1.60% for 24h. MBG-NLCs exhibited the Higuchi model with diffusion as a release mechanism. A pharmacokinetic study in Wistar rats exhibited a 1.67-fold higher bioavailability as compared to MBG suspension. Hence, MBG-NLCs hold promise for treating OAB by improving MBG's oral bio absorption.

Reduction of Psychosis Proneness in a Daycare Hospital Program for Patients with Severe Alcohol Use Disorder

Objectives Anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as cognitive dysfunctions, improve with abstinence in individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUD), but less is known about psychotic features. The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychosis proneness in a sample of individuals with severe AUD and potential changes after alcohol withdrawal. Method An observational study was conducted, assessing prospectively Peter’s Delusional Inventory scale (PDI); anxiety and depression symptoms by MADRS and cognitive functioning by the MoCA at entry in daycare hospital (D0) and after 30 days (D30). Individuals with schizophrenia, chronic delusional disorder and bipolar disorder were excluded. Wilcoxon tests were used to evaluate the evolution between D0 and D30, and linear regressions were conducted to test the association between delta PDI and the variables that could be potential confounders. Results Forty individuals (72% males) with a mean age of 50 ± 9 years old and AUD evolved for 15 ± 11 years were included. After one month, PDI score decreased significantly (p = .001), and several biological and clinical parameters improved significantly with abstinence or consumption reduction: GGT (p = .003), MoCA (p < .001), MADRS (p = .047). Conclusion We observed a decrease in delusional thinking along abstinence and/or consumption reduction. To our knowledge, this is the first research to study psychosis proneness evolution in patients with severe AUD. Replications are required in independent samples with larger sample size.

Abstract P315: Consumption of Potatoes and Risk of Hypertension: A Pooled Analysis of US Cohorts

Background: Limited and inconsistent observational data are available on the association of potato consumption with risk of hypertension. Objective: To test the hypothesis that consumption of total; combined baked, boiled, and mashed; and fried potatoes is associated with incidence of hypertension and that dietary pattern (assessed using the plant-based diet index [PDI]) modifies such association. Methods: We pooled and analyzed harmonized, individual-level data from 5 US cohorts (n=67,146). Frequency of baked, boiled, mashed, and fried potato consumption during the previous year was ascertained using a food frequency questionnaire. We used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios separately in each cohort adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, body mass index, energy intake, physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake, trans fats, and PDI score. We then pooled cohort-specific results using an inverse-variance weighted method to estimate summary relative risks. Results: Mean age ranged from 25 to 72 years and median total potato consumption ranged from 1.2 to 3.2 times per week across the cohorts. During the follow up, 31,546 new cases of hypertension occurred. Total potato consumption was not associated with the risk of hypertension: adjusted HR (95% CI): 1.00 (ref), 1.01(0.96-1.05), 1.01(0.96-1.05), 1.04(1.00-1.08), and 1.04(0.99-1.08) for total potato intake of 0; 1-2; &gt;2 to &lt;3; 3-&lt;5; and 5+ times per week, respectively. HR (95% CI) for combined baked, boiled, and mashed potato consumption were 1.0 (ref), 1.00 (0.97-1.04), 1.02 (0.98-1.05), and 1.02(0.98-1.07) for intake of 0, 1-2; &gt;2 to &lt;3; and 3+ times/week, respectively. In contrast, intake of fried potatoes was positively associated with hypertension risk (figure). There was no significant interaction between PDI score and potato consumption on HTN risk. Conclusions: Our pooled analysis showed a positive association between fried, but not combined baked, boiled, and mashed, potatoes and incidence of hypertension.

