Present Significant Differences Research Articles

Assessing the influence of immersive virtual reality on microbiology education: contrasting low and high immersion levels with signalling principle

ABSTRACT Virtual reality is revolutionising science education, particularly in microbiology, by allowing students to explore intricate structures as if they were the size of a bacterium. This study investigates the impact of different levels of immersion and signalling principles on students’ presence, interest, and engagement in VR learning environments. Results indicate that in low-immersive virtual reality (LiVR), the use of the signalling principle (SP) significantly enhances presence, interest, and engagement compared to the non-signalling principle (NSP). However, in High Immersive Virtual Reality (HiVR), there were no significant differences in presence or interest between SP and NSP groups, although HiVR resulted in significantly higher engagement than LiVR. These findings suggest that while signalling principles enhance learner experiences in lower immersive settings, their impact diminishes in higher immersive contexts. This study underscores the importance of considering immersion levels and instructional design principles in creating effective VR learning environments, especially for complex subjects like microbiology. The insights gained highlight the transformative potential of VR in education, providing immersive, interactive, and impactful learning experiences that deepen students’ understanding and engagement.

The Stigma Machine: A Study of the Prosocial Impact of Immersive VR Narratives on Youth in Spain and Canada

Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly employed to create immersive, interactive audiovisual narratives that accentuate emotion, storytelling, and user engagement. By harnessing the potential of VR, these avant-garde narratives aim to instill values of equity, justice, and fairness. This article critically examines the largely unsubstantiated assertion that VR is the ultimate tool for fostering empathy by means of a qualitative evaluation of the influence of prosocial VR audiovisual narratives. The study involved the production of the first episode of <em>The Stigma Machine</em>, a VR short film series in both traditional 2D and immersive VR formats, in a two-pronged production approach designed to examine the effects of the film on a sample of 44 university students from Spain (<em>n</em> = 22) and Canada (<em>n</em> = 22). The participants were segregated into two groups: Group 1 (1st VR Condition) viewed the VR experience first, followed by the traditional version, while Group 2 (1st Video Condition) viewed the two formats in reverse order. Data was collected before, during, and after viewing, using standardized questionnaires (interpersonal reactivity index, basic empathy scale, and Igroup presence questionnaire) and electroencephalogram devices to monitor brain activity. The dependent variables included: empathy, assessed using the interpersonal reactivity index and basic empathy scale surveys; electroencephalogram brain activity measures, indicating engagement, excitement, focus, interest, relaxation, and stress; presence, evaluated using the Igroup presence questionnaire; and various outcome variables. The results reveal no significant differences in presence and no significant changes to the empathy scores. The findings point to a need to focus more on narrative design and audiovisual content creation strategies than on VR technology itself.

Learning curve and complication analysis of oblique lateral interbody fusion in cases with single-segment lumbar tuberculosis: a retrospective single-center consecutive study

ObjectiveOblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) is becoming widely used in patients with single-segment spinal tuberculosis (STB). The learning curve and complications associated with OLIF for the treatment of STB are still unknown. This study aims to figure out the learning curve and associated complications experience of OLIF for the treatment of STB.MethodsBetween September 2018 and August 2023, 61 STB patients underwent OLIF plus percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) were consecutively included in this research. Cumulative sum analysis (CUSUM) was applied to establish the learning curve of OLIF and determine the cut-off case number. All cases were divided into learning and experienced groups based on the cut-off case number. Clinical characteristics and relating surgical complications were compared and analyzed between the two groups.ResultsThe best-fitting curve was quadratic. The fitting equation was CUSUM (min) = 95.83 + 34.16x − 0.611 x 2 (x means operation case). The cut-off operation case number was 27 cases. The presence of significant differences particularly in the duration of operation, operative blood loss, overall incidence, and severity of postoperative complications was noteworthy between the two groups.ConclusionA total of 27 cases is the minimum number to master OLIF combined with PPSF for the treatment of patients with single-segment STB. When surgeons master this operation, the operative time, operative blood loss, overall incidence, and severity of postoperative complications will improve.

