Short Observation Period Research Articles

LAND SUBSIDENCE IN WUHAN REVEALED USING A MULTI-SENSOR INSAR TIME SERIES FUSION APPROACH

Abstract. Satellite Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) is widely utilized for topographic, geological, and natural resource investigations. However, many existing InSAR studies on ground deformation are limited to relatively short observation periods and single sensors. This paper introduces a novel method for fusing multi-sensor InSAR time series data, specifically designed to address scenarios involving partial overlaps and temporal gaps. The method employs a new Power Exponential Knothe Model (PEKM) to fit and fuse overlaps in the deformation curves, while a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network predicts and fuses data during temporal gaps in the series. In this study, the city of Wuhan in China was selected as the experimental area. SAR datasets from COSMO-SkyMed (2011–2015), TerraSAR-X (2015–2019), and Sentinel-1 (2019–2021) were fused to map long-term surface deformation over the past decade. An independent InSAR time series analysis from 2011 to 2020, based on 230 COSMO-SkyMed scenes, was used as a reference for comparison. The correlation coefficient between the fusion algorithm’s results and the reference data is 0.87 in the time overlapping region and 0.97 in the time-interval dataset. The overall correlation coefficient of 0.78 demonstrates that the proposed algorithm achieves a similar trend as the reference deformation curve. Based on the long time series settlement results obtained through fusion, a detailed analysis of the causes of settlement was conducted for several subsidence zones. The subsidence in the Houhu area is primarily attributed to the consolidation and compression of soft soil. Soil mechanics were employed to estimate the expected completion time of subsidence and calculate the degree of consolidation for each year. The COSMO-SkyMed PSInSAR results indicate that the area has entered the late stage of consolidation and compression, gradually stabilizing over time. Furthermore, the subsidence curve observed in the area around Xinrong reveals that the construction of an underground section of subway Line 21 has caused significant settlement in that particular region. The high temporal granularity of the PSInSAR time series also enables precise detection of a rebound phase following a major flooding event in 2016. The experimental results demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed fusion method in providing robust time series for analyzing long-term land subsidence mechanisms. Additionally, these findings unveil previously unknown characteristics of land subsidence in Wuhan, thus clarifying the relationship with urban causative factors.

Delayed closure of a full-thickness macular hole following pars plana vitrectomy with ILM flap

Purpose: Our aim is to describe a patient with delayed closure of a stage 3 full thickness macular hole after pars plana vitrectomy. Methods: A retrospective case report. Details of the case were obtained from the electronic patient record system, Medisoft. Results: A 65-year-old male was referred with a left stage 3 full thickness macular hole measuring 720 microns and visual acuity of 6/36. He underwent phaco-vitrectomy, ILM peel with an inverted ILM flap and C3F8 gas tamponade. 7 weeks after surgery, the macular hole was smaller at 196 microns but remained open. The patient was listed for repeat surgery, however another 13 weeks later the full thickness macular hole demonstrated type 2 closure without further intervention. Discussion/conclusion: Delayed macular hole closure after pars plana vitrectomy is rare. In cases where there has been a substantial decrease in the size of a full thickness macular hole after surgery without full closure, a short period of observation to allow for further closure may be appropriate before reconsidering surgery.

Modern morphodynamic processes and deposits in Western Srednogorie and Kraishte

The present paper addresses investigation of modern morphodynamic processes, which lead to relief modelling on one hand and the formation of new landforms and deposits on the other. Erosional, denudational and gravitational landforms and deposits were observed in three key areas in the Zavalska Mountain (Western Srednogorie), Strazha and Lyubash (Kraishte). The aim of this study is to trace the intensity of exogenous landforming processes, to characterize the deposits and elucidate the connection between the geological base, the topography and the local hydroclimatic conditions for their genesis and dynamics. To achieve this goal, field and laboratory methods were employed, as well as data from an automatic weather station in the territory of the Breznik Municipality. Despite the short observation period of three months, the data reveal significant dynamics, rendering the selected study areas interesting for future research.

