Physiological Values Research Articles

Diagnosis and Management System of Healthcare Resources for Pulmonary Cardio-vascular Diseases Based on Supervised Machine Learning

Introduction: The detection and management of diseases have always been critical and challenging tasks for healthcare professionals. This necessitates expensive human and material resources, resulting in prolonged treatment processes. In medicine, misdiagnosis and mismanagement can significantly contribute to mistreatment and resource loss. However, machine learning (ML) techniques have demonstrated the potential to surpass standard patient treatment procedures, aiding healthcare professionals in better disease management. Methods: In this project, the focus is on smart auscultation systems and resource management, employing Random Forest Regression (RFR). This system collects patients' physiological values (specifically, photoplethysmography techniques: PPG) as input and provides disease detection, treatment protocols, and staff assignments with greater precision. The aim is to enable early disease detection and shorten both staff and disease treatment durations. Result: Additionally, this system allows for a general diagnosis of the patient's condition, swiftly transitioning to a specific one if the initial auscultation detects a suspicious disease. Conclusion: Compared to the conventional system, it offers quicker diagnoses and satisfactory real-time patient sorting.

Assessment of fractal ratio of vessel diameters in coronary bifurcation lesions by angiography and intravascular ultrasound.

Physiological coronary branching at the bifurcation has a constant fractal ratio (FR) of the diameter of the mother vessel to the sum of daughter vessels on quantitative coronary angiography (QCA). We sought to investigate the FR of diseased coronary bifurcations using QCA and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and its impact on late lumen loss after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In multicentre prospective studies of the J-REVERSE and 3D OCT Bifurcation Registry, 402 and 109 bifurcations treated with stenting that completed QCAs and IVUS examinations, respectively were analysed. FR was investigated at the reference sites pre-PCI and the minimum lumen diameter (MLD) post-PCI. In the QCA analysis, constant FR was observed in the pre-PCI reference (0.62 ± 0.08) and in the post-PCI MLD site (0.74 ± 0.10), which was greater (p < 0.05). In the IVUS analysis, the constant FR in the post-PCI MLD site (0.67 ± 0.06) was similar to that in the pre-PCI reference (0.66 ± 0.06) and close to the physiological FR value (0.678). The fourth quintile of pre-PCI reference FR in the IVUS analysis showed numerically least late lumen loss in proximal main vessel (MV) (0.16 ± 0.22mm) and distal MV (0.13 ± 0.32mm) and significantly less in the side branch compared to higher FR quintile (-0.14 ± 0.27mm vs. 0.10 ± 0.19mm, p = 0.004), while no relationship was found in the QCA analysis. FR in the diseased coronary bifurcation was more accurately assessed on IVUS than on QCA, and the accomplishment of physiological FR might lead to less late lumen loss after bifurcation PCI.

Study on Optimization of Urban Architectural Design Based on Public Demands

As the material standard of living continues to improve, people's needs at a higher level have triggered a new craze. The change of view on architecture has become an intuitive perception of this boom in people's lives, and the call for architectural design to respond to public demands is increasing. This paper compares the design and practical effects of the Amsterdam Library and the Tencent Building in Chengdu for public demands, combines the new demands of the public for modern architecture to conduct a literature analysis of relevant cases, and then explores the direction and strategy of modern architectural design and optimization oriented by public demands. It is found that the physiological, psychological, and health values provided by buildings are desired by the public but not fully satisfied, and that multifunctionality, aesthetic experience, green intelligence, and humanization are the mainstream of future buildings desired by people. Refining and grasping the information of public demands and using it as a reference is an important part of reaching the transformation of architectural design. In urban building construction, the use of the cycle is generally longer, the current reality is to minimize the misalignment of supply and demand, which means that must do a good job of mastering the information of public demands and have a certain prediction of its future direction, reserved for the transformation of the elastic space, with the times.

Predictive Value of Physiological Values and Symptom Scores for Exacerbations in Bronchiectasis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease With Frequent Exacerbations: Longitudinal Observational Cohort Study.