Роль семейных взаимосвязей в формировании жизнеспособной и благополучной личности студента с инвалидностью и / или ограниченными возможностями здоровья

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objective</strong><strong>.</strong> To analyze the role of family relationships in the formation of a prosperous and viable personality of a student with disabilities. <br><strong>Background. </strong>Moral responsibility, mutual support and care, teaching principles, norms and values remain at all times a historically significant function of the family. The appearance of a person with a disability in the family becomes a source of uncertainty, which is a threat on the one hand, and a chal­lenge on the other. Creating conditions for the effective and harmonious development of the family will make it possible to raise a prosperous and resilient citizen, through the support of not just a family, but the institution of a family resiliencе. <br><strong>Study design. </strong>The paper examines the features of the formation a well-being and resilient person­ality of students with disabilities, depending on the degree of family support and the presence of close family ties. The interrelation of family relations with psychological well-being, resilience, and assess­ment of the quality of life of students with disabilities is determined. <br><strong>Participants. </strong>The study involved students with disabilities (n = 98; 37,7% of boys, 62,3% of girls; average age 21,13 ± 2,68) from different faculties of FSUE IVO RSU Sotstech and conditionally healthy students (n = 116; 51,7% of the sample; 31,4% of boys, 68,6% of girls; average age 21,5 ± 2,9). <br><strong>Measurements. </strong>The research is based on the following methods: questionnaire “Psychological well-being” by C. Riff in adaptation by T.D. Shevelenkova, P.P. Fesenko; questionnaire SF — 36 “Assessment of quality of life”; test “Human resilience” by A.V. Makhnach; questionnaire “Human resilience” by E.A. Rylskaya; questionnaire allowing to establish the socio-psychological characteristics of students (gender, age, faculty, disability). The results were analyzed using the IBM SPSS 23.0 package. The presence of significant differences was revealed using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test for two independent groups and the Kruskal-Wallis analysis for k-independent groups. The relationship of family relationships with the assessment of living standards, parameters of psychological well-being and resilience was established on the basis of Spearman’s p-criterion. The results were considered significant at p < 0,05. <br><strong>Results. </strong>Students with disabilities have a correlation relationship between family relationships and indicators of psychological well-being and resilience. The level of resilience of students in families with high support corresponds to a high level, in groups with weak family ties — to an average level. In families with high family support, girls and boys are statistically more capable of self-regulation and self-development. The state of psychological well-being is statistically significantly higher among students with disabilities in the group with close family relationships. The analysis of the assessment of the quality of life significantly differs in the parameter of vital activity among respondents with disabilities. <br><strong>Conclusions. </strong>As a result of the study, it was found that a family with close emotional ties creates conditions for the effective use of available opportunities, self-regulation and self-development. Stu­dents with disabilities with high family support show higher life activity and adaptation in society. The results of the study serve as the basis for the development of a targeted trajectory of psychological and pedagogical support for students with disabilities and/or disabilities to maintain psychological well-being and resilience, improve the assessment of quality of life.</p>

Стандартизация методики «Перцептивное моделирование» для детей 5-6 и 6-7 лет

<p>In modern sociocultural conditions, reliable diagnostic tools are needed to assess the mental development of a child, which would at the same time make it possible to adjust the objectives of educational work. The article reflects the results of adaptation and standardization of the "Perceptual modeling" test included in the diagnostic set for assessing the mental development of preschoolers (L.A. Wenger and colleagues). The study sample consisted of two groups: children 5-6 (N=1003) and children 6-7 (N=1516) years old. In these groups, children were offered various test options based on their age-related perceptual modeling capabilities. The adaptation of the "Perceptual modeling" test involved converting it into electronic form, changing the system for evaluating the results obtained and statistically verifying the possibility of using it in this form to solve diagnostic problems. The test standardization procedure has shown good external and internal validity, and its diagnostic reliability. Statistical analysis revealed the absence of significant gender differences in the performance of the test and the presence of significant differences between children with normal development and children with disabilities (speech, hearing impairment and mental retardation). As a result of standardization, age norms for mastering perceptual modeling actions for children with normal development and children with disabilities were determined by children of the sixth and seventh years of life.</p>

Comparative Analysis of Circular RNAs Expression and Function between Aortic and Intracranial Aneurysms.

An aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement or bulging of the wall of a blood vessel. Most often, aneurysms occur in large blood vessels - the aorta (Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA) and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)) and brain vessels (Intracranial Aneurysm (IA)). Despite the presence of significant differences in the pathogenesis of the development and progression of IA and TAA/AAA, there are also similarities. For instance, both have been shown to be strongly influenced by shear stress, inflammatory processes, and enzymatic destruction of the elastic lamellae and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins of the vascular wall. Moreover, although IA and TAA are predominantly considered arteriopathies with different pathological mechanisms, they share risk factors with AAA, such as hypertension and smoking. However, there is a need for a more in- -depth study of the key elements that may influence the formation and progression of a particular aneurysm to find ways of therapeutic intervention or search for a diagnostic tool. Today, it is known that the disruption of gene expression is one of the main mechanisms that contribute to the development of aneurysms. At the same time, growing evidence suggests that aberrant epigenetic regulation of gene function is strongly related to the genesis of aneurysms. Although much has been studied of the known protein-coding genes, circular RNAs (circRNAs), a relatively new and rapidly evolving large family of transcripts, have recently received much scientific attention. CircRNAs regulate gene expression through the sponging of microRNAs (miRNAs) and can also be used as therapeutic targets and biomarkers. Increasing evidence has implicated circRNAs in the pathogenesis of multiple cardiovascular diseases, including the development of aneurysms. However, the mechanism of dysregulation of certain circRNAs in a particular aneurysm remains to be studied. The discovery of circRNAs has recently advanced our understanding of the latest mode of miRNAs/target genes regulation in the development and progression of IA and TAA/AAA. The aim of this study is to compare the expression profiles of circRNAs to search for similar or different effects of certain circRNAs on the formation and progression of IA and TAA/AAA.

MRI analysis of neurodevelopmental anatomy in myelomeningocele: prenatal vs postnatal repair.

Compared with postnatal repair, prenatal myelomeningocele (MMC) repair is associated with improved motor function and decreased need for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion. It is unknown how prenatal surgery alters neuroanatomical structures identifiable on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this study was to use MRI to compare neurodevelopmental anatomy in patients undergoing fetal MMC repair compared with those undergoing postnatal repair. This was a retrospective review of neonates who underwent prenatal or postnatal MMC repair at our institution between 2016 and 2021. Imaging data, including prenatal ultrasound and pre- and postnatal MRI examinations, if available, were retrieved. We analyzed anatomical findings characteristically seen on MRI of the neuroaxis in patients with MMC and compared imaging findings between patients with prenatal vs postnatal MMC repair. The study population included 61 patients who underwent surgical repair for MMC during the 6-year study period, of whom 25 underwent prenatal repair and 36 postnatal repair. CSF diversion was required in 24% of the prenatally repaired cohort vs 67% of the postnatally repaired cohort (P = 0.001). On postnatal MRI, a syrinx was present in 13% of the prenatally repaired cohort vs 42% in the postnatally repaired cohort (P = 0.02). Postnatal corpus callosal (CC) morphology was abnormal in 54% of the prenatally repaired cohort vs 53% of the postnatally repaired cohort (P = 0.92), while falx morphology was normal in 92% of the prenatally repaired cohort vs 34% of the postnatally repaired cohort (P < 0.001). On postnatal MRI, patients in the prenatally repaired cohort had a shorter tentorium-to-foramen-magnum distance compared with those in the postnatally repaired cohort (mean, 18.43 mm vs 22.42 mm; P = 0.01), a larger foramen magnum diameter (mean, 22.87 mm vs 18.94 mm; P < 0.001) and a smaller degree of hindbrain herniation (mean, 1.53 mm vs 8.72 mm; P < 0.001). The cerebral aqueduct was patent in 79% of the prenatally repaired cohort vs 100% of the postnatally repaired cohort on postnatal MRI (P = 0.008). Between the two cohorts, at postnatal MRI there was no significant difference in the presence of gray-matter heterotopia, presence of the septum pellucidum or size of the massa intermedia. We report variations in developmental neuroanatomy in patients with MMC, including rates of CC dysgenesis, gray-matter heterotopia and additional cranial and spinal MRI findings. Compared to postnatal surgery, prenatal surgery is associated with changes to infratentorial anatomy, with minimal effect on supratentorial brain development. This information will be useful in counseling parents affected by fetal MMC and in understanding how prenatal repair of MMC affects brain development. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Different Eating Habits Are Observed in Overweight and Obese Children Than in Normal-Weight Peers.

