Post-hoc Comparisons Research Articles

OR34-06 Gliclazide Restores Appropriate Glucagon Suppression During OGTT In MODY3 & MODY1 Patients: Results Of The “Glucagon In MODY” Study

Abstract Disclosure: I.I. Spiliotis: None. L. Anguelova: None. F. Kavvoura: None. K. Owen: None. Diabetes is a multi-hormone disorder involving both insufficient insulin secretion and aberrant glucagon secretion. MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young) is a subgroup of diabetes which is caused by mutations in specific genes including HNF1A (MODY3) and HNF4A (MODY1). Most MODY3 or MODY1 patients are managed in the UK with the sulfonylurea gliclazide at a starting dose of around 20-40mg (vs. 80mg - 320mg daily for managing type 2 diabetes). It remains unclear clear why this population is particularly sensitive to gliclazide, and there is limited information on glucagon levels in these patients. The ”Glucagon in MODY” study was a non-randomized interventional pilot study (NCT03246828), aiming to investigate whether fasting and post-prandial glucagon levels are raised in MODY3 & MODY1 patients, and whether gliclazide treatment leads to more physiological glucose-induced glucagon suppression in this population. Methods: We recruited 10 patients from MODY clinics, whose diabetes was managed with gliclazide +/- metformin only at the time of the study. They each underwent a 2h 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) before and after omitting their gliclazide for 3 days. Blood samples were taken at 30min intervals for glucose, c-peptide and glucagon. Paired t-test was used to compare baseline fasting values on and off gliclazide, and two-way repeated measures ANOVA with post-hoc multiple comparisons was used to compare the OGTT timepoints versus baseline. Results: Study population characteristics were as follows (median ±CI): age 46±9.8, 6 females, BMI 23.9±1.1, HbA1c 52.5±13.6mmol/mol, gliclazide dose 60±29mg per day; 6 MODY3 and 4 MODY1. Fasting blood glucose values were significantly elevated off gliclazide (p<0.001) and rose by an average of 10mmol/L during the OGTT, as expected in this population; however two-way ANOVA did not show a significant difference on vs. off gliclazide. Neither fasting c-peptide nor glucagon values were significantly different on vs. off gliclazide, and while c-peptide rose in both groups, glucagon levels were only suppressed at 60min on gliclazide (p=0.035). When c-peptide and glucagon values were corrected for blood glucose levels during the OGTT, there was no significant change from baseline in c-peptide values on vs off gliclazide. However, glucagon values were significantly decreased on gliclazide from 60min onwards (p<0.01), and there was no correlation with corrected c-peptide values (p=0.2). Conclusion: In our limited study population of 6 MODY3 and 4 MODY1 patients, gliclazide appears to restore appropriate glucose-induced glucagon suppression during a 75g OGTT, which is not related to changes in c-peptide levels. This suggests that pancreatic alpha-cell regulation may be a previously unrecognized mechanism by which sulfonylurea treatment improves glycemic control in MODY. Presentation: Sunday, June 18, 2023

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on advanced life support units’ prehospital management of the stroke code in four Spanish regions: an observational study

IntroductionStroke is the most common time-dependent pathology that pre-hospital emergency medical services (EMS) are confronted with. Prioritisation of ambulance dispatch, initial actions and early pre-notification have a major impact on mortality and disability. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to disruptions in the operation of EMS due to the implementation of self-protection measures and increased demand for care. It is crucial to evaluate what has happened to draw the necessary conclusions and propose changes to improve the system’s strength for the future. The study aims to compare prehospital time and neuroprotective care metrics for acute stroke patients during the first wave of COVID-19 and the same periods in the years before and after.MethodsAnalytical, observational, multicentre study conducted in the autonomous communities of Andalusia, Catalonia, Galicia, and Madrid in the pre-COVID-19 (2019), “first wave” of COVID-19 (2020) and post-COVID-19 (2021) periods. Consecutive non-randomized sampling. Descriptive statistical analysis and hypothesis testing to compare the three time periods, with two by two post-hoc comparisons, and multivariate analysis.ResultsA total of 1,709 patients were analysed. During 2020 there was a significant increase in attendance time of 1.8 min compared to 2019, which was not recovered in 2021. The time of symptom onset was recorded in 82.8% of cases, and 83.3% of patients were referred to specialized stroke centres. Neuroprotective measures (airway, blood glucose, temperature, and blood pressure) were performed in 43.6% of patients.ConclusionDuring the first wave of COVID-19, the on-scene times of pre-hospital emergency teams increased while keeping the same levels of neuroprotection measures as in the previous and subsequent years. It shows the resilience of EMS under challenging circumstances such as those experienced during the pandemic.