Association between prenatal exposure to rare earth elements and the neurodevelopment of children at 24-months of age: A prospective cohort study

The increasing consumption of rare earth elements (REEs) has resulted in a considerable risk of environmental exposure. However, the adverse effects of prenatal REEs exposure on children's neurodevelopment are not yet fully recognized. Therefore, we investigated the individual and joint effects of prenatal exposure to 13 REEs on children's neurocognitive development based on 809 mother-child pairs from a large birth cohort in Wuhan, China. Maternal urinary concentrations of 13 REEs were repeatedly measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Children's neurodevelopment [e.g., mental and psychomotor development index (MDI/PDI)] at 24-months was assessed using Bayley Scales of Infant Development of Chinese Revision. GEE and BKMR models were applied to estimate the individual and joint effects of prenatal REE exposure on child neurodevelopment level. After controlling for typical confounders, we observed that exposure to 9 REEs during the first trimester were significantly associated with decreased MDI scores [βs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) ranging from −2.24 (−3.86 ∼ −0.63) to −1.44 (−2.26∼ −0.26)], and 7 REEs during third trimester were significantly associated decreased PDI scores [β and 95% CIs ranging from −1.95 (−3.19 ∼ −0.71) to −1.25 (−2.34 ∼ −0.16)]. Higher quantiles of REE mixture in first and third trimester were associated with decreased MDI and PDI score. Thulium, erbium in the first trimester and cerium, lanthanum in the third trimester accounted most importance to joint effects on MDI and PDI, respectively. In conclusion, prenatal exposure to higher concentrations of REEs during the first and third trimester were negative associated with children's neurodevelopment.

Psychological response and perception to lockdown among keralites during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Background: Kerala, which has a population density of 860 people per square kilometre, has been able to significantly curb the spread of COVID-19. This was a result of people in the State, politics, and social settings. Previous outbreaks showed that psychological symptoms could be severe and last longer than physical illness. This study examines the sources of information as well as the peritraumatic distress, attitude towards lockdown. Methods: 2335 individuals under lockdown were given a 32-item questionnaire over the internet from March to August 2020. This covers demographic data, days spent in quarantine, attitude, and awareness, adherence to lockdown procedures, and PDI for measuring psychological distress. Overall score was calculated and associations found using the Chi-square test in SPSS 20. Results: The average quarantine period lasted 10.12 days. 77.9% of individuals reported high stress, with a mean PDI score of 47.73. The psychological distress was more severe for those who were female and were placed in quarantine. The PDI score has associations with gender, education, health care access, loneliness, and the propensity to not adhere to lockdown measures. 89% of the responders expressed concern for their safety. We discovered that being in quarantine had a significant association with loneliness, concern about getting medical care, and resource accessibility. Conclusions: The population had high levels of perceived stress during the pandemic. The detrimental effects of COVID-19 do not just fit into morbidity and mortality but have wider implications for mental health issues that require proper attention.

Screening of Sesame Genotypes against Powdery Mildew and Macrophomina phaseolina Stem/Root Rot Diseases

An investigation was carried out with fifty sesame genotypes to identify source of resistance to powdery mildew and macrophomina stem/root rot diseases during late kharif 2022 at RARS, Jagtial under protected conditions. Among the genotypes screened, four genotypes JCS 4047, JCS 4026, JCS 3880 and GT 10 were found resistant to powdery mildew. The powdery mildew PDI was ranged from 25.1%-73.3%. Based on the PDI score, fifty genotypes were classified into Resistant (4), moderately resistant (27) and Susceptible (19) categories. From fifty genotypes, JCS 4047 showed highly resistant reaction and EC 182833 showed highly susceptible reaction to powdery mildew. The macrophomina stem/root rot incidence was ranged from 65%-100%. FFAT 04 shown the lowest root rot incidence (65%) among fifty genotypes screened. None of the genotypes found to be immune. Identified resistant genotypes can be utilized as parents in breeding programme for development of resistant varieties.

Correlation of Psoriasis Disability Index and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index: A Study from Afghanistan.