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and bronchiectasis are common, and exacerbations contribute to their morbidity and mortality. Predictive factors for the frequency of future exacerbations include previous exacerbation frequency and airway colonization. Earlier treatment of exacerbations is likely to reduce severity. This study tested the hypothesis that, in a population with bronchiectasis, COPD, or both who have frequent exacerbations and airway colonization, changes in symptom scores or physiological variables within 10 days prior to an exacerbation would allow the prediction of the event. We performed a 6-month, longitudinal, observational, cohort study among 30 participants with bronchiectasis, COPD, or both; at least 2 exacerbations per year; and colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Haemophilus influenzae. Daily symptom and physiological data were collected, comprising pulse rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, peak flow rate, step count, weight, and temperature. Exacerbations (defined as the onset of new antibiotic use for respiratory symptoms) were collected, and predictive values for abnormal values in the 10 days prior to an exacerbation were calculated. A total of 30 participants were recruited, collecting a total of 39,534 physiological and 25,334 symptom data points across 5358 participant-days; these included 78 exacerbations across 27 participants, with the remaining 3 participants not having exacerbations within the 6-month observation period. Peak flow rate, oxygen saturation, and weight were significantly different at the point of exacerbation (all P<.001), but no significant trends around exacerbation were noted and no clinically beneficial predictive value was found in the overall or individually adjusted model. Symptom scores tended to worsen for 10 days on either side of an exacerbation but were of insufficient magnitude for prediction, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of ranging from 0.4 to 0.6. Within this small cohort with bronchiectasis, COPD, or both and airway colonization, physiological and symptom variables did not show sufficient predictive value for exacerbations to be of clinical utility. The self-management education provided as standard of care may be superior to either of these approaches, but benefit in another or larger cohort cannot be excluded. RR2-10.2196/resprot.6636.

Analysis of Biomechanical Gait Parameters in Patients after Total Hip Replacement in the Early Recovery Period

INTRODUCTION. The widespread use of total hip arthroplasty (THA) places high demands on the restoration of a normal gait pattern and is one of the key goals of rehabilitation. AIM. Determination of key parameters of walking in patients after THA to assess the effectiveness of restoration of the physiological gait pattern. MATERIALS AND METHODS. In a control prospective study, the main group consisted of 23 patients (11 men, 12 women, aged from 41 to 75 years, mean age 63.9 ± 9.4 years), who in the first 8 weeks after planned THA, moved with the help of assistive devices. supports (two crutches or walkers) who underwent stage II of medical rehabilitation; control group — 27 healthy people (12 men and 15 women, aged from 42 to 73 years, average age 60.9 ± 9.9 years). Spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters were recorded before and after the rehabilitation course using a gait simulator with biofeedback equipped with three sensors. For each leg, spatiotemporal and kinematic biomechanical parameters were separately recorded. RESULTS. All spatiotemporal gait parameters on both limbs and pelvic mobility in the sagittal plane in patients in the early recovery period after THA before the start of the rehabilitation course are significantly different from healthy people. After a course of rehabilitation, the studied gait parameters approach physiological values. The main asymmetry is observed in the single support phase from 16 % at the beginning of the course, to 10 % at the end; sagittal pelvic mobility are 2 times higher than the physiological normal meaning at the beginning of the course, without significant changes in dynamics. DISCUSSION. Disturbances in the gait pattern are observed in the majority of patients undergoing THA. Step symmetry is one of the significant parameters of walking, according to which the primary global assessment of its quality is carried out. Asymmetry of the single support phase of the limbs is a natural development of compensatory motor reactions after endoprosthetics. CONCLUSION. The gait parameters “step frequency” and “step cycle” quickly change after a course of rehabilitation and can be used to assess the locomotor activity of patients during short courses of medical rehabilitation in the early recovery period. Indicators of stance and swing phases, their symmetry changes much more slowly, can serve as criteria for assessing the effectiveness of measures taken at the stages of rehabilitation in the dynamics of gait restoration.

Proteomic and Transcriptomic Profiling Revealed Vital Molecular Events in the Transition from Goat Colostrum to Mature Milk.