Effect of different respiratory motion correction methods on PET image quality in chest PET/MRI

Objective: To investigate the effect of different respiratory motion correction methods on PET images during chest PET/MRI scans. Methods: The data of 35 patients (24 males and 11 females, aged from 29 to 84 year) of pulmonary lesions with significantly high uptake in thoracic PET/MRI scan were retrospective collected from Jingling Hospital. Four different methods were used to reconstruct the PET data. Group A was the full-time 20 min without respiratory motion correction static acquisition (Static) as a control, group B was the end-expiration static collection (Q.Static), and group C was the multi-bins respiratory gating (Gated-Respiratory). In addition, the influence of the time being considered, group D was added for reconstruction in the first 1/3 period (6 min 40 s) of group A. Then, the maximum value (L-SUVmax) and the mean value (L-SUVmean) of the SUV of the lesion, the mean value (B-SUVmean) and the standard deviation (B-SUVsd) of the SUV of the background under each reconstruction results were measured, and for each lesion the signal-to-noise ratio (L-SNR) was calculated. In order to exclude the interference of the background, the mean of the relative SUV (L-dSUVmean) of the L-SUVmean relative to the B-SUVmean was also calculated. Finally, One-Way Repeated Measures ANOVA was used, and the post-hoc pairwise comparison between groups was tested by Bonferroni's modified test. Results: There was statistically significant difference among group B or group C compared to group A and group D in L-SUVmax, L-SUVmean and L-dSUVmean [L-SUVmax:group B vs group A or group D was 8.06±3.57 vs 7.73±3.45 or 7.61±3.50, group C vs group A or group D was 8.04±3.56 vs 7.73±3.45 or 7.61±3.50 (all P<0.05); L-SUVmean: group B vs group A or group D was 4.12±1.78 vs 3.98±1.72 or 3.91±1.71, group C vs group A or group D was 4.13±1.78 vs 3.98±1.72 or 3.91±1.71 (all P<0.05); L-dSUVmean: group B vs group A or group D was 3.52±0.16 vs 3.39±0.18 or 3.31±0.18, group C vs group A or group D was 3.53±0.18 vs 3.39±0.18 or 3.31±0.18 (all P<0.05)], but there was no statistically significant difference between group B and group C (all P>0.05). There were statistically significant differences between group D and group A in B-SUVsd (0.07±0.00 vs 0.07±0.00, P=0.023) and L-SNR (69.80±44.57 vs 85.35±68.98, P=0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between group D and group A in L-SUVmax, L-SUVmean, B-SUVmean and L-dSUVmean (all P>0.05). Conclusions: There was no significant difference in PET image quality between the Q.static and Gated-Respiratory group, both of the two groups were better than the Static group which with no Gated-Respiratory motion correction. If non-respiratory gated Static is used, the PET acquisition time is recommended to be 6 min 40 s.

Optical properties of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate veneers obtained with CAD/CAM milling and hot-pressing techniques: a comparative in vitro study.

Dental veneers have become increasingly required among patients, but little is known about the optical properties of veneers obtained from the same ceramic material through different processing techniques. In this study we compared the translucency and the opalescence parameters of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) veneers restorations fabricated through CAD/CAM milling and hot-pressing techniques on the upper central incisor. Eighty specimens divided into 8 groups (n=10) were sectioned (Celtra Duo) and heat pressed (Celtra Press) to obtain 0.8 mm thickness. The optical parameters were calculated from the color difference against different backgrounds. Analysis of variance, one way ANOVA and post-hoc multiple comparison tests were used to evaluate and compare the optical properties of the same material, with a significance level of p < 0.05. The processing method had significant effect on optical parameters. Celtra Duo HT proved to be the material with the highest transparency degree. The hot-pressing technique led to higher opacity than CAD/CAM milling technique. For a bio-mimetic aesthetic prosthetic restoration, the ceramic materials must have the same translucency and opacity as the real tooth. The results of this study revealed that high translucency ZLS obtained through hot pressing technique was the material of choice, as it fulfilled these requirements.