BackgroundPsoriasis is a common skin disease that affects physical, psychological, and social well-being of patients. Several studies have assessed health-related quality of life of patients with psoriasis in different populations with large variations.ObjectiveTo investigate, for the first time, the impact of psoriasis on quality of life of Afghan patients with psoriasis.MethodsThis is a prospective observational study conducted at the dermatology department of Maiwand Teaching hospital in Kabul City during April 2018 to May 2019. Patients with plaque psoriasis with age ≥16 years were included in the study. Psoriasis Disability Index was used for the assessment of health-related quality of life. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index was used to define the severity of disease. Appropriate tests were performed using Statistical Package for Social Science.ResultsA total of 174 patients with psoriasis were included in the study, 89 of them were male (51.1%) and 85 of them were female (48.9%). The mean age of the patients was 27.7 years with 13.2 years SD, and the average duration of the disease was 3.2 years with 4.7 years SD. The mean of PASI score was 13.3 with 7.8 SD, while the mean of total PDI was 9.6 with 3.7 SD; there was a strong correlation between total PDI and PASI score (r=0.751, p<0.001). The mean of total PDI was higher among moderate-to-severe psoriasis, female patients, younger age, and those who were single.ConclusionOur study highlighted that psoriasis disability index was highly correlated with psoriasis area and severity index. Furthermore, the quality of life was more affected among female patients, patients younger than 40 years, and those patients who were single.

Genetic diversity, population structure and validation of SSR markers linked to Sw-5 and I-2 genes in tomato germplasm.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-021-01037-8.

Validation of psoriasis disability index (PDI) questionnaire Sinhala version

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis with significant physical and psychological impact leading to negative influence on the quality of life among patients with psoriasis. Other than the disease characteristics many external factors could operate in South Asian context. Lack of a reliable disease-specific instrument prevents objective estimation and monitoring of disability in patients with psoriasis and hence we aim to validate assess the psychometric properties of the Sinhala version of PDI. A cross-sectional study conducted at dermatology clinic at a tertiary care National Hospital in Sri Lanka. Patients with psoriasis and on therapy at least 4weeks prior to enrollment, aged more than 18years, were included while those with already diagnosed psoriatic arthritis and/or nail psoriasis alone without any skin involvement and generalized pustular psoriasis de novo were excluded. All patients were examined by dermatologist to obtain disease characteristics. The reliability was assessed by internal consistency using Cronbach's α and item-total correlation. Convergent validity was measured with the known groups. Of 199 patients studied, the PDI Sinhala version showed Cronbach's α of 0.86 (all 15 items) and ranged from 0.57 to 0.77 for subscales. PDI score and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) showed good correlation of coefficient 0.76 (p < 0.01). Positive associations were noted with extent and severity of psoriasis when using sample medians (p < 0.05). The dimensionality of the PDI was determined using exploratory factor analysis and four factors were structured. The PDI Sinhala version is proved to be valid and reliable tool to assess the burden of psoriasis among Sinhala conversant patients in Sri Lanka.

Plant-based diets and incident metabolic syndrome: Results from a South Korean prospective cohort study

BackgroundPrior studies have shown that plant-based diets are associated with lower risk of cardiovascular risk factors and incident cardiovascular disease, but risks differed by quality of plant-based diets. No prospective studies have evaluated the associations between different types of plant-based diets and incident metabolic syndrome (MetS) and components of MetS. Furthermore, limited evidence exists in Asian populations who have habitually consumed a diet rich in plant foods for a long period of time.Methods and findingsAnalyses were based on a community-based cohort of 5,646 men and women (40–69 years of age at baseline) living in Ansan and Ansung, South Korea (2001–2016) without MetS and related chronic diseases at baseline. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Using the responses in the questionnaire, we calculated 4 plant-based diet indices (overall plant-based diet index [PDI], healthful plant-based diet index [hPDI], unhealthful plant-based diet index [uPDI], and pro-vegetarian diet index). Higher PDI score represented greater consumption of all types of plant foods regardless of healthiness. Higher hPDI score represented greater consumption of healthy plant foods (whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, tea and coffee) and lower consumption of less-healthy plant foods (refined grains, potatoes, sugar-sweetened beverages, sweets, salty foods). Higher uPDI represented lower consumption of healthy plant foods and greater consumption of less-healthy plant foods. Similar to PDI, higher pro-vegetarian diet score represented greater consumption of plant foods but included only selected plant foods (grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, potatoes). Higher scores in all plant-based diet indices represented lower consumption of animal foods (animal fat, dairy, eggs, fish/seafood, meat). Over a median follow-up of 8 years, 2,583 participants developed incident MetS. Individuals in the highest versus lowest quintile of uPDI had 50% higher risk of developing incident MetS, adjusting for demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.50, 95% CI 1.31–1.71, P-trend < 0.001). When we further adjusted for body mass index (BMI), those in the highest quintile of uPDI had 24%–46% higher risk of 4 out of 5 individual components of MetS (abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein [HDL], and elevated blood pressure) (P-trend for all tests ≤ 0.001). Greater adherence to PDI was associated with lower risk of elevated fasting glucose (HR: 0.80, 95% CI 0.70–0.92, P-trend = 0.003). No consistent associations were observed for other plant-based diet indices and MetS. Limitations of the study may include potential measurement error in self-reported dietary intake, inability to classify a few plant foods as healthy and less-healthy, lack of data on vegetable oil intake, and possibility of residual confounding.ConclusionsIn this study, we observed that greater adherence to diets consisting of a high intake of refined carbohydrates, sugars, and salty foods in the framework of plant-based diets was associated with an elevated risk of MetS. These results suggest that considering the quality of plant foods is important for prevention of MetS in a population that habitually consumes plant foods.