As an important nutrient source in large areas of the world, goat milk is favored by more and more consumers; however, the composition, nutritional value, and regulation mechanism of goat milk are not fully characterized. Mammary gland development is as important as detailed annotation of protein composition to address the physiological and nutritional values of goat milk. In the present study, 4353 colostrum and mature goat milk proteins were identified. The abundance of 118 proteins was significantly different between colostrum and mature milk proteins. Our results indicate that the milk protein changes were associated with a network of mammary gene expression changes; importantly, the prime factors include enhanced mammary growth/development, decreased protein translation, attenuated protein folding, and lower lip/carbohydrate metabolism. The present study provides insights into the changes in mammary metabolisms during the transition from colostrum to mature milk, which can help deeply explore the difference and regulation mechanism of active milk protein in colostrum and mature milk and provide references for the identification and functional study of bioactive milk proteins in colostrum.

Physiological regulation of oral saliva ion composition and flow rate are not coupled in healthy humans-Partial revision of our current knowledge required.

Appropriate composition of oral saliva is essential for a healthy milieu that protects mucosa and teeth. Only few studies, with small sample numbers, investigated physiological saliva ion composition in humans. We determined saliva ion composition in a sufficiently large cohort of healthy adults and analyzed the effect of physiological stimulation. We collected saliva from 102 adults under non-stimulated and physiologically stimulated conditions (chewing). Individual flow rates, pH, osmolality, Na+, K+, Cl-, and HCO3- concentrations under both conditions as well as the individual changes due to stimulation (Δvalues) were determined. Non-stimulated saliva was hypoosmolal and acidic. Na+, Cl-, and HCO3- concentrations remained well below physiological plasma values, whereas K+ concentrations exceeded plasma values more than twofold. Stimulation resulted in a doubling of flow rates and substantial increases in pH, HCO3-, and Na+ concentrations. Overall, stimulation did not considerably affect osmolality nor K+ or Cl- concentrations of saliva. An in-depth analysis of stimulation effects, using individual Δvalues, showed no correlation of Δflow rate with Δion concentrations, indicating independent regulation of acinar volume and ductal ion transport. Stimulation-induced Δ[Na+] correlated with Δ[HCO3-] and Δ[Cl-] but not with Δ[K+], indicating common regulation of ductal Na+, Cl-, and HCO3- transport. We present a robust data set of human oral saliva ion composition in healthy adults and functional insights into physiological stimulation. Our data show (i) that flow-dependence exists for Na+ and HCO3- but not for K+ and Cl- concentrations, (ii) osmolality is flow-independent, (iii) regulation of Na+, Cl-, and HCO3- transport is coupled, (iv) regulation of flow rate and ion concentrations are independent and (v) spatially separated between acini and ducts, respectively.

May Glymphatic Drainage Improve Life Quality in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Outpatients?

The cerebral fluid-dynamic system plays a critical role in maintaining brain health and function. Recent studies identify the glymphatic system as primarily responsible for removing waste products and toxins from brain tissue. In recent years, we have achieved beneficial improvements in MS patients' symptoms and lifestyle using a specific Fluid Dynamic Intensive MAM (FD-MAM) protocol. We treated 40 outpatients with progressive MS, aged 45-55 years and with EDSS scores from 6 to 9. We applied FD-MAM in 10 daily sessions over two weeks. Before and after glymphatic drainage by FD-MAM, we assessed each patient's clinical status and quality of life using six validated questionnaires. Data from the six validated questionnaires administered to the 40 MS patients show an improvement in 83% of the scores. At the same time, we observed a shift from pathological to physiological values in 50% of the pathological scores after 10 sessions of FD-MAM protocol. This study confirms the positive improvements on life quality in outpatients with progressive multiple sclerosis after one cycle of Fluid Dynamic Intensive MAM (FD-MAM) protocol. Initial follow-up on few patients treated with the FD-MAM protocol suggests that the results persist for six to ten months post-treatment. Future detailed studies, on MS outpatients' larger cohort, are essential to assess the duration of results and its effect on glymphatic system.

Perfusion Bioreactor Conditioning of Small-diameter Plant-based Vascular Grafts.