No neuroprotective effect of therapeutic hypothermia following lipopolysaccharide-sensitized hypoxia-ischemia: a newborn piglet study

IntroductionTherapeutic hypothermia is the only proven neuroprotective treatment for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. However, studies have questioned whether therapeutic hypothermia may benefit newborns subjected to infection or inflammation before a hypoxic-ischemic insult. We aimed to compare newborn piglets with lipopolysaccharide-sensitized hypoxia-ischemia treated with and without therapeutic hypothermia with regards to measures of neuroprotection.MethodsA total of 32 male and female piglets were included in this randomized experimental study. Lipopolysaccharides from Escherichia coli were infused intravenously before initiation of a standardized global hypoxic-ischemic insult. The piglets were then randomized to either normothermia or therapeutic hypothermia. After 14 h, the piglets were evaluated. Our primary outcome was brain lactate/N-acetylaspartate ratio assessed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Secondary outcomes included measures of magnetic resonance imaging, amplitude-integrated electroencephalography, immunohistochemistry, and concentration of blood cells and cytokines.ResultsPiglets treated with and without therapeutic hypothermia were subjected to comparable global hypoxic-ischemic insults. We found no difference between the two groups with regards to measures of magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging, amplitude-integrated electroencephalography, immunohistochemistry, and concentration of blood cells and cytokines.ConclusionWe found no indication of neuroprotection by therapeutic hypothermia in newborn piglets following lipopolysaccharide-sensitized hypoxia-ischemia. However, interpretation of the results is limited by the short observation period. Further studies are required to determine the potential clinical implications of these findings.

Risk prediction model for mortality in microscopic polyangiitis: multicentre REVEAL cohort study

BackgroundTo establish refined risk prediction models for mortality in patients with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) by using comprehensive clinical characteristics.MethodsData from the multicentre Japanese registry of patients with vasculitis (REVEAL cohort) were used in our analysis. In total, 194 patients with newly diagnosed MPA were included, and baseline demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment details were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the significant risk factors predictive of mortality.ResultsOver a median follow-up of 202.5 (84–352) weeks, 60 (30.9%) of 194 patients died. The causes of death included MPA-related vasculitis (18.3%), infection (50.0%), and others (31.7%). Deceased patients were older (median age 76.2 years) than survivors (72.3 years) (P < 0.0001). The death group had shorter observation periods (median 128.5 [35.3–248] weeks) than the survivor group (229 [112–392] weeks). Compared to survivors, the death group exhibited a higher smoking index, lower serum albumin levels, higher serum C-reactive protein levels, higher Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS), higher Five-Factor Score, and a more severe European Vasculitis Study Group (EUVAS) categorization system. Multivariate analysis revealed that higher BVAS and severe EUVAS independently predicted mortality. Kaplan–Meier survival curves demonstrated lower survival rates for BVAS ≥20 and severe EUVAS, and a risk prediction model (RPM) based on these stratified patients into low, moderate, and high-risk mortality groups.ConclusionsThe developed RPM is promising to predict mortality in patients with MPA and provides clinicians with a valuable tool for risk assessment and informed clinical decision-making.

Low-amplitude brittle deformations revealed by UAV surveys in alluvial fans along the northwest coast of Lake Baikal: Neotectonic significance and geological hazards

Many large deltas and other areas, underlain by unconsolidated sediments, are heavily populated but impacted by various natural deformational processes. The causes and mechanisms of the deformation are often obscure because of difficulties in the identification of their geological source. We used an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to survey an area of up to several km2 to detect and map surface discontinuities with displacements of a few centimeters, which can indicate the presence of initial geological deformations. We encountered such offsets in the alluvial fans on the northwestern coast of Lake Baikal, overlying the damage zones of several faults. These deformations at the different sites are referred to as primary or secondary co-seismic ruptures, brittle creep, or cryogenic fissures, which have specific origins. They are located a few hundred meters from a principal fault plane, from junctions of faults, and in the peripheral parts of alluvial fans, making these areas potentially hazardous. We analyzed the digital surface models of local segments of one of the delta plains between 2020 and 2021 and established that its periphery has subsided by an average of 5–10 cm. In areas of accumulation of the river sediment, the thickness of coarse clastic deposits has increased by approximately the same amount. Locally and in the coastal zone, the vertical surface changes are larger. In the axial parts of some seismically induced gravitational failures, the subsidence reached 33 cm over a period of 11 months and 19 days. Our results show that sediments of alluvial fans are very susceptible to various tectonic and exogenous deformational processes. The interpretation of the ultra-high resolution UAV's images can help the recognition the low-amplitude brittle deformations at an early stage of their development. Therefore, such UAV surveys are critical in the discernment of neotectonic activity and its related hazards over short observation periods.