Obesity is diagnosed in 13.6% of early primary school children in Poland. Its presence at this age increases the risk of obesity occurrence in adulthood. Therefore, it is important to properly shape eating behaviors at the stage of childhood and identify incorrect eating styles. This study aimed to investigate whether overweight and obese children differ significantly from children with normal body weights in terms of their eating styles. For the materials and methods, 43 mothers of overweight or obese children aged 3-10 years and 88 mothers of normal-weight children aged 3-10 years completed a questionnaire related to sociodemographic factors and the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. The overweight and obese children, compared with normal-weight children, scored higher on the food responsiveness (p = 0.009) and emotional overeating (p = 0.013) scales and lower on the satiety responsiveness (p = 0.025) and slowness in eating scales (p < 0.0001). No significant difference was found for other subscales between the studied groups. In the group of overweight and obese children, the child's age correlated negatively with enjoyment of food, as did the mother's BMI with slowness in eating. The results indicate the presence of significant differences in eating styles between normal-weight children and overweight or obese children. Identifying families at high risk of inappropriate eating behaviors and educating them appropriately can reduce the risk of children becoming overweight or obese.

Molnupiravir's real-world effectiveness in COVID-19 outpatients at high risk of severe disease: a single-center study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic started in March 2020. Since then, there has been an urgent need for effective therapeutic methods to manage the disease. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of molnupiravir in reducing the need for hospitalization in at-risk, non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. This was a single-center, non-randomized, observational retrospective study of non-hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19, treated at the Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center in Belgrade, Serbia. The study was conducted between 15 December 2021 and 15 February 2022 and included 320 patients. Of these, 165 (51.6%) received treatment with molnupiravir. The study and control groups were similar in gender and age distribution. The study group had a higher proportion of vaccination (75.2% vs. 51%, p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in presence of comorbidity within the groups. Majority of the patients who received molnupiravir did not require hospitalization; and this was statistically significant in comparison to control group (92.7 vs. 24.5%, p < 0.001). Oxygen supplementation was less frequently required in the study group compared to the control group (0.6% vs. 31%, p < 0.001). During the follow-up period of 12.12 ± 3.5 days, significantly less patients from the study group were admitted to the intensive care unit (p < 0.001). Molnupiravir significantly reduced the risk of hospitalization by 97.9% (HR 0.021; 95% CI 0.005-0.089; p < 0.001). Molnupiravir is an effective therapy in preventing the development of severe forms of COVID-19 and hospitalization.

Differential Gene Expression in Porcine Lung Compartments after Experimental Infection with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae.

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo) is the causative agent of porcine enzootic pneumonia (EP), as well as one of the main pathogens involved in the porcine respiratory disease complex. The host-pathogen interaction between Mhyo and infected pigs is complex and not completely understood; however, improving the understanding of these intricacies is essential for the development of effective control strategies of EP. In order to improve our knowledge about this interaction, laser-capture microdissection was used to collect bronchi, bronchi-associated lymphoid tissue, and lung parenchyma from animals infected with different strains of Mhyo, and mRNA expression levels of different molecules involved in Mhyo infection (ICAM1, IL-8, IL-10, IL-23, IFN-α, IFN-γ, TGF-β, and TNF-α) were analyzed by qPCR. In addition, the quantification of Mhyo load in the different lung compartments and the scoring of macroscopic and microscopic lung lesions were also performed. Strain-associated differences in virulence were observed, as well as the presence of significant differences in expression levels of cytokines among lung compartments. IL-8 and IL-10 presented the highest upregulation, with limited differences between strains and lung compartments. IFN-α was strongly downregulated in BALT, implying a relevant role for this cytokine in the immunomodulation associated with Mhyo infections. IL-23 was also upregulated in all lung compartments, suggesting the potential involvement of a Th17-mediated immune response in Mhyo infections. Our findings highlight the relevance of Th1 and Th2 immune response in cases of EP, shedding light on the gene expression levels of key cytokines in the lung of pigs at a microscopic level.

