Significant Difference In Number Research Articles

Using deep learning to assess temporal changes of suspended particles in the deep sea

While suspended particles play many important roles in the marine environment, their concentrations are very small in the deep sea, making observation difficult with existing methods: water sampling, optical sensors, and special imaging systems. Methods are needed to fill the lack of environmental baseline data in the deep sea, ones that are inexpensive, quick, and intuitive. In this study we applied object detection using deep learning to evaluate the variability of suspended particle abundance from images taken by a common stationary camera, “Edokko Mark 1”. Images were taken in a deep-sea seamount in the Northwest Pacific Ocean for approximately one month. Using the particles in images as training data, an object detection algorithm YOLOv5 was used to construct a suspended particle detection model. The resulting model successfully detected particles in the image with high accuracy (AP50 > 85% and F1 Score > 82%). Similarly high accuracy for a site not used for model training suggests that model detection accuracy was not dependent on one specific shooting condition. During the observation period, the world’s first cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts excavation test was conducted, providing an ideal situation to test this model’s ability to measure changes in suspended particle concentrations in the deep sea. The time series showed relatively little variability in particle counts under natural conditions, but there were two turbidity events during/after the excavation, and there was a significant difference in numbers of suspended particles before and after the excavation. These results indicate that this method can be used to examine temporal variations both in small amounts of naturally occurring suspended particles and large abrupt changes such as mining impacts. A notable advantage of this method is that it allows for the possible use of existing imaging data and may be a new option for understanding temporal changes of the deep-sea environment without requiring the time and expense of acquiring new data from the deep sea.

54 Prophylactic Antibiotics are Unnecessary for Routine CO2 Laser Burn Scar Treatment

Abstract Introduction Many providers utilize prophylactic cephalexin prior to Co2 ablation laser for hypertrophic scarring. Many providers use this as standard of treatment despite a paucity of high-quality literature supporting the practice. The purpose of this study is to report a single-center experience in performing laser-assisted delivery of triamcinolone and destruction of burn scars without the use of antibiotics. Methods This was a retrospective descriptive study from a single center with a new laser scar program. The first 14 patients received cephalexin 500mg by mouth every 6 hours starting the day of the procedure for 5 days and valaciclovir 1000mg by mouth daily for 5 days for their first two procedures- as per manufacturer recommendations. After that, cephalexin was no longer utilized nor were any antibiotics given at the start time of procedure. Valacyclovir is given on a case-by-case basis for patients with a history of cold sores, known herpes simplex, or extensive facial procedures. Burn team staff members followed up with the patients within 48 -72 hours by phone call. Burn staff called patients after each laser treatment to assess for any adverse reactions. Adverse reactions include open areas, rashes, or blisters to laser site. The two groups were compared with a Fisher’s exact test for number of infections. Results Patients who received cephalexin accounted for the first 28 cases and none developed an infection. In 201 cases without antibiotics, only one patient developed cellulitis (0.5%), p=1. This patient was noncompliant with restrictions on hand hygiene and used a cheap lotion with parabens, dyes, and perfumes on post operative day 2. Another patient experienced a self-limiting dermatitis on their back of uncertain etiology. In 36 cases, valacyclovir was given. None of the patients in either group developed vesicular lesions consistent with HSV. Conclusions There were no significant differences in number of infections whether patients treated with or without prophylactic antibiotics before laser treatment of hypertrophic burn scars. The authors continue to treat patients without administering prophylactic antibiotics. Applicability of Research to Practice laser programs are common in burn centers

Possibility of modification of peripheral blood neutrophils functional activity during chemoradiotherapy in patients with anorectal cancer