Terapotik Hipotermide Nörogelişimsel Sonuçlar: Tek merkez deneyimi

Objective: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is an acute and progressive encephalopathy resulting from perinatal asphyxia. Approximately 15% infants with neonatal HIE die, whereas 25% exhibit subsequent neurological disabilities. In this study, it was intended to compare effects of total body cooling treatment administered for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy on neurological and developmental findings obtained at 18-36 months. Material and Methods: Patients who have been hospitalized between 2013 and 2014 in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with a diagnosis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and treated total body cooling were included. After discharge, neurological examinations of the patients were evaluated by developmental assessments with “Bayley Scales of Infant Development II” at 18-36 months. Results: Mean MDI score of 17 patients was 90.2±16.3, and mean PDI score was 93.8±17.3. MDI scores were < 70 in 11.8% (n = 2) of all cases, and PDI scores were < 70 in 5.9% (n=1) of all cases. In 5.9% (n=1) of all cases, deafness and cerebral palsy were detected. Developmental disorder were found in 17.6% (n=3) of all cases. Conclusion: The therapeutic hypothermia in newborns decreased mortality in moderate and severe HIE and improved neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18th month. In our study, early neurological and developmental problem rates after therapeutic hypothermia were found similar with the literature. However, long period follow-up is necessary to determine minor disorders in these patients.

Transient tone anomalies in very preterm infants: Association with term-equivalent brain magnetic resonance imaging and neurodevelopment at 18 months

BackgroundVery preterm (VPT) infants are at risk for neurodevelopmental impairments and early clinical findings such as transient tone anomalies (TTA) might represent potential predictive indicators. AimsThe aims of this study were to assess 1) the prevalence of TTA at 6 months corrected age in a population of VPT infants, 2) the association with term-equivalent age (TEA) brain MRI and 3) the neurodevelopmental outcome at 18 months corrected age. Study design and subjectsA prospective case-control cohort of 103 VPT infants (<29 weeks of gestation) was followed up at 6 months and classified into TTA+ or TTA−. TTA+ was defined by the presence of ≥2 criteria among anomalies of posture, anomalies of tone and hyperreflexia. Outcome measuresConventional and diffusion-weighted MRIs at TEA were analyzed according to a semi-quantitative MRI scoring system and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were measured in frontal, occipital white matter and posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC). Neurodevelopment was assessed at 18 months using Bayley-II scales (Psychomotor Developmental Index: PDI; Mental Developmental Index: MDI). ResultsTTA+ infants represented 29.1% of the total population. They had: 1) significantly higher ADC values in 3 regions of interest (p < 0.001), 2) significant lower FA in the PLIC (p < 0.001), and 3) significant lower PDI score (p < 0.05). No differences were observed regarding MDI scores. Interaction of TTA by cerebellum score was related to lower MDI scores. ConclusionsIn VPT infants, TTA at 6 months and/or structural brain abnormality at TEA are associated with poorer neurodevelopmental outcome at 18 months.