Vascular grafts are mainly composed of synthetic materials, but are prone to thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia at small diameters. Decellularized plant scaffolds have emerged that provide promising alternatives for tissue engineering. We previously developed robust, endothelialized small-diameter vessels from decellularized leatherleaf viburnum. This is the first study to precondition and analyze plant-based vessels under physiological fluid flow and pressure waveforms. Using decellularized leatherleaf viburnum as tissue-engineered grafts for implantation can have profound impacts on healthcare due to their biocompatibility and cost-effective production. A novel perfusion bioreactor was designed, capable of accurately controlling fluid flow rate and pressure waveforms for preconditioning of small-diameter vascular grafts. A closed-loop system controlled pressure waveforms, mimicking physiological values of 50-120mmHg at a frequency of 8.75Hz for fluid flow reaching 5mL/min. Plant-based vascular grafts were recellularized with endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells and cultured for up to 3weeks in this bioreactor. Cell density, scaffold structure and mechanics, thrombogenicity, and immunogenicity of grafts were evaluated. Bioreactor treatment with fluid flow significantly increased luminal endothelial cell density, while pressure waveforms reduced thrombus formation and maintained viable vascular smooth muscle cells within inner layers of grafts compared to static controls. Suture retention of grafts met transplantation standards and white cell viability was suitable for vascular remodeling. Low thrombogenicity of endothelialized leatherleaf viburnum holds great potential for vascular repair. This study provides insight into benefits of conditioning plant-based materials with hemodynamic forces at higher frequencies that have not previously been investigated.

Choroid Involvement Secondary to Optic Disc Pit Maculopathy: OCT Analysis And Evolution After Surgical Treatment: Choroidal Involvement In Optic Pit Maculopathy

PurposeTo assess choroidal changes associated to optic disc pit maculopathy (ODP-M) and their evolution after surgical treatment. DesignMulticentric retrospective case series. MethodsAnalysis of 42 patients affected by unilateral ODP-M undergoing surgical treatment between 2013 and 2023. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed at baseline and postoperative months 1, 6, 12, 24 and most recent follow-up. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and peripapillary choroidal thickness (PPCT) were measured in ODP-M and fellow eyes. The presence of retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) atrophy was used to distinguish between “early” and “advanced” disease, and data regarding fluid localization were collected. ResultsBaseline SFCT in ODP-M eyes was significantly higher than fellow eyes (386.8±88.9 vs. 334.4±72.2 μm, p=0.002), differently from PPCT (192.6±47.8 vs. 181.2±45.7 μm, p=0.46). SFCT significantly decreased 1 month post-operatively (mean reduction 36.5 μm, p=0.009) and remained below pre-operative values throughout the follow-up, showed a mean reduction of 79.4 μm at final follow-up (p<0.001). Conversely, PPCT showed no changes between pre-operative and post-operative values (all p>0.05). Nine eyes (21.4%) showed submacular dilated choroidal vessels, correlated with the presence of subretinal fluid (p=0.008) and reducing in caliber after surgical treatment. The 10 eyes (23.8%) with “advanced” disease had lower baseline SFCT and worse BCVA compared to the “early” subgroup, and showed a delayed reduction of choroidal swelling post-operatively. ConclusionSubfoveal choroid may thicken and remodel in response to ODP-M, eventually returning to physiological values after surgical treatment. Moreover, the presence of RPE atrophy may influence retino-choroidal balance. Conversely, PPCT didn't show comparable modifications.

From waste to wealth: sustainable approaches and novel strategies in the utilisation of food and dairy by‐products – a critical review

SummaryThe correct application of by‐products produced in the food and dairy industries is essential for attaining sustainability goals and minimising waste. By‐products, which used to be viewed as throwaway materials, have lately been recognised as valuable sources. By‐products can have significant nutritional, physiological and economic value. This paper addresses the novel techniques and technologies that have been employed to successfully transform these by‐products into products with value‐added hybrid products; there are also some instances of success mentioned, as well as the trends that will likely have an impact on the sector in the coming years. Through case studies and scientific insights, the reader may discover how businesses and society as a whole can benefit from using by‐products. Overall, the goal of this endeavour is to demonstrate the transformative potential of using food and dairy by‐products and to serve as an avenue of encouragement and knowledge for researchers, business executives and policymakers interested in increasing the value of by‐products in the food and dairy sectors. Despite the fact that there are a few articles on the utilisation of food and dairy by‐products, none of them have employed bibliometric analysis to reach insights. The present study is an exemplary instance of looking into the evolution of publication patterns over time, suggesting the need for additional research in this area.