Background. Ionizing radiation is an effective antitumor therapy, but it has a serious negative effect on the immune system requiring the use of radiation reaction prevention and reduction methods. Neutrophils are a sensitive element of the immune system both in interaction with tumor tissue and in response to radiation injury.Aim. To evaluate functional activity of peripheral blood neutrophils by chemiluminescent analysis in patients with anorectal cancer after radiotherapy.Materials and methods. The study included 80 patients with anorectal cancer. Patients received chemo- and radio-therapy with 3D conformal radiotherapy and radiation therapy under visual control, followed by the use of radioprotector and without it. Neutrophil activity determined by chemiluminescent analysis.Results. In patients with anorectal cancer found maximum spontaneous and induced chemiluminescence acceleration. The chemiluminescence activation index with luminol is lower in patients with anorectal cancer, and with lucigenin shows no differences with the control group. The low luminol chemiluminescence maximum intensity, as well as the decrease in the synthesis of reactive secondary oxygen species in enzymatic systems, is likely regulatory intracellular limitations consequence. After treatment, patients with radioprotector showed a decrease in the number of parameters with statistically significant differences with the control group. Undesirable phenomena associated with sodium deoxyribonucleate therapy not detected in anorectal cancer patients during radiotherapy and subsequent observation period.Conclusion. During treatment, differences in chemiluminescence parameters suggest that ionizing radiation affects them in patients with anorectal cancer receiving standard chemoradiotherapy. Use of chemoradiotherapy with a radioprotector leads to indirect restoration of cellular functional activity. This is confirmed by luminol-dependent chemiluminescence faster reaching its maximum and a decrease in the number of significant differences from the control group after the start of the drug treatment.

PO-03-098 DIFFERENTIAL PACING FOR IDENTIFYING MULTIPLE INTERATRIAL CONNECTIONS

Interatrial connection (IAC) is reported to be an anatomical structure associated with complex biatrial tachycardias. However, electrophysiological conduction between left atrium (LA) and right atrium (RA) has not been fully investigated. This study was to distinguish multiple IACs by using different pacing sites. Twenty patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who underwent ablation were enrolled. High-density mapping of left and right atrial before ablation were created during continuous pacing from sinus node (SN) or low lateral RA (LL-RA), and LA appendage (LAA) or posterior wall (LA-PW), respectively. Focal activation sites were defined as IAC and breakthrough segments of each atrium were recorded. The average number of total IAC were 4.9±1.3 and 4.1±1.2 for RA-LA and LA-RA, respectively (Figure A1,2). There was no significant difference in number of IACs between each directional connections (cranial pacing, p=0.35; caudal pacing, p=0.62) (Figure B). Connections at the level of interatrial septum (IAS) and Bachmann’s bundle were mostly found as RA-LA connections, however more than one third of the patients had connections in right pulmonary veins, its carina, LA roof and coronary sinus musculature. LA-RA connections were mainly existed in IAS, however superior and inferior vena cava were also frequently related. Only either single site from SN or LL-RA pacing elucidated significantly smaller number of IACs for RA-LA compared to total IACs (SN vs total, 3.2±0.8 vs 4.9±1.3, p<0.001; LL-RA vs total, 3.2±1.5 vs 4.9±1.3, p<0.001) (Figure C1). Similarly, only either LAA or LA-PW pacing revealed significantly smaller number of IACs for LA-RA compared to total IACs (LAA vs total, 3.0±0.8 vs 4.1±1.2, p<0.001; LA-PW vs total, 3.0±0.8 vs 4.1±1.2, p<0.001) (Figure C2). Although difference of pacing sites did not influence the total number of interarial conductions (RA-LA, p=0.09; LA-RA, p=0.85), pacing from cranial and caudal sites preferentially disclosed IAC at upper and lower septal segments, respectively (upper connections of RA-LA, SN vs LL-RA, 73.4% vs 46.9%, p=0.0037; upper connections of LA-RA, LAA vs LA-PW pacing, 66.1% vs 41.0%, p=0.013) (Figure D1,2). Pacing from multiple locations may be required in order to reveal entire interatrial connections.

Studies on the Efficacy of Heterogeneously Produced Pasteuria Penetrans (PP3) Isolate over Individual Pasteuria Isolates in the Spore Attachment, and Pathogenic Potential on Three Meloidogyne Species