Identifying active retrogressive thaw slumps from ArcticDEM

Permafrost degradation in the Arctic is accelerating and affects northern communities, ecosystems, and global soil carbon storage. However, the extent, distribution, and rates of permafrost degradation in the pan-Arctic remain unknown, contributing to the challenges of mapping and monitoring it in a harsh and remote environment. We applied feature extraction, deep learning, and crowdsourcing to an open-access, high-resolution (2 m), and multi-temporal digital elevation models (i.e. ArcticDEM), to identify retrogressive thaw slumps (RTSs), a dynamic form of permafrost degradation widespread across the Arctic. Specifically, we (1) developed an automated pipeline to process approximately 200 TB of ArcticDEM data; (2) designed feature extractors (pixel-wise elevation differences, polygons of elevation reductions, lines of narrow-steep slopes, and RTS headwall lines) to identify slumps; (3) trained a super-efficient object detection algorithm based on deep learning (YOLOv4) and used it to locate RTSs from composite imagery derived from the ArcticDEM; (4) combined the extracted features and the bounding boxes output by YOLOv4 to obtain mapping results at a manageable level; and (5) developed a crowdsourcing system and invited volunteers to validate and refine the results. The final map included 2494 RTSs (actively expanding during ArcticDEM observation) across the Arctic. The results also show that (1) it is necessary to combine the extracted features and deep learning to remove many false positives in the scenario with limited training data, but large regions to map; (2) some hotspots of RTSs need further and detailed investigation, including an RTS cluster in Greenland; (3) the crowdsourcing system is useful for the validation of a large dataset, but responses to this work were limited, possibly because RTSs are a quite specific topic that not many people are familiar with. The results likely miss many RTSs due to the limitation in the method for identifying RTSs and uncertainties as well as short observation periods of ArcticDEM at many locations. This study provides data and serves as a starting point to develop a global inventory and better understand permafrost thaw in the pan-Arctic using very high resolution remote sensing.

Long-term follow-up of inpatients with traumatic fractures who received integrative Korean Medicine treatment: A retrospective analysis and questionnaire survey study.

Previous studies have reported pain reduction after Korean medicine (KM) treatment in patients with fractures. However, these studies were limited by small sample sizes and short observation periods. To address these limitations, we aimed to analyze the outcomes of patients with traumatic fractures who received integrative KM treatment and investigate their long-term progress through follow-up observations. This study was a retrospective analysis and questionnaire survey conducted at a multi-center inpatient care setting in Korea. A total of 1150 patients who had traumatic fractures and received at least 5-day inpatient care at one of 5 KM hospitals. Finally, 339 patients completed the follow-up survey. The questionnaire survey was administered 3 months post discharge. The primary outcome was the difference in numeric rating scale (NRS) scores at admission and discharge for fracture-related pain. The secondary outcomes were EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) score, Oswestry Disability Index, Neck Disability Index, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) score. The follow-up questionnaire survey included questions on surgery and imaging before admission and after discharge and treatment within the past 3 months. The mean NRS score at follow-up showed a significant decrease of 4.41 points compared with that at admission (P < .001). The mean EQ-5D-5L score at follow-up showed a significant increase of 0.18 points compared with that at admission (P < .05). In the follow-up survey on PGIC, 307 participants (90.56%) were "minimally improved" or better. Integrative KM treatment can help improve pain, functional impairment, and long-term quality of life in patients with traumatic fractures.

Time-Limited Balanced Truncation for Data Assimilation Problems

Balanced truncation is a well-established model order reduction method which has been applied to a variety of problems. Recently, a connection between linear Gaussian Bayesian inference problems and the system-theoretic concept of balanced truncation has been drawn (Qian et al in Sci Comput 91:29, 2022). Although this connection is new, the application of balanced truncation to data assimilation is not a novel idea: it has already been used in four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4D-Var). This paper discusses the application of balanced truncation to linear Gaussian Bayesian inference, and, in particular, the 4D-Var method, thereby strengthening the link between systems theory and data assimilation further. Similarities between both types of data assimilation problems enable a generalisation of the state-of-the-art approach to the use of arbitrary prior covariances as reachability Gramians. Furthermore, we propose an enhanced approach using time-limited balanced truncation that allows to balance Bayesian inference for unstable systems and in addition improves the numerical results for short observation periods.