Three-dimensional acetabular reorientation during periacetabular osteotomy: an intraoperative navigation method using an external fixator for periacetabular osteotomy.

Bernese periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is an effective procedure for treating acetabular dysplasia. However, limited visual control of the acetabular position during surgery may result in under- or overcorrection or changes in acetabular version resulting in residual dysplasia or femoroacetabular impingement. Thus, we wanted to develop a simple and straightforward navigation method that provides information about acetabular correction in all three planes during surgery. Intraoperatively, acetabular coordinates are shown in coronal, sagittal, and transverse plane by two perpendicular tubes of an external fixator mounted onto a third tube that is fixed to the mobilized acetabular fragment with two Schanz screws. The application and fixation of the external fixator on the pelvis are demonstrated in this article. We used this analog navigation method on 27 PAOs, where we mainly performed a lateral rotational correction. The pre- and postoperative radiographs of these 27 hips were analyzed regarding the radiological hip parameters, taking into account the pelvic tilt. The mean preoperative lateral center edge angle (LCEA) of the 27 PAOs improved from 16° (+-6) to a mean of 34° (+-6°) and the mean acetabular index (AI) was corrected from 15° (+-4) to 2° (+-4). This implements highly physiologic postoperative values for lateral coverage in this population. In this case series, no postoperative acetabular retroversion was measured in any of the 27 PAOs. Three-dimensional control of the acetabular orientation during periacetabular osteotomy is important to avoid over- and undercorrection. Using a fixateur externe as an analog navigation method this three-dimensional control can be implemented intraoperatively for PAOs.

MRI analysis of the physiological patellofemoral joint morphology of adult knees.

The aim of the present study was to determine physiological reference values for the morphology of the patella and to analyse these parameters according to patella position in healthy knee joints. Healthy knee joints of 409 patients (mean age, 52.3years [± 16.8]) were analysed retrospectively on MRI images for Insall-Salvati index (ISI), sagittal patella thickness (PTS) and patella length (PLS) as well as axial patella thickness (PTA) and patella width (PWA). Differences between patellar diameters were analysed depending on ISI, side, age and gender. Mean PTS was 20.1 mm (± 2.4), PLS 44.0 mm (± 4.4), PTA 21.8 mm (± 2.4) and PWA 44.5 mm (± 4.7). Depending on the vertical patellar position (ISI), all patellar parameters (p < 0.01) showed significant differences between patients with a patella alta, norma and baja. In general, a smaller ISI showed higher measured values for the patellar parameters. There were no significant differences for the laterality. Only PTS showed a significant age difference (p = 0.031). All parameters were significantly larger in male compared to female knees (p < 0.001). Reference parameters for the patella morphology are reported. Concluding from the results, a relationship between vertical patellar position and patellar morphology seems to exist. This finding should be taken into account in diagnostics and therapy of patella disorders.

Markers of Metabolic Abnormalities in Vitiligo Patients.

While vitiligo is primarily caused by melanocyte deficiency or dysfunction, recent studies have revealed a notable prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among patients with vitiligo. This suggests shared pathogenic features between the two conditions. Individuals with vitiligo often exhibit variations in triglyceride levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure, which are also affected in MetS. Given the similarities in their underlying mechanisms, genetic factors, pro-inflammatory signalling pathways, and increased oxidative stress, this study aims to highlight the common traits between vitiligo and metabolic systemic disorders. Serum analyses confirmed increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in patients with vitiligo, compared to physiological values. In addition, we reported significant decreases in folate and vitamin D (Vit D) levels. Oxidative stress is one of the underlying causes of the development of metabolic syndromes and is related to the advancement of skin diseases. This study found high levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and chemokine 10 (CXCL10), which are markers of inflammation and disease progression. The accumulation of insulin growth factor binding proteins 5 (IGFBP5) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) entailed in atherosclerosis and diabetes onset, respectively, were also disclosed in vitiligo. In addition, the blood-associated activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (Cat) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was impaired. Moreover, the plasma fatty acid (FAs) profile analysis showed an alteration in composition and specific estimated activities of FAs biosynthetic enzymes resembling MetS development, resulting in an imbalance towards pro-inflammatory n6-series FAs. These results revealed a systemic metabolic alteration in vitiligo patients that could be considered a new target for developing a more effective therapeutic approach.