The effect of using teaching plans according to the Van Hiele method in learning the dribbling skill in basketball for students

The study aimed to prepare teaching plans according to the Van Hiele method in learning the basketball dribbling skill, and to identify its effectiveness for intermediate school students. The researchers assumed that there is an effectiveness for the Van Hiele method in performing the basketball dribbling skill for second intermediate school students, and there are statistical differences in favor of the experimental group. The researchers used an experimental approach in the style of two equal groups. The researchers defined their research population as students from Al-Intisar Intermediate School for the academic year (2023-2024), who numbered (564) students. The study sample was deliberately determined to be represented by second-year students, whose number was (90) students, and their percentage was (15.95%). from the research community, and the research sample (45) students, representing (50%) of the total second-year students, was selected in an intentional manner. They were divided into two experimental and control groups, represented by (20) students each, and (5) students were selected for the exploratory experiment. The researchers prepared teaching plans for eight weeks on Monday, 16/10/2023, and the last lesson was on December 4, 2023. As for the control group, the teacher used his usual method, after which a pre-test was conducted for the sample, then the teaching plans were implemented on Sample on Monday 16/10/2023, and the last lesson was on 25/12/2023. As for the control group, the teacher used his usual research method. After that, the two researchers analyzed the results statistically, and by analyzing the data for the test results, it was found that the values of the means The arithmetic mean, the standard deviations, the calculated (t) value, and the error rate for the post-test for the experimental and control groups for the low dribbling skill in basketball, where the arithmetic mean value for the low dribbling skill in the post-test for the experimental group reached (20,594) with a standard deviation of (1,889), while for the control group the arithmetic mean reached (22,447). with a standard deviation of (1.834) and the calculated (t), value was (3.672), while the standard error percentage was (0.01). Since the value of the standard error percentage is smaller than the significance level at (0.05), this indicates the presence of significant differences in the test. Dimension between the experimental and control groups and in favor of the experimental group. The researchers concluded, with the results of the research, that using the Van Hiele method is effective in learning the skill of dribbling in basketball. The researchers came out with several recommendations, including the necessity of using a modern method in physical education lessons and moving away from the traditional methods followed

Comparison quality parameters of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) produced in Herat, Afghanistan and Torbat Heydarieh, Iran

Saffron Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae) is one of the most valuable and expensive medicinal plants in the world. In order to compare the quality characteristics of saffron in Afghanistan and Iran, samples of dried C. sativus from different saffron-producing regions of Herat province (Afghanistan) and Torbat Heydarieh county (Iran) were collected in the year 2021. The experiment was analyzed in GLM format and Nested method with three replications. The samples of saffron produced from seven different districts of Herat province in Afghanistan, including Injil, Karukh, Guzara, Pashtun Zarghun, Zendeh Jan, Ghoryan, Obeh and nine saffron-producing villages (Fakhrabad, Kadkan, Nasar, Ghaleno, Feizabad, Khorgh, Abrood, Benhang, Shadmehr) of Torbat Heydarieh county in Iran were examined. The results showed that the effect of country and region (districts and villages) on the quality traits of saffron (crocin, picrocrocin and safranal) was significant. Moreover, the comparison of the mean values indicated the presence of significant differences in the qualitative characteristics of saffron among the different investigated villages of Torbat Heydarieh. The saffron produced in Afghanistan had the highest amount of crocin (on average 279.1 ɷ 440nm) and picrocrocin (on average 101 ϕ 257nm), while the highest value of safranal (on average 34.2 θ 330nm) was observed in saffron samples produced in Iran. The highest amount of the above quality traits belonged to the saffron of Zendeh Jan Herat region 5 (Af5, crocin: 303 ɷ 440 nm, picrocrocin: 106 ϕ 257 nm, safranal: 33 θ 330 nm), while the five Torbat Heydarieh villages had the lowest quality of saffron (Ir5, crocin: 164 ɷ 440nm, picrocrocin: 71 ϕ 257 nm, safranal: 34 θ 330 nm). In the comprehensive analysis of saffron-producing regions in Afghanistan and Iran, in terms of the qualitative attributes (crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal) it was evident that regions 1 to 6 in Herat, Afghanistan (Af1, Af2, Af3, Af4, Af5, Af6) and the Abrood village of Torbat Heidarieh, Iran (Ir7) formed a distinct cluster, demonstrating superior quality compared to other regions. Furthermore, with the exception of the Feizabad village of Torbat Heydarieh (Ir5), all examined samples surpassed the saffron ISO international standard and were categorized as first-grade quality. The exceptional quality of Herat saffron from Afghanistan is likely attributable to the unique geographical features, virgin lands, and specific climatic conditions across diverse cultivation areas.