Abstract 043: The Role Of Nicotine-induced Nitrosative And Oxidative Stress In The Development Of Podocyte Damage In The Dahl Ss Rat

Introduction: Patients with hypertension or renal disease are more likely to exhibit glomerular pathology associated with smoking. Smoking has been linked to lower nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, oxidative and nitrosative stress. Nicotine triggers the formation of peroxynitrite (ONOO - ), a highly damaging redox molecule, and was also recently implicated as a contributor to hypertensive renal disease. Here we hypothesize that nicotine induces podocyte damage through peroxynitrite formation, thus causing glomerular function decline and aggravation of kidney damage in the Dahl SS rat. Methods: We performed live confocal imaging on human podocytes to detect the production of ONOO - (HPF), Ca 2+ (Fluo-8), and nitric oxide NO (DAF-FM) in response to nicotine. Seahorse assay was used to detect changes in mitochondrial health. Then, nicotine was chronically infused in the Dahl SS rats using Alzet pumps (0.2 mg/kg/day s.c., 0.4% NaCl, 21 days). Electron microscopy (EM) and Masson's trichrome staining were used to blindly evaluate glomerular and mitochondrial damage. ANOVA with post-hoc comparisons was used for statistical analysis. Results: IHC indicated that human and rat glomerular podocytes express nAChRs. Acute application of nicotine promoted intracellular Ca 2+ and ONOO - transients. The ONOO - response was blocked in the presence of SOD, indicating that ONOO - production requires superoxide. The application of specific nAChR agonists elicited Ca 2+ transients but did not produce ONOO - , suggesting that nitrosative processes may occur independently from Ca 2+ influx or nAChR activation. Incubation with nicotine (12-hrs) resulted in a significant decrease in podocytes’ NO bioavailability (p&lt;0.05) and mitochondrial respiration (p&lt;0.05). In vivo, in the Dahl SS rat nicotine infusion promoted mitochondrial damage in podocytes, which exhibited swelling, loss of cristae, and signs of mitophagy. Masson's trichrome staining and the assessment of glomerular damage showed deterioration of glomerular health. Conclusion: The pathological shift in redox balance in the podocyte is directly associated with nicotine. It may be the primary mechanism responsible for podocyte damage, renal function decline, and blood pressure development in smokers.

Physical activity and bone mineral density in Greek women: an observational study

Purpose: This observational study aimed to investigate the correlation between physical activity (PA) and bone mineral density (BMD) in Greek women. Materials - Methods: 46 women (aged &gt;45 years) participated and grouped according to their BMD into three groups: Group A (normal BMD), Group B (osteopenia), and Group C (osteoporosis). The evaluation of PA and lower limb endurance (LLE) was carried out through the Greek version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short version (IPAQ-Gr), and 30 seconds sit-to-stand (30STS) test, respectively. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Post-Hoc comparison (Tukey’s test) were used for the statistical analysis. The correlations between BMD and the variables: age, height, weight, body mass index, 30STS, and IPAQ-Gr were calculated using the Pearson’s r correlation coefficient. Statistical significance was set at p&lt;0.05. Results: The results showed that PA, as expressed with the IPAQ-Gr, has a weak and positive correlation to BMD (r=.209, p=.163). The best correlation, with a statistically significant difference, was weak and negative and found to be between the age and BMD (r=-.287, p=.05). Post-Hoc comparison demonstrated statistically significant differences in the 30STS between Group A (normal BMD) and Group C (osteoporosis) (p=.01). Conclusions: As expected, BMD was found to be age-related, while statistically significant was the difference between LLE of women with normal BMD in relation to osteoporotic women. PA seemed to have a positive effect on BMD, although no statistically significant difference was found. However, further research needs to be conducted with larger sample size to investigate the relationship between physical activity and BMD. keywords : physical activity, bone mineral density, quantitative ultrasound, Greek version of international physical activity questionnaire-short version, 30 seconds sit-to-stand test

The Effects of Project-Based Learning on Exercise Prescription Learning Performance in College Athletic Students

The Effects of Project-Based Learning on Exercise Prescription Learning Performance in College Athletic Students

Effects of Different Primers on the Bond Strength to Properly and Excessively Etched Ceramic-coated Zirconia.