Early B lymphocyte subsets in blood predict prognosis in sepsis.

B lymphocytes play a key role in immunosuppression. This study investigated the prognostic value of B cell subsets in sepsis. Flow cytometry was used to assess peripheral B cell subsets from patients with sepsis on the first and seventh days following admission, as well as 111 healthy controls. The patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors, based on 28-day prognosis. The analysis showed abnormal distribution and selective depletion of B cells and its subsets in the early stages of sepsis. On day 1, compared with survivors, non-survivors showed significant decreases in the proportion and absolute count of transitional (Tr) B cells, reductions in the proportion of CD5+ B cells, and increases in the proportion of double-negative (DN) B cells. On day 7, the proportions and absolute counts of Tr and CD5+ B cells significantly decreased whereas the proportion of DN B cells significantly increased in non-survivors. Ninety-four survivors and 15 non-survivors were included in our paired-sample rank-sum test. Compared to day 1, only the survivors showed significant increases in absolute B, Tr B, and CD5+ B cell counts by day 7. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the proportion of DN B cells on day 1 (hazard ratio = 1.092 [95% confidence interval: 1.035-1.152], P = 0.001) was a risk factor for mortality, and Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that patients with proportions of DN B cells > 11.81% on day 1 had poorer prognoses. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that B cell subset parameters could predict mortality (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC], 0.741) and enhanced the prognostic value of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (AUC, 0.840). Our study revealed that deficiencies of B, Tr B, and CD5+ B cells, as well as a persistent increase in the proportion of DN B cells, were associated with poor prognosis-and that B cell subsets showed predictive value to mortality. These results provide new insights into the roles of B cell subsets in sepsis, as well as ways to better manage its progression and predict its course.

Drug delivery from a ring implant attached to intraocular lens: An in-silico investigation

Multiple iterations required to design ocular implants, which will last for the desired operational period of months or even years, necessitate the use of in-silico models for ocular drug delivery. In this study, we developed an in-silico model to simulate the flow of Aqueous Humor (AH) and drug delivery from an implant to the Trabecular Meshwork (TM). The implant, attached to the side of the intraocular lens (IOL), and the TM are treated as porous media, with their effects on AH flow accounted for using the Darcy equation. This model accurately predicts the physiological values of Intraocular Pressure (IOP) for both healthy individuals and glaucoma patients, as reported in the literature. Results reveal that the effective diffusivity of the drug within the implant is the critical parameter that can alter the bioavailability time period (BTP) from a few days to months. Intuitively, BTP should increase as effective diffusivity decreases. However, we discovered that with lower levels of initial drug loading, BTP declines when effective diffusivity falls below a specific threshold. Our findings further reveal that, while AH flow has a minimal effect on the drug release profile at the implant site, it significantly impacts drug availability at the TM.

B&lt;sub&gt;12&lt;/sub&gt; deficiency: vital aspects and valid clinical applicability of succinate containing cyanocobalamin

The aim of the research is to review the vital pathological processes in B12 insufficiency and the clinical justification for the use of succinate to potentiate the biological activity of cyanocobalamin. It has been shown that one of the possible reasons for the low clinical efficacy of cyanocobalamin is energy deficiency. The energy deficit is caused by a malfunction of the energy metabolism occurring in conditions of low oxygen supply. In the course of clinical studies, it was found that the double injection of succinate containing cyanocobalamin to cows in the highest possible single doses provided rapid normalization of the reserve alkalinity index and ketone bodies. This effect indicated a qualitative improvement in the processes of energy metabolism occurring in the liver. This was also indicated by a decrease in the physiological values of protein and transamination enzymes AlAT and AsAT. On the contrary, the use of pharmacopoeial cyanocobalamin had no significant effect. Thus, there is every reason to believe that the inclusion of sodium succinate in cyanocobalamin is justified, since it allows to qualitatively improve the biological activity of the drug.