Pengaruh Variabel Makroekonomi terhadap Return Saham Indeks Infobank15

Purpose: This study analyzes the impact of macroeconomic indicators on banking stock returns. Methodology/approach: This study utilized a quantitative approach with a hypothesis testing method as evidence of the effects of macroeconomic indicators on bank stock returns. The stock index obtained as a sample was the Infobank15 index, consisting of 15 banks in Indonesia over five years, from 2018 to 2022. To examine the relationship in the research model or the impact between variables and to fit the research model, secondary data were used. Data were analyzed using statistical software to implement the data analysis. Results: This study found that the price of the InfoBank15 index is affected either positively or negatively by money supply and exchange rate, respectively, but not by interest rate. Limitations: This research was limited by the short observation period, with limited macroeconomic indicators as the independent variable, and only one index listed in Bursa Efek Indonesia is used as research data.

The Reduction of Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Is Associated With a Decreased Risk of Death.

Male lower urinary tract symptoms have been correlated with an increased risk of death; however, it is unclear if treatment will reduce this risk. Our objective was to determine whether a reduction in lower urinary tract symptoms is associated with a reduced risk of mortality. We conducted a secondary analysis of the MTOPS (Medical Treatment of Prostate Symptoms) randomized trial of placebo, doxazosin, finasteride, or doxazosin and finasteride. Men in the United States between 1993 and 1998 who were >50 years of age with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms were included. We used various Cox regression models to assess the relationship between AUA Symptom Score (modeled as a time-varying exposure) and death. A total of 3,046 men (median age 62, quartiles 57-68) were randomized and had a baseline AUA Symptom Score. For each 1-point improvement in the AUA Symptom Score, the hazard ratio for death was 0.96 (0.94-0.99, P = .01). Our sensitivity analyses found a similar significant reduction in the hazard ratio for death within men who had active treatment, but not among men who were randomized to the placebo arm; our results did not change when men were censored at the time of transurethral prostate resection, with adjustment for potential confounders, or with a shorter observation period after the last study visit. A comparable significant reduction in death was seen with 1-point improvements in the storage (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.88-0.99, P = .04) and voiding (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91-0.99, P = .03) subscales individually. Improvement in male lower urinary tract symptoms was associated with a reduced risk of death. Further study is warranted to determine if the male treatment paradigm should shift toward symptom treatment independent of bother.

Fraudulent Financial Reporting and Fraud Hexagon: Evidence from Infrastructure Companies in ASEAN

"This study aims to analyse the factors that may influence fraudulent financial reporting using the fraud hexagon model. The subjects of this study are the infrastructure sector companies listed on the stock exchanges of every ASEAN country for the period of 2019-2021. This study uses logistic regression with F-Score as the measurement for the dependent variable. The result of this study suggests that financial target, change in BOD, and CEO’s education affect fraudulent financial reporting. While financial stability, external pressure, e-procurement, electronic whistle blowing system, change in auditor, and CEO’s military or political connection do not affect fraudulent financial reporting. This study advances the knowledge of variables that may influence fraudulent financial reporting using a few new proxies for the fraud hexagon’s element, namely the e-procurement, electronic whistle blowing system, CEO’s education, and CEO’s military or political connection. The findings of this study have provided several practical implications for the company’s stakeholders to prevent fraudulent financial reporting. In the context of the fraud hexagon, this research is the first study to date that can show the significant and positive relationship between CEOs’ education and fraudulent financial reporting. The limitations of this study are the short observation period and the low R-square of the model."