To determine the effects of various primers on the immediate and long-term bond strength of ceramic-coated ultratranslucent zirconia that is properly or excessively etched. Ceramic-coated zirconia plates were etched with 9.5% hydrofluoric acid (HF) for 2 or 5 minutes, after which the surface morphology and elemental composition were examined. The etched specimens were treated with different primers including methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP)-only containing primer, silane-only containing primer, MDP and silane-containing ceramic primer as well as MDP and silane-containing adhesive system. For surface contact angle and shear bond strength (SBS) data, the difference between groups was evaluated by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and three-way ANOVA factorial analysis, respectively. The statistical significance level of 0.05 was set and the Tukey test and the Dunnett-T3 test were used for post-hoc multiple comparisons. Excessive etching (9.5% HF for 5 minutes) led to overconsumption of the glass layer and exposure of zirconia substrate compared to proper etching (9.5% HF for 2 minutes). Among different primers, the surface contact angle of the silane-only containing primer group was the lowest. The silane-only containing primer and MDP and silane-containing ceramic primer produced higher shear bond strength of properly and excessively etched ceramic-coated zirconia, respectively, both before and after thermal aging. The silane-only containing primer and MDP and silane-containing primer can obtain better immediate and long-term shear bond strength for properly and excessively etched ceramic-coated zirconia, respectively.

Endogenous circadian rhythms in mood and well-being

ObjectivesWe examined whether the endogenous circadian timing system modulates proxies of mood vulnerability and well-being. MethodsNineteen healthy participants (mean age: 26.6 years [23.0-30.2], seven females, body-mass index: 22.8 kg/m2 [21.1-25]) completed a laboratory protocol with a 32-hour Constant Routine, a stringently controlled protocol designed to isolate assessment of endogenous circadian rhythms. We assessed hourly anxiety- and depression-like mood (i.e., those typically observed in depression and anxiety) and well-being (i.e., associated with mental fatigue and physical comfort). ResultsSignificant endogenous circadian rhythms were observed in anxiety-like and depression-like mood, as well as well-being (p values from the mixed-model analysis using false discovery rates < .001). Post-hoc comparisons revealed more anxiety-like and depression-like mood during the circadian phase 60°-75° (∼8–9 a.m.), and more mental fatigue and less physical comfort during the circadian phase 30°-60° (∼6–8 a.m.). ConclusionsOur data indicate endogenous circadian rhythms in anxiety-like and depression-like mood and well-being in healthy young adults. Future studies will help establish circadian-based therapeutics for individuals experiencing mood and anxiety disorders.

Impact of fatty acid composition on markers of exocrine pancreatic stimulation in dogs.

Chronic pancreatitis in dogs is typically managed with a low-fat diet. Human research suggests that consumption of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) may lessen pancreatic enzyme release compared to consumption of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). Twelve healthy adult colony dogs were fed a meal of cod and rice with either 3% metabolizable energy (ME) fat (control), high MCT (25% ME MCT oil, 25% ME butter), high saturated LCFA (50% ME butter), or high unsaturated LCFA (50% ME canola oil) in a 4-period by 4-treatment crossover design. Serum concentrations of canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity, gastrin, cholesterol, triglycerides, and serum activities of amylase and DGGR lipase (1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid-(69-methylresorufin) ester lipase) were measured at times 0 (fasted), 30, 120 and 180 minutes post-prandially. Following a 3-or 4-day wash-out period, each dog was assigned a new diet and the process was repeated for all treatments. Data were analyzed as a repeated-measures mixed model ANOVA. Post-hoc pairwise comparisons were run using Tukey-Kramer adjusted p-values. Shapiro-Wilk tests were used to evaluate residual normality. All statistical assumptions were sufficiently met. Statistical significance was defined as P<0.05. Of the markers tested, only serum triglyceride concentrations were affected by treatment, with consumption of high MCT resulting in lower triglycerides than both LCFA groups at times 120 and 180 minutes (P<0.0001). As expected, the high MCT group had higher triglycerides compared to the control group (P<0.0001). The type of dietary fat consumed had little acute impact on most markers of exocrine pancreatic stimulation in healthy dogs.