Awareness of cholesterol levels in 46,309 Italian children and adolescents unveils the tip of the iceberg.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk factors include high cholesterol. Childrenwith total cholesterol (TC) levels ≥ 170mg/dLare usually considered hypercholesterolemic. This study aimed at investigating the awareness of TC levels in a large Italian paediatric population and at looking for a possible correlation between their TC and TC in their parents' blood. A survey was carried out in 46,309 subjects (mean age 9.7 ± 2.3years; age range 6-14years) to check the awareness of their own TC levels by using a personal and family medical history questionnaire. In 95.67% of the sample TC value was unknown. In 2.69% TC was < 170mg/dL, whereas 1.64% were hypercholesterolemic (TC ≥ 170mg/dL). A statistically significant correlation was found between children with normal TC values and physiological TC values in both parents (p < 0.0001). Again, a significant association between children with high TC and their parents with high TC was detected when parents were analysed separately (i.e. children with TC ≥ 170mg/dl vs maternal TC ≥ 200mg/dL: OR 2.01 (95% CI 1.61-2.49, p < 0.001); children with TC ≥ 200mg/dl vs maternal TC ≥ 240mg/dL: OR 3.14 (95% CI 2.14-4.6, p < 0.001); children with TC ≥ 170mg/dl vs paternal TC ≥ 200mg/dL: OR 2.39 (95% CI 1.91-2.98, p < 0.001); children with TC ≥ 200mg/dl vs paternal TC ≥ 240mg/dL: OR 3.85 (95% CI 2.70-5,.50, p < 0.001). Just a minority of the investigated young patients knew their TC. This is worrisome. Children with normal TC values are more likely to be born from healthy parents with physiological TC. In addition, high TC in the enrolled subjects is significantly associated with high TC in their parents. Overall, these findings seem to highlight the importance of health education and genetics in TC pathogenesis.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Physiologic Variables in Sheep Fetuses.

The fetal sheep model has been widely used in fetal therapy research. However, there is a significant degree of variability among published normal values. Our study aimed to evaluate the literature available on normal values for hemodynamics, blood gases, and acid-base status in the sheep fetus and to determine the best possible estimation of such physiologic values. We conducted a systematic review with a comprehensive search of several databases. We included 189 articles in the database and over 2,800 sheep fetuses. Analysis revealed a mean umbilical blood flow of 202 mL/kg/min (95% CI: 182 to 223); mean arterial pCO₂ of 49.8 mm Hg (95% CI: 49.2 to 50.3); mean arterial pO₂ of 22.3 mm Hg (95% CI: 21.9 to 22.7); mean arterial pH of 7.35 (95% CI: 7.3487 to 7.3562); and mean arterial oxygen saturation of 59.8 (95% CI; 58 to 61.7). Our findings were punctuated by a high heterogeneity, for which we conducted several subanalyses. The results showed high heterogeneity and small study effect in the literature available and provided our best assessment of relevant variables on normal hemodynamics, blood gases, and acid-base status in the fetus after using strategies to mitigate the risk of bias present in the literature.

Studies on Pre-harvest Spray of Alpha-NAA on Potato Crop in Relation to Enhance Potato (&lt;i&gt;Solanum tuberosum&lt;/i&gt; L.) Tubers Storage

The present investigation on a pre-harvest spray of alpha-1-naphthalene acetic acid (alpha-NAA) on potato crops in relation to improving the storage ability was undertaken in the Botany Department of Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, India on Solanum tuberosum cv. ‘Kufri Chandermukhi’. Sprout initiation was observed in tubers on the 20&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; day, with 4.0 x 10&lt;sup&gt;-4&lt;/sup&gt; M application of alpha-NAA during storage. In control, it was prominently noticed on the first observation made on the 10&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; day (0.8 mm), whereas in the treated one, it was very small. These treatments were able to check the percentage of sprouting. Rottage was observed after the 40&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; day of storage. The decline in starch content was less in the treatment group than in the control group up to the 20 days, but a reverse trend was witnessed after that compared with initial values. The starch contents were significantly higher in treated tubers than untreated in most stages. After 40 days, per cent cumulative physiological weight loss values were 9.20, 9.62, and 10.33% in 4.0 x 10&lt;sup&gt;-4&lt;/sup&gt; M alpha-NAA, 5.5 x 10&lt;sup&gt;-4&lt;/sup&gt; M alpha-NAA, and control, respectively.