Fluid restrictive resuscitation with high molecular weight hyaluronan infusion in early peritonitis sepsis

Sepsis is a condition with high morbidity and mortality. Prompt recognition and initiation of treatment is essential. Despite forming an integral part of sepsis management, fluid resuscitation may also lead to volume overload, which in turn is associated with increased mortality. The optimal fluid strategy in sepsis resuscitation is yet to be defined. Hyaluronan, an endogenous glycosaminoglycan with high affinity to water is an important constituent of the endothelial glycocalyx. We hypothesized that exogenously administered hyaluronan would counteract intravascular volume depletion and contribute to endothelial glycocalyx integrity in a fluid restrictive model of peritonitis. In a prospective, blinded model of porcine peritonitis sepsis, we randomized animals to intervention with hyaluronan (n = 8) or 0.9% saline (n = 8). The animals received an infusion of 0.1% hyaluronan 6 ml/kg/h, or the same volume of saline, during the first 2 h of peritonitis. Stroke volume variation and hemoconcentration were comparable in the two groups throughout the experiment. Cardiac output was higher in the intervention group during the infusion of hyaluronan (3.2 ± 0.5 l/min in intervention group vs 2.7 ± 0.2 l/min in the control group) (p = 0.039). The increase in lactate was more pronounced in the intervention group (3.2 ± 1.0 mmol/l in the intervention group and 1.7 ± 0.7 mmol/l in the control group) at the end of the experiment (p < 0.001). Concentrations of surrogate markers of glycocalyx damage; syndecan 1 (0.6 ± 0.2 ng/ml vs 0.5 ± 0.2 ng/ml, p = 0.292), heparan sulphate (1.23 ± 0.2 vs 1.4 ± 0.3 ng/ml, p = 0.211) and vascular adhesion protein 1 (7.0 ± 4.1 vs 8.2 ± 2.3 ng/ml, p = 0.492) were comparable in the two groups at the end of the experiment. In conclusion, hyaluronan did not counteract intravascular volume depletion in early peritonitis sepsis. However, this finding is hampered by the short observation period and a beneficial effect of HMW-HA in peritonitis sepsis cannot be discarded based on the results of the present study.

Spatial patterns and recent temporal trends in global transpiration modelled using eco-evolutionary optimality

Transpiration from vegetation accounts for about two thirds of land evapotranspiration (ET), and exerts important effects on of global water, energy, and carbon cycles. Resistance-based ET partitioning models using remote sensing data are one of the main methods to estimate global land transpiration, overcoming the limitation by the sparse distribution and short observation periods of site-level measurements. However, the uncertainties of estimated transpiration for these models mainly come from the resistance parameterization based on specific empirical parameters across different plant functional types (PFT). A model based on eco-evolutionary optimization (P model) has recently been proposed to simulate stomatal conductance without the need of calibrated parameters. Here, we calculated global long-term (1982–2018) monthly transpiration with the Penman-Monteith (PM) equation using canopy conductance estimated by the P model (PM-P) and Ball-Berry-Leuning model (PM-BBL). Using the observations of SAPFLUXNET and FLUXNET sites as reference, the performance of PM-P was comparable with that of PM-BBL and Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam model (GLEAM). Multi-year mean and trends in growing season transpiration estimated by GLEAM and the PM-P model revealed a similar spatial distribution globally. Both GLEAM and the PM-P model showed a widespread increasing trend of growing season transpiration over 72.06%∼80.38% of global land, especially for some main greening hotspots with >3.0 mm/year. The good performance of the P model indicated that it could avoid the uncertainties emerging from the resistance parameterization with too many empirical parameters and had the potential to accurately estimate global transpiration.

Analyzing Factors of Stock Price Index and Using Simple Linear Regression Techniques

Macroeconomic factors usually have an impact on the capital market, but not to the same extent on stock prices, which is related to the lag in the transmission of macroeconomic policies, the short observation period, and market volatility. Usually an increase in money supply, decrease in interest rates, and liquidity easing affect stock price volatility, while inflation has a more complex impact on the stock market. In this paper, the volatility of HS300 stock price index is studied by exploratory analysis of correlation factors and simple linear regression analysis is applied to analyze the correlation.

Dual Adeno-Associated Virus 9 with Codon-Optimized DYSF Gene Promotes In Vivo Muscle Regeneration and May Decrease Inflammatory Response in Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type R2.