Primary and secondary prevention in hypercholesterolemia: differences relevant to patient care in the PROCYON trial

Cardiovascular disease accounts for one third of deaths in Germany. Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are considered a major risk factor. Lowering LDL-C levels is therefore an integral part of the prevention of cardiovascular events. The aim of this work is to identify potential differences between primary prevention (PP) and secondary prevention (SP) by means of a post-hoc comparison of cross-sectional data from the PROCYON survey. Medical history, concomitant diseases, adherence, and disease awareness in relation to hypercholesterolemia were queried. 5,494 patients had participated in the survey (PP: 3,798; SP: 1,696). Comparison of the results showed a numerically higher proportion of women (PP 70.7% vs. SP 42.5%) as well as more frequent comorbidities such as hypertension (PP 45.6% vs. SP 61.0%), obesity (PP 20.9% vs. SP 27.4%), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (PP 14.1% vs. SP 23.8%). In primary prevention, hypercholesterolemia was most often diagnosed during screening (PP 74.6%), and in secondary prevention, the diagnosis was most often made during cardiovascular-related hospitalization (SP 58.0%). A cardiologist was consulted by 16.3% (PP) and 54.0% (SP) of patients, respectively. At least semiannual LDL-C checks (PP 46.8% vs. SP 77.9%) and drug intervention (PP 43.0% vs. SP 87.0%) were more frequent in the secondary prevention group. In addition, differences in the implementation of lifestyle changes, improvement of LDL-C levels, adjustment of therapy as well as adherence, treatment satisfaction and patient knowledge were observed. The comparison of primary and secondary prevention from the PROCYON survey shows overall better utilization of treatment options and higher intensity of care in the secondary prevention group. However, there is still great potential for improvement in both groups to ensure efficient prevention of cardiovascular events.

Physical activity and recreational screen time change among adolescents in Canada: Examining the impact of COVID-19 in worsening inequity

The purpose of this study was to assess if sub-populations of adolescents in Canada (i.e., race/ethnicity, sex/gender, and socioeconomic status [SES]) experienced a larger change in physical activity and screen time between the 2019–2020 (pre-pandemic) and the 2020–2021 (mid-pandemic) school years. Longitudinally linked data from pre-pandemic and mid-pandemic school years of a prospective cohort study of secondary school students in Canada (n = 8209) were used for these analyses. Multivariable regression modelling tested the main effects of race/ethnicity, sex/gender, and SES on changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and screen time duration as well as adherence to Canada's 24-h Movement Guidelines. Overall between groups difference were assessed using type II analysis of deviance tests. Interactions between variables of interest were subsequently tested with a series of regression models compared to the main effects model using likelihood-ratio test. Post-hoc comparisons found Male participants' MVPA time decreased less compared to their female counterparts (M [95% CI] = −16.3 [−13.5, −19.2] min/day), but also reported greater increases in screen time compared to females (23.7 [14.7, 32.8] min/day) during the same period. MVPA in White participants decreased less than Asian participants (−10.7 [−19.5, −1.9] min/day) with a similar non-significant pattern observed in Black and Latin participants. Adolescents in higher SES categories fared better on adherence to MVPA (highest vs. lowest OR = 1.41 [0.97, 2.06]) and screen time recommendations(highest vs. lowest AOR = 3.13 [0.91, 11.11]). Results support the hypothesis that existing inequitable sociodemographic differences in MVPA participation and screen time have worsened throughout the pandemic.

Nationwide Analysis of Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Trends: Regional Variations in Utilization and Population Characteristics.