The aim of the present test was to develop a Pasteuria penetrans isolate (Pp3) on a Meloidogyne blend and compare the attachment and pathogenic potential of this heterogeneously produced isolate with other Pp3 isolates produced on individual Meloidogyne species (Meloidogyne javanica, M. incognita and M. arenaria). Number of spores attached varied among Meloidogyne spp. Pp3 isolate originally multiplied on M. javanica showed greater attachment level with second stage juveniles (J2s) of M. javanica (13.8) than other Meloidogyne spp. tested and lesser attachment was observed on J2s of a M. arenaria. The Pp3 isolate showed variable influence on the Meloidogyne spp. in suppressing root-knot disease. There was a significant difference in numbers of eggmasses produced by females of Meloidogyne spp. Higher numbers of eggmasses were recorded with females of M. arenaria (370) while fewer numbers of eggmasses were observed in treatment where M. javanica (245) was present. Root galling differed significantly among treatments (P0.01) and higher gall infestation was recorded in M. arenaria treatment (6.2) while lesser galling was observed in M. javanica treatment (4.4). Final female population also varied among treatments (P0.05) showing higher numbers of females in M. arenaria treatment (456) and fewer with M. javanica (398). Parasitism of females of Meloidogyne spp. by Pp3 differed significantly among treatments. Higher numbers of females infected with Pp3 spores were recorded among females of M. javanica (14.4) while lesser numbers of parasitized females were observed in M. arenaria treatment (9.8). There were significant variations in numbers of endospores/female produced by females of Meloidogyne spp. however egg set data did not differ in the treatments. The results showed that the Pp3 isolate was more pathogenic on M. javanica compared with other Meloidogyne spp. (M. incognita, M. arenaria and M blend). The Pp3 isolate was found compatible with different Meloidogyne spp. while M. arenaria proved the least good host to bacterial parasite

Prevalence of White Matter Hyperintensities in Young Adults With and Without Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (S28.004)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To determine the prevalence and severity of white matter T2 hyperintensities (WMHs) in young healthy adults and those with recent mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). <h3>Background:</h3> WMHs on T2-weighted (T2W) MRI are common. Normative data on their prevalence in young healthy adults and in the setting of mTBI is not well characterized, and dependent upon classification system, MRI field strength, scan resolution and imaging parameters. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> High-resolution 3-Tesla 3D T2W FLAIR and SWI images were retrospectively reviewed from 602 mTBI and control patients who participated in a larger multicenter study of advanced neuroimaging biomarkers. All scans were independently reviewed by 2 board-certified blinded neuroradiologists. All patients with WMHs were identified; patients with excessive WMHs were also identified if ≥5 objective, punctate, white matter foci were present or lesions were &gt;3 mm or atypical in location. <h3>Results:</h3> 413 patients with documented mTBI and 189 controls were analyzed. 32% (134/413) of the mTBI patients and 40% (76/189) of the control patients demonstrated at least 1 WMH on high-resolution T2W-FLAIR imaging. Of these patients, 34% (45/134) of the mTBI group and 34% (26/76) of the control group demonstrated ≥5 lesions, one &gt;3 mm lesion, or lesions in atypical locations. There was no significant difference in number of patients with at least 1 WMH (p=0.064) or excessive WMHs (p=0.313) between mTBI and control groups. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> This represents the largest study cohort of mTBI patients and healthy controls assessing the prevalence of WMHs on high-resolution 3-Telsa 3D T2W-FLAIR. Prevalence of WMHs did not differ between groups and were observed at higher rates than reported in the current literature. These results reflect an evidence-based need to reassess our understanding and clinical interpretation of WMHs in normal healthy adults and patients with mTBI. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Shetty has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Biohaven Pharmaeucticals. Dr. Shetty has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Expert Witness for mTBI, Inc. The institution of Dr. Shetty has received research support from Marker AG. The institution of Dr. Shetty has received research support from Teva Pharmaceuticals Industry. The institution of Dr. Shetty has received research support from GE-NFL. Mr. Westafer has nothing to disclose. Joseph T Nguyen has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for The American Journal of Sports Medicine. Joseph T Nguyen has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for The Women’s Journal of Sports Medicine. Miss Coffey has nothing to disclose.