Dysferlinopathy treatment is an active area of investigation. Gene therapy is one potential approach. We studied muscle regeneration and inflammatory response after injection of an AAV-9 with a codon-optimized DYSF gene. A dual-vector system AAV.DYSF.OVERLAP with overlapping DYSF cDNA sequences was generated. Two AAV vectors were separately assembled by a standard triple-transfection protocol from plasmids carrying parts of the DYSF gene. Artificial myoblasts from dysferlin-deficient fibroblasts were obtained by MyoD overexpression. RT-PCR and Western blot were used for RNA and protein detection in vitro. A dysferlinopathy murine model (Bla/J) was used for in vivo studies. Histological assay, morphometry, and IHC were used for the muscle tissue analysis. Dysferlin was detected in vitro and in vivo at subphysiological levels. RT-PCR and Western Blot detected dysferlin mRNA and protein in AAV.DYSF.OVERLAP-transduced cells, and mRNA reached a 7-fold elevated level compared to the reference gene (GAPDH). In vivo, the experimental group showed intermediate median values for the proportion of necrotic muscle fibers, muscle fibers with internalized nuclei, and cross-sectional area of muscle fibers compared to the same parameters in the control groups of WT and Bla/J mice, although the differences were not statistically significant. The inverse relationship between the dosage and the severity of inflammatory changes in the muscles may be attributed to the decrease in the number of necrotic fibers. The share of transduced myofibers reached almost 35% in the group with the highest dose. The use of two-vector systems based on AAV is justified in terms of therapeutic efficacy. The expression of dysferlin at a subphysiological level, within a short observation period, is capable of inducing the restoration of muscle tissue structure, reducing inflammatory activity, and mitigating necrotic processes. Further research is needed to provide a more detailed assessment of the impact of the transgene and viral vector on the inflammatory component, including longer observation periods.

Treatment of epilepsy with mesenchymal stem cells: literature review

In the past few years, results from experimental and clinical studies have shown that inflammation can be both a consequence and a cause of epilepsy. Distinctive features of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, which indicate promise in the field of epilepsy treatment.The article presents a review on the preclinical and clinical use of MSCs in the treatment of epilepsy, and outlines the mechanism of MSCs therapeutic action of in this disease. The authors focused on the analysis of all available in the literature clinical cases of MSCs use in the treatment of epilepsy, as well as the effectiveness and undesirable effects of therapy. The use of MSCs indeed has a significant effect in reducing the number of seizures and has a positive effect on mental functions, however, at present, this method of therapy is not ready for widespread clinical use due to the short period of observation in clinical trials and increased risks of developing immunological and oncological complications in patients.

Blood cord’s zinc serum level is associated with general health status and outcomes: A suggestion of cut-off novelty in newborns

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the associations of zinc serum levels in the blood cord with the general health status of neonates, along with the characteristics and outcomes in Ulin General Hospital, Banjarmasin. Design/Methodology/Approach: A cross-sectional study was conducted in October-November 2021. The subjects were divided into two groups based on the zinc serum level (≤67.5 µg/dl and &gt;67.5 µg/dl). The cut-off was determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). Findings: There were 35 subjects in the group with zinc serum level ≤67.5 µg/dl and 34 subjects in the group with zinc serum level &gt;67.5 µg/dl. Neonates with zinc serum level over the cut-off significantly had a higher birth weight (p=0.038), lower incidence of prematurity (p=0. 02, OR 0.21; 95%CI: (0.05-0.84)), lower incidence of anemia (p=0.001, 95%CI: 0.1(0.012-.89)), neonatal jaundice (p=0.02, OR 0.3; 95%CI: 0.1-0.85), and neonatal infections (p=0.000 OR 0.008; 95%CI: 0.001-0.067). Conclusion: The zinc serum level of the blood cord is strongly associated with the general health status and outcomes of the newborn. It is also associated with the general health of neonates, birth weight, prematurity, the incidence of infection, jaundice, anemia of newborns, and the need for NICU during the treatment. Limitations: A relatively short period of observation and a small number of subjects due to the limitation of resources. Practical Implications: propose the importance of zinc intake in pregnancy as it strongly implicates the general health status and outcomes of neonates. Contribution to Literature: This study provides a cut-off value with significant results and encourages further investigation to determine the need and effects of early zinc supplementation.