A user acceptance model for e-HRM system implemented in IT and Non-IT business organizations

BACKGROUND: Nowadays organizations have made their human resource management process more strategic and serve as a strategic tool for achieving competitive advantage for the organization with the development of electronic-Human Resource Management (e-HRM) Systems. To measure e-HRM system acceptance for performing various HR functions of an organization, especially the HR department, a perception model for acceptance of e-HRM systems in IT and Non-IT organizations has been developed in this research paper. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to derive an acceptance model that can predict the acceptability and the factors affecting the acceptance of e-HRM systems in IT and Non-IT organizations. For this purpose, an electronic-survey-based questionnaire with a set of questions with categorical response options has been developed and the responses collected through this questionnaire are eligible to measure the acceptance level with effectiveness and usefulness of the e-HRM systems by IT and Non-IT business organizations. METHODS: Here, the questionnaire has 22 parameters. During data collection, 400 samples are obtained from 20 IT and 20 Non-IT (other services) organizations where ten employees from each organization participated in the survey. For the Data analysis for the acceptance model and also for testing of the hypothesis, several statistical-based data analysis techniques such as Data Reliability, Cross Tabulation, Normality test, Correlation ∖&amp; Regression-based analysis, Factor Analysis, along with Pearson Chi-Square, Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon W for hypothetical testings are done. Apart from these criteria, using the data analysis techniques, a well-known technology acceptance model for the e-HRM system has also been employed to test with variables of the proposed questionnaire for the acceptance of e-HRM systems. RESULTS: All the statistical tests and testing of hypotheses are done in a sequential manner for comparison purposes of factors that affect e-HRM systems in IT and Non-IT organizations. The results are reported in detail with explanations and justifications. CONCLUSION: The results of the data analyses can be concluded with finding and discussing that the acceptability of e-HRM systems by the end users in IT firms is much higher than in other service organizations because of the significant difference in presence of external factors, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, user attitude, and behavior between the IT and Non-IT groups of organizations.

N-3 PUFA ameliorate functional outcomes following repetitive mTBI in the fat-1 mouse model.

Repeated mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) are a continuing healthcare concern worldwide, given its potential for enduring adverse neurodegenerative conditions. Past research suggests a potential protective effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in experimental models of mTBI. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the neuroprotective benefits of n-3 PUFA persist following repetitive weight drop injury (WDI). Male fat-1 mice (n = 12), able to endogenously convert n-6 PUFA to n-3 PUFA, and their wild type (WT) counterparts (n = 12) were maintained on a 10% w/w safflower diet. At 9-10 weeks of age, both groups received one mild low-impact WDI on the closed cranium daily, for three consecutive days. Following each WDI, time to righting reflex and seeking behaviour were measured. Neurological recovery, cognitive, motor, and neurobehavioural outcomes were assessed using the Neurological Severity Score (NSS) over 7 days (168 h) post-last WDI. Brains were assessed for cerebral microhemorrhages by Prussian blue and cellular damage by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) staining. Fat-1 mice exhibited significantly faster righting reflex and seeking behaviour time, and lower mean NSS scores and at all post-WDI time points (p ≤ 0.05) compared to WT mice. Immunohistochemistry showed no significant difference in presence of cerebral microhemorrhage however, fat-1 mice had significantly lower GFAP staining in comparison to WT mice (p ≤ 0.05). n-3 PUFA is effective in restoring cognitive, motor, and behavioural function after repetitive WDI, which may be mediated through reduced cellular damage of the brain.