Proteomics analyses of herbicide-tolerant genetically modified, conventionally, and organically farmed soybean seeds

The present study compared genetically modified (GM) crops with crops from different farming practices using high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HR-MS) and proteomics bioinformatics tools. In a previously published study, a number of significant differences regarding nutritional and elemental composition between a selection of GM, non-GM conventionally farmed, and organic soybeans have been found. In the present study, the proteome-level equivalence of the same samples was assessed using HR-MS. Direct comparison of tandem mass spectra and bottom-up proteomics bioinformatics indicated that proteomes of all samples investigated were very similar overall, with only a few distinct protein expression clusters obtained for GM and organic samples. Standard bottom-up proteome analyses identified 1025 soy proteins; of these 39 were found to be differentially expressed (p < 0.01) between GM, non-GM conventionally farmed, and organically farmed soybeans. Subsequent bioinformatics analyses of these proteins highlighted several potentially affected biochemical pathways that could contribute to the compositional differences reported earlier. In addition, protein markers separating conventionally, and organically farmed soybean seeds were found and peptide markers for the detection of GM soy in food and feed samples are described. Taken together, the data presented here shows that HR-MS based proteomics approaches can be used for the detection of transgenic events in food and feed grade soy, the differentiation of organically and conventionally farmed plants, and provide mechanistic explanations of effects observed on the phenotypic level of GM plants. HR-MS and proteomic bioinformatics thus should be considered key tools when developing molecular panel approaches for detection and safety assessments of novel crop varieties destined for use in feed and food.

Dual suppression of follicle activation pathways completely prevents the cyclophosphamide-induced loss of ovarian reserve.

Dual suppression of follicle activation pathways completely prevents the cyclophosphamide-induced loss of ovarian reserve.

Cost Comparison for Open Surgery versus Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization in Patients with Chronic Subdural Hematomas: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) can be treated with conventional surgery or middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE). The cost profiles of open surgery versus MMAE have never been studied. Therefore, we sought to compare the costs of surgical and MMAE treatment of cSDH. Patients treated with open surgery (2006-2019) and MMAE (2018-2020) were identified from the institutional database. Propensity score matching analysis was used to assemble a balanced group of subjects. Detailed hospitalization costs in each group were collected and compared. A total of 341 conventionally treated and 52 MMAE cases were identified. After propensity score matching, 33 patients were included in each group, for a total of 66 patients for analysis. Direct procedural cost was significantly greater in the MMAE group compared with the open surgery group ($38,255 ± $11,859 vs. $11,206 ± $7888; P < 0.001). Medication cost also was greater in the MMAE group ($6888 ± $6525 vs. $4291 ± $3547; P= 0.048). No significant difference was found in costs for intensive care unit care, pharmacy, therapy, laboratory values, and the emergency department. Imaging costs and other miscellaneous costs (e.g., wound care, preoperative, and postanesthesia care unit) were greater in the open surgery group (P < 0.05). Total hospitalization cost was not significantly different between the 2 groups ($60,598 ± 61,315 vs. $71,569 ± $37,813 for open surgery and MMAE respectively, P= 0.385). No significant differences in number of follow ups or total costs for follow up were found (P > 0.05). Open surgery and MMAE offer an overall equivalent cost-profile for cSDH treatment when matching for potential cost confounders. Direct procedural costs are greater in MMAE; however, total hospitalization costs and follow up costs are not significantly different.

The Efficacy of Different Mulching with Spacing on Growth and Yield of Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch.) cv Chandler

An experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Research Farm of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow. The experiment was performed to find out the most suitable mulching material and an ideal spacing for straw berry cultivation under Lucknow conditions. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. The treatments comprised of three mulching materials viz. paddy straw, black polyethylene, and transparent polyethylene) with three spacings (30 x 15 cm and 30 x 20 cm and 30 x 30). On the basis of the statistical data, it is concluded that spacing of 30 x 30 cm with black polyethylene mulch was found to be the best in terms of plant growth viz. plant height, spread of plants, Number of flowers per plant, Number of leaves per plant, Fruit weight, Fruit length, Fruit diameter, Specific gravity of Fruit, and Fruit yield per plant, Fruit yield per plot, Fruit yield per plant and leaf area.However, there was slight difference in quality parameters among different treatments.The data recorded was significant difference in number of leaves per plant. Spacing 30x30 cm treatment S3 gave the maximum number of leaves per plant (19.17), which was statistically similar (18.66) to at 30x20 cm spacing, while 30x15 cm spacing gave the minimum number of leaves per plant (17.89).Different mulching showed significant differences on the number of leaves per plant. The maximum number of leaves per plant was recorded in (21.23) from black polythene mulch (M2) which was closely followed treatment (M3) and maximum number of leaves per plant was recorded in (15.79) M1 (Transparent polythene mulch).