Retrospective cohort analysis. This study evaluates utilization and demographic trends for sacroiliac joint (SIJ) fusions across the United States (US). Patients who underwent SIJ fusion from 2010-2021 were identified within the PearlDiver national database using International Classification of Disease (ICD-9, ICD-10) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Indications for trauma, malignancy, or infection were excluded. Demographic, clinical, and procedure characteristics were recorded along with annual utilization rates. Annual percent change (APC) was calculated to identify increasing or decreasing utilization from prior years. Negative binomial regression was performed to project subsequent utilization for 2022-2028. Chi-squared analysis followed by post-hoc comparisons were used to compare differences in diagnostic indications and clinical features associated with SIJ fusion across regions. Bonferroni adjustments were applied to P-values for pairwise analyses. Overall, 18032 patients (69.8% female, mean age = 51.0 + 13.4years) underwent SIJ fusion between 2010 and 2021. Annual utilization increased by 33.5% on average. The South comprised the largest proportion of cases (48.9%). Projections for 2022-2028 predict continued growth in procedures, with an overall increase of 1100% from 1350 cases in 2021 to 16195 by end of 2028. Spondyloarthropathy-induced sacroilitis was the most prevalent diagnostic indication nationwide (51%). Of patients undergoing SIJ fusion, 18% had a prior lumbar fusion, and only 45% received a preoperative diagnostic SIJ injection. As SIJ fusion is increasingly utilized to treat refractory SIJ-based pain, establishing evidence-based guidelines, improving diagnostic strategies, and defining indications are imperative to support growing applications within clinical practice.

Exploring negative symptoms heterogeneity in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder using cluster analysis

BackgroundDissecting the heterogeneity of schizophrenia may help foster progress in understanding its etiology and lay the groundwork for the development of new treatment options for primary or enduring negative symptoms (NS). In this regard, the present study aimed to: (1) to use cluster analysis to identify subgroups of Lebanese patients diagnosed with either schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder based on NS clusters, and (2) to relate the statistically-derived subgroups to clinically relevant external validators (including measures if state and trait depression, stigma, insight, loneliness, social support).MethodA total of 202 adult long-stay, chronic, and clinically remitted patients (166 diagnosed with schizophrenia and 36 with schizoaffective disorder) were enrolled. A cluster analysis approach was adopted to classify patients based on the five NS domains social withdrawal, emotional withdrawal, alogia, avolition and anhedonia.ResultsA three-cluster solution was obtained based on unique NS profiles, and divided patients into (1) low NS (LNS; 42.6%) which characterized by the lowest mean scores in all NS domains, (2) moderate NS (MNS; 25.7%), and (3) high NS (HNS; 31.7%). Post-hoc comparisons showed that depression (state and trait), loneliness and social support could accurately distinguish the schizophrenia subgroups. Additionally, individuals in the HNS cluster had longer duration of illness, longer duration of hospitalization, and were given higher dosages of antipsychotic medication compared to those in the other clusters, but these differences did not achieve the statistical significance.ConclusionFindings provide additional support to the categorical model of schizophrenia by confirming the existence of three alternate subtypes based on NS. The determination of distinct NS subgroups within the broad heterogeneous population of people diagnosed with schizophrenia may imply that each subgroup possibly has unique underlying mechanisms and necessitates different treatment approaches.

Outbreak of Rift Valley Fever Retinitis in Rwanda: Novel Imaging Findings and Response to Treatment with Corticosteroids