Solar elastosis correlates with high tumor mutation burden and better 5-year disease-specific survival in patients with stage II/III melanoma

ObjectiveTo evaluate the relation between solar elastosis and tumor mutation burden (TMB) in a large clinically annotated cohort of stage II and III melanoma patients. MethodsPrimary cutaneous melanomas from 469 AJCC (8th edition) stage II and III patients with clinical annotation including outcome at 5 years of diagnosis were histopathologically evaluated for solar elastosis. Next-generation sequencing assay MSK-IMPACTTM was employed to determine TMB. Analysis by Fisher’s exact test, chi-square, and Kruskal-Wallis were performed, as well as uni- and multivariate logistic regression. ResultsTumors stratified by low and high TMB showed marked and statistically significant differences in presence and extent of associated solar elastosis. Lower risk patient stage (II versus III by AJCC 8th edition) as well as better 5-year melanomaspecific survival (as binary variable of controls-survivors versus cases-dead of disease at 5 years of diagnosis) were associated with severe solar elastosis. On univariate and multivariate logistic regression models, severe solar elastosis predicted significantly decreased odds of dying of melanoma within 5 years of diagnosis (OR 0.60, 95 % CI 0.39–0.89; and OR 0.42, 95 % CI 0.20–0.83, respectively; both p<0.05) ConclusionThe association of solar elastosis to TMB and 5-year melanoma specific survival points to its potential as a biomarker of clinical relevance that can be assessed by routine histopathology.

Stability analysis in rice landraces grown under dry Direct seeded condition

In the present study the genotype x environment interaction and stability performances of 15 rice landraces in Rabi season during 2017-18 to 2021-22 at Agricultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu, India were evaluated. Eberhart - Russel model was used for stability analysis in rice. In this model, genotype mean across environments, regression of genotype on environmental index and function of the squared deviation from the regression were determined. Mean sum of squares against environment source of variation as well as linear component of environment were significant for all the studied characters suggesting a presence of variation among the environments tested. The linear component of genotype x environment interaction was also found significant for all the traits studied which indicated presence of significant differences between the genotypes. The landraces Kallurundaikar and Kattanur responded favourably to better environments but gave poor yield in an unfavourable environment. Hence, they are suitable for favourable environments. Sivappuchithiraikar and Mysore malli recorded the highest grain yield with bi value closer to unity and non-significant deviation from regression. They were reported as stable genotypes and recommended for cultivation in southern districts of Tamil Nadu. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(4): 941-948, 2023 (December)

Comparison of two swept-source optical coherence tomography devices, a Scheimpflug camera system and a ray-tracing aberrometer in the measurement of corneal power in patients with cataract