Mucosal-associated invariant T cells in patients with axial spondyloarthritis.

Several studies implicate Th17-cells and its cytokine (IL-17) in disease pathogenesis of spondyloarthritis (SpA), with available evidence supporting a pathogenic role of CD8+ T-cells. However, data on the involvement of CD8+ mucosal-associated invariant T-cells (MAIT) and their phenotypic characterization and inflammatory function including IL-17 and Granzyme A production in a homogenous population of SpA-patients with primarily axial disease (axSpA) are lacking. Quantify and characterize the phenotype and function of circulating CD8+MAIT-cells in axSpA-patients with primarily axial disease. Blood samples were obtained from 41 axSpA-patients and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC). Numbers and percentages of MAIT-cells (defined as CD3+CD8+CD161highTCRVα7.2 +) were determined, and production of IL-17 and Granzyme A (GrzA) by MAIT-cells were examined by flow cytometry upon in vitro stimulation. Serum IgG specific for CMV was measured by ELISA. No significant differences in numbers and percentages of circulating MAIT-cells were found between axSpA-patients and HCr zijn meer resultaten de centrale memory CD8 T cellen. cellen van patirculating MAIT cells.. Further phenotypic analysis revealed a significant decrease in numbers of central memory MAIT-cells of axSpA-patients compared to HC. The decrease in central memory MAIT-cells in axSpA patients was not attributed to an alteration in CD8 T-cell numbers, but correlated inversely with serum CMV-IgG titers. Production of IL-17 by MAIT-cells was comparable between axSpA-patients and HC, whereas a significant decrease in the production of GrzA by MAIT-cells from axSpA-patients was observed. The decrease in cytotoxic capability of circulating MAIT-cells in axSpA-patients might implicate that these cell types migrate to the inflamed tissue and therefore associate with the axial disease pathogenesis.

A generalization of first direct method of pursuit for differential inclu-sions

To solve the problem of pursuit in linear differential games, L.S. Pontryagin suggested two direct methods. Direct methods are of great importance in the development of the theory of differential games and in control theory under the conditions of uncertainty. It turned out to be useful also in solving the problem of control synthesis. Pontryagin direct methods have proved themselves as an effective means for solving problems of pursuit- evasion and control. These use integrals, having a number of significant differences from the classical integral. One of the differences consists in the use of multivalued mapping. Pontryaginʼs second direct method, based on concept of the alternating integral, which has no analogs in integration of real function. In definition of alternating integral participate of integration of setvalued mappings and geometric difference (Minkovski difference) of sets. These operations make difficulties for computation of alternating integral. From this point of view, the integral used by the first direct method has a simpler construction. Therefore, the question naturally arises of generalization the first direct method of pursuit. In this paper it will be studied a generalization of the first direct method for pursuit games, being described by differential inclusions where F is a continuous multivalued mapping. This method will be called the modified first direct method of pursuit for differential inclusions. In particular, the class of stroboscopic strategies, the trajectory of the system are determined. For these classes games, it is proved that if the starting point belongs to the modified first integral (the integral from the multivalued mapping, which is present in the definition of the modified fist direct metod), then this is necessary and sufficient condition for completing the game in a fixed time instant in the class of stroboscobic strategies. The problem of computation this integral is important. In the present article it has also been proved that the union operations in the definition of the modified first integral can be narrowed down to the class of compact-valued mappings

Investigation of the Systemic Antibody Response and Antigen Detection Following Intranasal Administration of Two Commercial Equine Herpesvirus-1 Vaccines to Adult Horses.