ABSTRACT Purpose To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the first epidemic of Rift Valley Fever retinitis in Rwanda and to report novel imaging findings and a possible role for corticosteroids. Methods Retrospective analysis of all patients who presented with presumed Rift Valley Fever retinitis at the Rwanda Charity Eye Hospital over a period of 4 months in 2022. Multimodal images are reviewed including optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, color, infrared, red-free, and autofluorescence photography. Results The newly identified arciform hyporeflective pattern on infrared imaging was present in 100% of patients. Out of 9 patients treated with oral corticosteroids, 7 (78%) experienced a visual acuity increase of at least 0.2 during follow-up, in comparison to only 4 (28%) out of 14 of untreated patients. Out of four patients treated with a subtenon corticosteroid injection, only one (25%) reached this threshold. Post-hoc pairwise comparison with Bonferroni correction revealed a significant difference in average visual acuity improvement (p = 0.034) between patients receiving oral corticosteroids (0.35 ± 0.07) versus no treatment (0.11 ± 0.04). Conclusion The identified arciform hyporeflective pattern on infrared imaging appears to be characteristic of Rift Valley Fever retinitis and should be known to clinicians working in endemic regions. Compared to a historical cohort and to untreated patients in this non-randomized study, there appears to be a benefit of treatment with oral corticosteroids.

Elevated leukotriene B4 and 8-isoprostane in exhaled breath condensate from preterm-born infants

BackgroundInflammation and oxidative stress play a key role in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), possibly contributing to persistent respiratory morbidity after preterm birth. We aimed to assess if inflammatory markers were elevated in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of infants born very prematurely (< 32 weeks gestation) at 12–16 corrected months of age, and if increased levels were associated with BPD diagnosis and respiratory morbidity.MethodsEBC samples and respiratory questionnaires were collected from 15 term-born infants and 33 preterm-born infants, 12 with a neonatal BPD diagnosis. EBC samples were analysed for leukotriene B4 (inflammation) and 8-isoprostane (oxidative stress) concentrations using enzyme-linked immune-assays. Differences between groups were analysed by Kruskal-Wallis Test with post-hoc comparisons, independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test depending on normality of the data.ResultsLeukotriene B4 and 8-isoprostane levels were elevated in exhaled breath condensate of preterm-born infants compared to those born at term (mean difference [95% CI]; 1.52 [0.45, 2.59], p = 0.02; 0.77 [0.52, 1.02], p < 0.001, respectively). Leukotriene B4 and 8-isoprostane levels were independent of BPD diagnosis and respiratory morbidity over the first year of life.ConclusionsInfants born very prematurely exhibit elevated markers of airway neutrophilic inflammation and oxidative stress beyond the first year of life, regardless of a neonatal diagnosis of chronic lung disease or respiratory morbidity during infancy. These findings may have implications for future lung health.Trial RegistrationN/A.

An in situ real-time monitoring of the hydration and dehydration of building gypsum: Conventional and standoff Raman spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics analysis

The application of conventional and standoff Raman spectroscopy has been a widely explored technique for materials characterization. This study uses Raman spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics analysis to monitor gypsum's hydration and dehydration process. The Raman spectra of the specimens are captured periodically, and the intensity ratios of the selected characteristic Raman bands and the intensity ratios of the characteristics bands are used for chemometric analysis. To determine the statistical significance of the variations of the Raman band intensities with the setting time, a statistical analysis of the intensity ratios was conducted using analysis of variances (ANOVA) followed by Games-Howell post-hoc statistics and pairwise comparison of the groups. As the dehydration progresses and the sample dries, the Raman bands of the water molecule gradually diminish, indicating the loss of water molecules from the specimens. The results demonstrate the capability of the Raman spectroscopy, the chemometric techniques used, and the analysis of variances for distinguishing and monitoring gypsum's hydration and dehydration process. The gradual variation in Raman band intensity ratios and the diminishing bands of water molecules corresponds to dehydration, the loss of water, and the phase transformation from a fluid-like gypsum paste to solid phases.

Comparison of swimming velocity between age-group swimmers through discrete variables and continuous variables by Statistical Parametric Mapping

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to compare the swimming velocity in front-crawl between age-group swimmers using discrete variables against Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM). The sample consisted of 30 young male swimmers divided into three groups (each with 10 swimmers) based on their age (group #1: 13.60 ± 0.84 years; group #2: 15.40 ± 0.32 years; group 3: 16.39 ± 0.69 years). Swimmers performed three maximal trials in front-crawl. The best performance was used for analysis. Comparison of swimming velocity between groups was analysed using discrete variables and as a continuous variable (SPM). As a discrete variable, the mean swimming velocity showed a significant difference between groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, when analysed by SPM, swimming velocity showed a significant difference (p = 0.021) between the ~ 44% and ~ 51% of the stroke cycle (transition of the propulsion phases between sides). Post-hoc comparison revealed a significant difference between group #1 and group #3 only in SPM analysis. Researchers, coaches, and practitioners should know that both measurement approaches can be used simultaneously. However, SPM offers more sensitive and accurate results about the swimmers’ stroke cycle.