A novel scale for predicting delayed intubation in patients with inhalation injury.

Strategies to predict delayed airway obstruction in patients with inhalation injury have not been extensively studied. This study aimed to develop a novel scale, predicting the need for Delayed Intubation after inhalation injury (PDI) score. We retrospectively identified patients with inhalation injury at four tertiary care centers in Japan between 2012 and 2018. We included patients aged 15 or older and excluded those intubated within 30 min after hospital arrival. Predictors for delayed intubation were identified with univariate analyses and scored on the basis of odds ratios. The PDI score was evaluated with the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve and compared with other scaling systems for burn injuries. Data from 158 patients were analyzed; of these patients, 18 (11.4%) were intubated during the delayed phase. Signs of respiratory distress, facial burn, and pharyngolaryngeal swelling observed on laryngoscopy, were identified as predictors for delayed intubation. The discriminatory power of the PDI (AUROC curve = 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.83 to 0.97; p < 0.01) was higher than that of the other scaling systems. We developed a novel scale for predicting delayed intubation in inhalation injury. The score should be further validated with other population.

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the Hand Function Sort in patients with complaints of hand and/or wrist

BackgroundMusculoskeletal complaints of arm, neck, and shoulder (CANS) can lead to loss of work productivity. To assess the functional consequences of impairments in work, patient-reported outcomes can be important. The Hand Function Sort (HFS) is a 62-item pictorial questionnaire that focuses on work task performance. The aims of this study were the cross-cultural adaptation of HFS into HFS-Dutch Language Version (HFS-DLV) (Part I) and determining construct validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, responsiveness and floor/ceiling effects of HFS-DLV (Part II).MethodsI: Translation into Dutch using international guidelines. II: Construct validity was assessed with Spearman’s correlation coefficients between the HFS-DLV and the Dutch version of the QuickDASH, PRWHE, PDI, RAND-36, NRS-pain, and work ability score. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s α and reliability by a test-retest procedure. A global rating scale of change was used after 4–8 weeks of hand therapy to determine responsiveness.ResultsI: Forty patients were included, and no items were changed. II: 126 patients with hand, wrist, and/or forearm disorders classified as specific or nonspecific CANS. Six predefined hypotheses (50%) were confirmed. Cronbach’s α: 0.98. Test-retest reliability: ICC of 0.922. AUC of 0.752. There were no floor/ceiling effects.ConclusionsI: Translation process into the HFS-DLV went according to plan. II: For construct validity, the presumed direction of correlations was correct, but less than 75% of hypotheses were confirmed. Internal consistency was high, suggesting redundancy. Reliability and responsiveness of the HFS-DLV were good. HFS-DLV can be used in research or clinical practice for Dutch patients with CANS, to evaluate self-reported functional work ability.

Identification of superior high yielding sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrids for rabi-summer season in West Bengal

An experiment was carried out during 2012-13 to 2014-15 at Nimpith Centre of Ramkrishna Ashram Krishi Vigyan Kendra Research Farm, West Bengal to identify suitable sunflower hybrids for rabi-summer season. A total of 150 sunflower hybrids were tested including two National check hybrids (KBSH-44 and DRSH-1). The field observation revealed that the hybrid PSCHT-12-38 (2260 kg/ha, 36.0% oil content), PSCHT-12-42 (2250 kg/ha, 37.5% oil), PSCHT-12-26 (2217 kg/ha, 37.7%) and PSCHT-12-36 (2151 kg/ha, 37.9% oil content) recorded higher seed yield as well as high oil content in comparison to the national check hybrids. The new experimental hybrids viz.,PSCHT-12-42,SAHT-12-09,PSCHT-12-26, PSCHT-12-36, PSCHT-12-38, PSCHT-12-66,PSCHT-12-76 and PSCHT-12-29 were tolerant to sunflower wilt (PDI score 10-12.5%) in comparison to the checks (PDI score 20-25%). Considering the other yield attributing parameters like plant height, days to 50% flowering or days to maturity, hull content and volume weight, hybrids like PSCHT-12-38, PSCHT-12-42 , PSCHT-12-26 and PSCHT-12-36 were promising due to their 7-10 days earliness and 30-50 cm shorter plant height at harvest coupled with good seed yield and oil yield as well as high degree of tolerance to sunflower wilt.