EHV-1 vaccines are often administered intranasally during emergency situation such as outbreaks of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy. However, there is currently no data available on the efficacy of such protocols, nor the diagnostic challenge when recently vaccinated horses become clinically infected and nasal secretions are collected to support a diagnosis of EHV-1 infection. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if two commercially available EHV-1 vaccines, a killed-adjuvanted (Calvenza) and a modified-live (Rhinomune) EHV-1 vaccine, could induce a measurable systemic antibody response postintranasal administration. A second objective was to determine the detection time of EHV-1 in nasal secretions by qPCR following the intranasal administration of the respective EHV-1 vaccines. Thirty healthy adult horses, with no recent EHV-1 vaccine administration, were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Rhinomune group, Calvenza group, and unvaccinated control group. Total Ig and isotype-specific IgG4/7 against EHV-1 measured pre- and 30-days post-vaccination were not different amongst the three study groups. Vaccine-derived EHV-1 was only detected in the two EHV-1 vaccine groups with 9/10 horses in the Rhinomune group and 8/10 horses in the Calvenza group testing qPCR-positive for EHV-1 for 1 to 3 days. There was no significant difference in number of horses testing qPCR-positive for EHV-1 and absolute quantitation of EHV-1 in nasal secretions by qPCR between the two vaccine groups. The intranasal administration of two commercial EHV-1 vaccines did not elicit a systemic immune response. Further, vaccine derived EHV-1 could be detected in the majority of the intranasally vaccinated horses, potentially impacting diagnostic interpretation of EHV-1 during outbreak situations.

Vitamin D Supplementation and Clinical Outcomes in Severe COVID-19 Patients-Randomized Controlled Trial.

COVID-19 symptoms vary from asymptomatic cases to moderate and severe illness with patients needing hospitalization and intensive care treatment. Vitamin D is associated with severity of viral infections and has an immune-modulatory effect in immune response. Observational studies showed a negative association of low vitamin D levels and COVID-19 severity and mortality outcomes. In this study, we aimed to determine whether daily supplementation of vitamin D during intensive care unit (ICU) stay in COVID-19 patients with severe illness affects clinically relevant outcomes. Patients with COVID-19 disease in need of respiratory support admitted to the ICU were eligible for inclusion. Patients with low vitamin D levels were randomized into one of two groups: the intervention group received daily supplementation of vitamin D and the control group did not receive vitamin D supplementation. In total, 155 patients were randomized: 78 into the intervention group and 77 into the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in number of days spent on respiratory support, although the trial was underpowered for the main outcome. There was no difference in any of the secondary outcomes analyzed between two groups. Our study suggests no benefit in vitamin D supplementation to patients with severe COVID-19 disease admitted to the ICU and in need of respiratory support in any of the analyzed outcomes.

Взаимодействие категорий экспрессивности и оценочности в персональных жанрах медийного дискурса США

The aim of the given research is to elucidate the correlation between lexical stylistic (expressive) devices and their contextual evaluative meanings in the genres of blog and column of the US media space. The categories of expressiveness and evaluativity are the most essential for adequate understanding and interpretation of modern media in the context of technological convergence, information exchange speed increase, tangible transformation of genre systems, and increased subjectivity. The results of linguo-stylistic, contextual, componential and quantitative analyses attest to some similarities as well as a number of significant differences in the expressive and evaluative organisation of the genres in question. The study has determined that idioms and similes are used as intensifiers of primarily negative evaluative meaning in both genres, whereas metaphors and epithets are utilised to augment the positive evaluative meaning in blogs and the negative evaluative meaning in columns. Unlike the column, the genre of blog is characterised by a wider range of combinations of lexical stylistic devices and the evaluative meanings amplified by them. Particularly in blogs, the phenomena deemed as negative can be stylistically presented in the light of positive evaluative meaning; the phenomena which are traditionally considered positive are shown through the prism of negative evaluative meaning; both positive and negative evaluative meaning can be attributed to the same phenomenon within one text; the shift from positive to negative evaluative meaning and vice versa can be observed within the ambit of sustained metaphors.

Do Fertility Preservation Outcomes in Patients Diagnosed with Lymphoma Differ Based on Cancer Stage?

Purpose: This study aims to investigate whether oocyte stimulation outcomes in fertility preservation (FP) vary in patients with different stages of lymphoma. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH). Between 2006 and 2017, 89 patients were identified with a diagnosis of lymphoma who contacted the FP navigator at NMH. Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and FP ovarian stimulation outcomes were collected for analysis. The data were analyzed using chi-squared and analysis of variance tests. A regression analysis was also done to adjust for potential confounding variables. Results: Of the 89 patients who contacted the FP navigator, there were 12 patients (13.5%) with stage 1 lymphoma, 43 patients (48.3%) with stage 2, 13 patients (14.6%) with stage 3, 13 patients (14.6%) with stage 4, and 8 patients (9.0%) where staging information was not available. Forty-five of the patients proceeded with ovarian stimulation before initiating cancer treatment. Patients who underwent ovarian stimulation had a mean AMH level of 2.62 and median peak estradiol levels of 1772.0 pg/mL. Median oocytes retrieved was 16.77, mature oocytes were 11.00 and median oocytes frozen after completing FP was 8.00. These measures were also stratified by stage of lymphoma. Conclusion: We found no significant difference in number of retrieved, mature or vitrified oocytes between different cancer stages. There was also no difference in AMH levels in the different cancer stage groups. This suggests that even in higher stages of lymphoma, many patients respond to ovarian stimulation techniques and have a successful stimulation cycle.