Assessing the impact of deficit irrigation strategies on agronomic and productive parameters of Menara olive cultivar: implications for operational water management

The olive tree is an iconic tree in the Mediterranean region, traditionally cultivated under rainfed conditions; however, olive cultivars are also found outside the Mediterranean region and are widely used for oil and olive production. However, with the increasing aridity and global changes, olive agroecosystems are facing sustainability challenges. This study aims to evaluate the effect of two deficit irrigation strategies on the agronomic and productive parameters of the Menara, olive cultivar as a tool for operational irrigation water management. For this purpose, an experiment was conducted on an olive orchard for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022), comparing four regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) treatments and two sustained deficit irrigation (SDI) treatments, with fully irrigated trees. The results showed that moderate and controlled water stress under RDI did not significantly affect the yield of the Menara olive cultivar. In addition, by reducing plant water requirement by 20% during sensitive periods and by 40% during normal periods, under RDI, it is possible to save between 25% and 30% of irrigation water and to increase water productivity by 5%–20% with a slight decrease in fruit yield ranging between 10% and 15%. However, the trees subjected to the sustained deficit irrigation strategy exhibited a reduced capacity for shoot growth compared to those under RDI and fully irrigated conditions. Our findings showed that water deprivation during sensitive periods reduced phenological traits and slowed down shoot growth. Furthermore, the water status of the trees was reflected in fruit volume, as a decrease in water supply resulted in a corresponding reduction in fruit volume. Although the study provides important insights into water management strategies for olive cultivation, the short observation period does not allow for long-term plant adaptation evaluation and productivity beyond 2 years. Therefore, it is recommended that future studies extend the observation period to better understand plant adaptation to irrigation regimes.

#2599 LONG-TERM LONGITUDINAL CHANGES OF PULSE WAVE VELOCITY AND THEIR ASSOCIATION TO CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS IN MAINTENANCE HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims The incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is increasing worldwide. The mortality rate in this patient cohort remains unacceptably high. The WHO estimates ESRD as one of the ten global causes of premature death. Approximately half of all death cases are due to cardiovascular complications. A main cardiovascular risk factor is enhanced arterial stiffness. The measurement of pulse wave velocity (PWV) for evaluation of progressive atherosclerosis is known to be an independent risk predictor for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in chronic dialysis patients. Method The study cohort contains patients from the “Risk stratification in end-stage renal disease - the ISAR study”, a multicenter prospective longitudinal observatory cohort study. A total of 105 patients on maintenance hemodialysis were examined and followed-up for up to 72 months. Pulse wave velocity was obtained by the Mobil-O-Graph 24h PWA Monitor device at baseline and follow-up. We assessed the PWV change over time and correlated PWV with known cardiovascular risk factors using Pearson correlation coefficient adjusting for age. Longitudinal changes were examined using t-tests for paired and independent samples. Results Patients had a median age of 61,2 years (IQR 23,2), 36 (34%) were female. Median baseline dialysis vintage was 105 months (IQR 71), and median adapted Charlson Comorbidity Index 2 (IQR 3). During a median follow-up of 74,1 months there was a significant increase in PWV from baseline (9,25 m/s) to 6YFU (10,18 m/s, p = &amp;lt;0,001), a delta-PWV of 0,92 m/s, appropriate to a yearly change of 0,15 m/s. Patients with hypertension had a significant higher PWV (10,47 m/s) than those with normal blood pressure (8,91 m/s, p = 0,034). The Pearson correlation coefficient analysis showed after adjustment for age a significant correlation between blood pressure and both 6YFU-PWV (systolic r = 0,89 diastolic r = 0,62, p = &amp;lt;0,001) and delta-PWV (systolic r = 0,71 diastolic 0,48, p = &amp;lt;0,001). Additionally, after adjustment for age delta-PWV correlated with LDL-cholesterol (r = 0,27, p = 0,023). Neither 6YFU-PWV nor delta-PWV showed significant associations to other traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol or obesity. Conclusion In this cohort, we found a longitudinal increase of pulse wave velocity over 6 years. However, the average change in PWV per year was significantly lower in our cohort compared to other studies with a shorter observation period. A main reason might be the long follow-up time, with the occurrence of several deaths in the primary cohort of the ISAR-Study before reaching the follow-up point and therefore including more younger and possibly healthier patients. Nevertheless, in this cohort blood pressure in contrast to diabetes, high cholesterol or obesity was a primary factor in the change of PWV. The reasons for the deceleration of cardiovascular and mortality risk after a long term in this sub cohort remains unclear and requires further investigation.