Study on the prognosis of premature infants with recurrent apnea treated with nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation

Objective To investigate the effect of nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation(NIPPV) on the prognosis of infants with recurrent apenea of premature(AOP) for 12 months of correcting gestational age, thus to provide reference for the treatment of AOP. Methods The premature infants with recurrent AOP of the neonatal intensive care unit were divided into observation group and control group according to the random number table method.The observation group was treated with NIPPV, the control group was treated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure(NCPAP). All living premature infants were followed up for early intervention, hearing, visual acuity, physical and mental development after hospital discharge.Neonatal behavioral neurological assessment(NBNA) was given to the premature infants at the corrected gestational age of 40 weeks and 42 weeks, CDCC was used to test of the corrected gestational age of 1 year old, and the mental retardation, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, severe deafness, blindness were assessed and compared. Results 123 cases were selected, including 2 cases were abandoned in the treatment, 7 cases died(4 cases died during hospitalization, 3 cases died after hospital discharge), 5 cases were lost following up after hospital discharge, 12 cases were treated with poor compliance, the actual research subjects were 97 cases, 51 cases in NIPPV group, 46 cases in NCPAP group.In NIPPV group, the NBNA score more than 35 points of 40 weeks and 42 weeks were in 38 cases(74.5%), 47 cases(92.2%) respectively, which in NCPAP group were respectively in 28 cases(60.9%), 37 cases(80.4%). There were statistically significant differences between the two groups(t=14.786, 4.149, all P<0.05). In NIPPV group, MDI score<80 points, PDI score<80 points, mental retardation, cerebral palsy were respectively in 7 cases(13.7%), 6 cases(11.8%), 3 cases(5.9%), 1 case(2.0%), which in NCPAP group were respectively in 15 cases(32.6%), 14 cases(30.4%), 8 cases(17.4%), 5 cases(10.9%), there were statistically significant differences between the two groups(χ2=10.040, 9.765, 5.944, 6.663, all P<0.05). In NIPPV group, the hearing impairment, very severe deafness, blindness were respectively in 2 cases(3.9%), 0 cases(0.0%), 0 cases(0.0%), which in NCPAP group were respectively in 7 cases(15.2%), 2 cases(4.3%), 2 cases(4.3%), there were statistically significant differences between the two groups(χ2=7.037, 4.082, 4.082, all P<0.05). Conclusion NIPPV in the treatment of premature infants with recurrent AOP has a certain improvement in prognosis. Key words: Intermittent positive-pressure ventilationt; Infant, premature; Apnea; Prognosis

Neurodevelopmental Outcome of Children with Congenital Hypothyroidism Diagnosed in a National Screening Program in Turkey.

To study the factors affecting a neurodevelopmental status of children with congenital hypothyroidism, diagnosed on national screening program. The study was performed in the Pediatric Endocrinology Department of Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Hospital between May 2012 and May 2013. Children with congenital hypothyroidism, aged between 24 and 36 months, diagnosed by national screening program were included in the study group. Healthy subjects at the same age group consisted of the control group. For the neurodevelopmental evaluation, Bayley Scale of Infant Development- II (BSID-II) was used. Factors possibly effective on neurodevelopment were evaluated. 42 patients and 40 healthy children (mean (SD) age, 29.4 (3.7) and 29.2 (3.5), respectively were included in the study. The mean MDI score [92.6 (7.07) vs 97.1 (9.69), P=0.14)] and the mean PDI score [97.8 (15.68) vs 99.1 (10.57), P=0.66)] in the study group and control group were not significantly different. Among the patient, 4.6% and 4.7% children were moderately retarded as per the MDI scores and PPI scores, respectively. The sex, socioeconomic status, birth weight, screening levels of TSH, severity of the congenital hypothyroidism, initiation time and the dosage of thyroid hormone replacement, length of the normalization period of TSH, and adherence to treatment were not found to affect the MDI and PDI scores of the patients. Some children with congenital hypothyrodism may have mild to moderate neurodevelopmental retardation, despite the early diagnosis and treatment, and thus need to be under regular follow-up for neurodevelopmental status.