Role of adrenomedullin2/ intermedin in pregnancy induced vascular and metabolic adaptation in mice.

Introduction: Adrenomedullin2 (AM2) shares its receptor with Calcitonin gene related peptide and adrenomedullin with overlapping but distinct biological functions. Goal of this study was to assess the specific role of Adrenomedullin2 (AM2) in pregnancy induced vascular and metabolic adaptation using AM2 knockout mice (AM2 -/-). Method : The AM2 -/- mice were successfully generated using Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Nuclease Cas nine system. Phenotype of pregnant AM2 -/- mice was assessed with respect to its fertility, blood pressure regulation, vascular health and metabolic adaptations and compared to the wild type littermates (AM2 +/+). Results : Current data shows that AM2 -/- females are fertile with no significant difference in number of pups/litter compared to the AM2 +/+. However, ablation of AM2 decreases the gestational length and the total number of pups born dead or that die after birth is greater in AM2 -/- mice compared to AM2 +/+ mice (p < 0.05). Further AM2 -/- mice exhibit elevated blood pressure and elevated vascular sensitivity for the contractile responses to angiotensin two and higher serum sFLT-1 trigylcerides levels compared to AM2 +/+(p < 0.05). In addition, AM2 -/- mice develop glucose intolerance with elevated serum levels of Insulin during pregnancy compared to the AM2 +/+mice. Discussion: Current data suggests a physiological role for AM2 in pregnancy induced vascular and metabolic adaptations in mice.

Controlled Ovarian Stimulation Initiated at Different Phases of the Menstrual Cycle for Fertility Preservation in Oncological Patients: a Retrospective Study.

The purpose of this study is to compare conventional start in early follicular phase (EFP) with late follicular phase (LFP) and luteal phase (LP) in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for fertility preservation (FP) to assess differences in clinical outcomes. Retrospective study of the first cycles of COS for FP in oncological patients between 2012 and 2020 in a tertiary hospital. Two-hundred forty-eight cycles were classified into 3 groups: 176 cycles in EFP, 8 cycles in LFP, and 52 cycles in LP. Comparing LFP to EFP, there were no differences in number of oocytes (10.0 [6.3-16.0] vs 12.0 [8.0-18.0]; p = 0.253) or number of metaphase II (MII) obtained (7.0 [2.3-13.3] vs 9.0 [6.0-13.0]; p = 0.229). Total number of days needed was higher in LFP (14.5 [12.5-16.0] vs 3.0 vs 10.0 [8.3-11.0 p = 0.000) but without significant differences in number of days of usage of gonadotropins (11.5 [8.3-12.8] vs 10.0 [8.3-11.0] p = 0.308). No differences were found between LP and EFP in number of oocytes (14.5 [9.0-20.0] p = 0.151) or MII (11.5 [7.0-16.0] p = 0.084). Number of days of gonadotropins (11.0 [10.0-12.0] p = 0.00) and total dosing (3000.0 [2475.0-3600.0] p = 0.013) were significantly higher in LP. FORT and FOI were similar in all groups. COS with a random start in fertility preservation has similar outcomes to EFP start. Therefore, we can initiate COS at any phase of the menstrual cycle with optimal results. However, LP may need more days of stimulation.