Liver Enzymes Functions Effect of Raphia Hookeri Fruit Pulp (Mesocarp) Extract in Male Wistar Rat’s Model

This study is aimed at determining selected liver enzymes functions effect of Raphia Hookeri fruits pulp extract in male wistar rats. A total of 32 apparently healthy rats of weights between 130g and 200g were involved. The rats were segregated into 4 groups, 3 groups administered orally with doses of extract at 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg and 2000mg/kg body weight while control group fed with feed and water for 28 days. The animals were sacrificed, samples taken, laboratory test done for liver enzymes functions. SPSS version 21.0 (ANOVA) followed by Post-Hoc multiple comparison test used and p&lt; 0.05, values were expressed as SEM for statistical analysis. Results showed AST level of groups 3 and 4 had significant decreases when compared to control and 500mg/kg group respectively. AST level of group 4 was significantly lower compared to that of group 3. ALT level indicated non-significant changes in treated groups when compared to both control and test groups. The ALP levels in groups 2 and 3 showed significantly raised levels of ALP when compared to that of control had significantly reduced level of ALP compared to that of group 2. Increased AST an indication to measure serum ALT to determine whether the increased AST is from liver Willard &amp; twedt, 2012. So the decreased level AST has demonstrated ameliorative effect of the raphia hookeri fruit pulp on hepatic disease and any other disease that causes an increase AST in the body. Regular consumption of this fruit is recommended for those with liver issues.

Characterizing postural balance on 2-dimensional compliant surfaces with directional virtual time-to-contact

BackgroundThis study aimed to (1) investigate postural balance control on 2-Dimensional (2D) compliant surfaces using directional virtual time-to-contact (d-VTC), a novel method for VTC calculation; and (2) compare d-VTC with conventional balance measures in this context. MethodsA dual-axis robotic platform was used to simulate 2D surfaces/grounds with varying compliance levels. Twenty healthy young adults stood on the platform with either open or closed eyes. Balance was evaluated using d-VTC in multiple aspects, including temporal (VTC mean), spatial (boundary contact - BC), and control aspects (switching rate – SR). Additionally, conventional balance measures, namely center-of-pressure (COP) area and COP root-mean-square (RMS), were employed for further comparisons with d-VTC measures. Normality checks were performed using Shapiro-Wilk tests. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA tests were used to examine the effects of surface compliance and vision on postural balance, followed by post-hoc pairwise comparisons across conditions with Bonferroni correction. ResultsThe results showed that increasing surface compliance and/or absence of vision caused a significant decrease in VTC mean (all p-values <0.001; all ηp2 > 0.816). Interaction effects between surface compliance and vision on 2D and ML VTC mean were also significant (all p-values <0.019; all ηp2 > 0.355). The AP and ML BC values indicated a converging trend to 50%. No vision effect was observed (p = 0.458), but both surface compliance (p = 0.001; ηp2 = 0.522) and interaction (p = 0.002; ηp2 = 0.492) effects were significant. Decreases in SR were significant due to the compliance of the standing surface (p = 0.01; ηp2 = 0.401) but not vision (p = 0.109). COP area increased due to both surface and vision conditions (all p-values <0.001; all ηp2 > 0.872). AP and ML RMS were altered by vision (all p-values <0.001; all ηp2 > 0.741), but not by surface condition (all p-values >0.06). No interaction effect was observed in the conventional measures (all p-values >0.07). ConclusionBalance control is compromised by 2D compliant surfaces, which is exacerbated when vision is absent. Among all balance measures, VTC mean measures demonstrated particularly high sensitivity in identifying decreased balance capabilities, while BC and SR provided new insights into fall risks and balance control mechanisms. These insights may facilitate the development of rehabilitation training or assistive devices for fall prevention.