Development, characterization and cytotoxicity evaluation of Gingko biloba extract (EGB761) loaded microemulsion for intra-nasal application

Background: Ginkgo biloba is therapeutically important fossil species with extended benefits against CNS disorders as; it contains various potential constituents which are known for their specific actions. In spite of this fact its medicinal usage are limited due to the limited absorption, rapid elimination, vigorous biotransformation and low bioavailability of its therapeutic components. Objective: The present study is an attempt to develop a microemulsion system of standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGB761) for intranasal application. Material and methods: It is developed by water titration method using Isopropyl Myristate (oil), Tween 80 (surfactant) and Ethanol (co surfactant). Results: EGB761 loaded microemulsions were developed and characterized. The optimized formulation showed particle size of 259.8 ± 6.3 nm, PDI score of 0.186 ± 0.092 and zeta potential as -9.87 ± 2.23 mv. Also, TEM images showed size range from 84 - 260 nm with smooth and spherical morphology. In vitro phyto-constituents release through isolated nasal mucosa showed release pattern of zero order kinetics with sustained release (up to 16 hours). Moreover, cytotoxicity evaluation (RPMI2650 cell lines) didn’t show cytotoxicity for both GBME (99.3 % ± 2.28 % and 98.17 % ± 1.86%) and plain EGB761 extract (95.3 % ± 2.1 and 91.7 % ± 1.07) with different time periods (3 and 12 hours). Conclusion: Therefore, it has been concluded from the results that, EGB761 based microemulsion (GBME) is developed with particle size range between 84 – 260 nm, having zero order release kinetics. GBME is found to be safe on RPMI2650 cell line and can be further, investigated in in vivo system.

Research on the effect of surgical rehabilitation nursing intervention model on the development level and movement level of children with spastic cerebral palsy

Objective To explore the effect of surgical rehabilitation nursing intervention model on the development level and movement level of children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods A total of 120 children with spastic cerebral palsy in our hospital from February 2012 to February 2014 were selected.According to the random number table method, they were divided into two groups, the experimental group and the control group.The mental development indexes and motor development indexes of children of the two groups were compared, and the satisfaction of children's parents were compared. Results After the intervention, the Gesell score and PDI score of the two groups were significantly higher than before intervention (P<0.05), but the Gesell score and PDI score of the experimental group after intervention were significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The parents of the experimental group were significantly more satisfied with the nursing work (P<0.05). Conclusions Effective rehabilitation nursing intervention for children with spastic cerebral palsy can effectively alleviate the condition, promote the development of children, and help the development of motor function of the children. Key words: Children with cerebral palsy; Development level; Motor development; Rehabilitation nursing

Ultrasound-detected joint inflammation and B cell count: related variables for rituximab-treated RA patients?

This cross-sectional observational study aimed to explore the relationship between B cell count and ultrasound (US)-detected synovitis, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with rituximab. Thirty-seven consecutive RA patients treated with RTX were recruited for the study. The patients underwent clinical [i.e., Disease Activity Score 28 joints (DAS28)], laboratory, and US assessment of 12 joints. Each joint was semiquantitatively (0-3) scored on B-mode and power Doppler mode. The scores were summed, and a global index was created for BM (BMS) and PD scores (PDI) synovitis. BM subclinical synovitis was evident in all patients, with PD synovial signal detected in 16 patients (43.2%). No correlation was found between DAS28 and US scores. B cells were detected in 27 (72.9%) patients, but there was no association in the mean B cell count and disease activity as measured by DAS28 (DAS28<2.6=34.53, DAS28>2.6=49.45, p=0.52) and PDI score (PDI<1=49.48, PDI>1=35.44, p=0.54). There was no correlation between the B cell count and DAS28, BMS, and PDI (r=0.020, p=0.907; r=-0.151, p=0.371; r=-0.099, p=0.558, respectively). In RTX-treated RA patients, no relationship could be established between US-detected synovitis and peripheral blood B cell count.