Comparison of Antibacterial Properties of Salvia Officinalis with Commercially Available Mouth-Rinse

Dental caries, commonly known as cavities/tooth decay, is a widespread and one of the most prevalent diseases affecting people of all ages. Despite its prevalence, dental caries is largely preventable through good oral hygiene practices and reducing sugar intake. A variety of commercially available mouthwashes are being recommended by dental health professionals because of their antibacterial properties but their side effects limits the use of these mouth washes hence, plant based natural compounds are being evaluated for their antibacterial properties in the current study Salvia Officinalis was evaluated in this regard. Methodology: It was an in-vivo preclinical experimental study conducted from October 2022 to January 2023. The calculated sample size was n =60. The participants were given an envelope for group randomization. The organisms were grown on appropriate media and extract was prepared and diluted. The extract was diluted in distilled water at 1:4 (Extract: Distilled water) concentration. Study participants were instructed to not brush their teeth before sampling. Study participants were divided into three groups (negative control, positive control, Salvia Officinalis extract rinse group) each group had 20 participants. Diluted SO extract was given to the experimental group for rinses, distilled water was given to the negative control group and positive controls were given a standard commercially available mouth rinse. The next sample of plaque was collected after two hours to observe the effects of SO extract on bacterial colonies. Results: The pre and post-samples showed a significant (p-value &lt;0.05) decrease in number of colonies in the positive control group (conventional rinse) and Salvia officinalis extract group. The intra-group comparison of negative and positive control showed a significant difference in number of colonies and the same was observed with the Salvia officinalis rinse. However, the positive control and Salvia officinalis extract comparison was insignificant. Conclusion: The invitro experiment highlighted that the S. officinalis plant extract has equivalent effects against S. mutans and P. gingivalis as that of commercially available mouth rinse. Keywords: Salvia officinalis, S. mutans, P. gingivalis, Moth rinse

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE WITH TOFACITINIB DOSE DE-ESCALATION IN PATIENTS WITH MODERATE AND SEVERE ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Abstract BACKGROUND Tofacitinib is associated with sustained steroid-free remission and improved quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), with the lowest effective dose recommended for maintenance therapy. However, there is limited real-world data to guide decision on optimal maintenance dose. We aimed to evaluate treatment outcomes of tofacitinib dose de-escalation in patients with UC in a real-world cohort. METHODS Included were adults with moderate-severe UC treated with tofacitinib between 1/2012-1/2022. Duration of treatment induction with 10 mg twice daily was 8, 16, or &amp;gt;16 weeks. Dose de-escalation was defined as decrease to 5 mg twice daily. Primary outcome was UC flare, defined as UC-related hospitalization/surgery, reinduction with tofacitinib dose increase, corticosteroid, or change of therapy class. Predictors of UC flare were explored using univariable and multivariable Cox regression. RESULTS Among 162 patients, 54% were male and 71% were white with a median age of 38 years, with 41% and 51% having moderate and severe UC, respectively. Eighty-three (52%) patients continued induction dose while 79 (48%) underwent dose de-escalation. There was no significant difference in number of prior biologic use or baseline endoscopic Mayo score, however, patients who underwent de-escalation were less likely to be steroid dependent during induction (50% vs 70%,p=0.01). After a median follow-up of 12 months, cumulative incidence rates of UC flare at 12 months were similar in patients with and without dose de-escalation (56% vs 58%,p=0.81), though patients without dose de-escalation had higher rates of UC-related hospitalization (27% vs 14%,p=0.04) and change of therapy class (39% vs 12%,p&amp;lt;0.01) compared to those who de-escalated. Among patients with dose de-escalation, cumulative rates of UC flare at 12 months were higher in patients with ongoing severe disease (Mayo 3) at 6 months of tofacitinib (Figure 1). In univariable Cox regression, prolonged duration of induction course with 10 mg twice daily &amp;gt;16 weeks was protective of UC flare (HR 0.37,95% CI 0.16-0.85) while ongoing severe disease (Mayo 3) was associated with UC flare (HR 6.41,95% CI 2.23-18.44), which remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, duration of induction course, and use of corticosteroid at dose de-escalation (HR 6.05, CI 2.00-18.35) (Table 1). Twenty-seven (29%) patients with UC flare had dose re-escalated to 10 mg twice daily with 63% recapturing clinical response at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS In this real-world cohort of UC patients with tofacitinib de-escalation, we observed a 56% cumulative incidence of UC flare at 12 months. Observed factors associated with UC flare after dose de-escalation included shorter induction course &amp;lt;16 weeks and active disease at 6 months of tofacitinib. The majority were able to recapture clinical response after dose re-escalation.