PurposeTo assess the differences and similarities in the corneal curvature obtained by two swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) devices, Scheimpflug imaging system and one ray tracing aberrometer in patients with cataracts. Moreover, this study aimed to compare the differences in posterior corneal (PK), total corneal (TK) and true net power (TNP) measurements among the IOLMaster 700, CASIA2, and Pentacam.MethodsA total of 200 eyes of 200 patients (116 female, 58%) were enrolled in this study, with a mean age of 65.9 ± 9.5 years. The flattest (Kf), steepest (Ks), and mean cornal powers (Km), J0, and J45 were obtained using two SS-OCT-based biometric devices, one rotating camera system and one ray-tracing aberrometer. The PK, TK and TNP values were also measured using these devices. To evaluate the differences and similarities between the devicves, the Friedman test, Pearson correlation coefficient (r), intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) and Bland‒Altman plots with 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were used, and boxplots and stacked histograms were generated to describe the distributions of the data.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the IOLMaster 700 and Pentacam for any of the keratometry values. Additionally, there were no significant differences between the IOLMaster 700 and iTrace in evaluating J0 and J45. Bland‒Altman plots revealed relatively wide LoA widths, almost larger than 1 diopter for the keratometry values and almost larger than 0.5 diopter for J0 and J45 values among the four devices. In terms of PK and TK values, significant differences and low ICCs were found among the three devices.ConclusionsAlthough strong correlations and good agreement were found among the IOLMaster700, CASIA2, Pentacam and iTrace for Kf, Ks, Km and J0, J45, it seems that the measurements should not be used interchangeably because of the wide LoA widths and the presence of significant differences among the devices. Similarly, due to significant differences and low ICCs, the PK, TK and TNP values obtained by IOLMaster 700, CASIA2, and Pentacam should not be used interchangeably.

Assessment of adaptability of cashew varieties to changing environmental conditions of Odisha

The present challenges faced due to climate change necessitates the development of cashew varieties with wider adaptability for nut yield. This study was therefore undertaken to assess the performance of twenty-five varieties of cashew for nut yield, stability and adaptability over six years. Statistical analysis indicated presence of significant differences among the varieties for their mean performances for nut yield. The genotype-environment interaction was also highly significant. Stability in nut yield was predicted using both parametric and non-parametric measures. Among the varieties BPP-8 recorded highest nut yield (11.81 kg tree−1) over six years followed by Vengurla-7 (10.12 kg tree−1) and Bhaskara (7.47 kg tree−1). However, average sum of ranks computed by integrating all the parametric and non-parametric stability measures indicated that the varieties Bhubaneswar-1, Vengurla-4 and Dhana recorded consistency for nut yield over six years. Interrelationship analysis among the parametric measures indicated Wricke (Wi2) measures had a total correspondence with Shukla (σ2i) statistic, while among the non-parametric measures, highest positive correlation was observed between Si(6) and NP(4) (r = 0.97) followed by Si(1) and Si(2). Nut yield was highly positively correlated to bi, Si(1) and Si(2). Thus, the measures Wi2, σ2i, Si(6) and NP(4) are useful to predict the genetic stability for nut yield in cashew. The cashew variety Bhubaneswar-1 was found to be stable with relatively high average yield over changing environmental conditions and can be considered as a stable variety for cultivation in Odisha.

A study of some growth parameters for common carp Carpinus carpio L cultured in floating cages.

The current study included measuring some of the chemical and physical properties of the water of the study area and estimating the concentration of three heavy elements (lead, copper, zinc) in the tissues of common carp Cyprinus carpio L (gills, muscles, viscera) and measuring growth rates and weight gains at three different densities. The samples were collected from a private farm that raises fish in floating cages on the Euphrates River from 11/18/2022 to 4/18/2023 Different densities were also studied to obtain the best culture density. Three densities (21_25_28 fish / m3) were used, with 500 fish for the first treatment, 900 fish for the second treatment, and 1100 fish for the third treatment, with an average weight of (120_140) g. Diet of Iranian origin was used for the three treatments. The results of the statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences during the months of the study, where the highest rate was in the month of March. And between the qualitative growth rate and the presence of significant differences between the months of the study, where the highest rate was in the month of February. The rate of feed conversion and the efficiency of feed conversion when conducting the statistical analysis indicated that there were significant differences, as the highest rate was in the month of November, as well as between the chemical analysis of fish muscles at the beginning of the experiment and the end of the experiment.

Особливості перебігу вагітності в жінок із передчасними пологами

Purpose - to determine the peculiarities of the course of pregnancy and childbirth in women who had complications from the group of major obstetric syndromes, clinically manifested by premature birth (PB). Materials and methods. A retrospective clinical-statistical analysis of the course of pregnancy and childbirth of n=69 pregnant women with spontaneous PB at a gestation period of 24-36 weeks and 6 days was carried out. Depending on the period of pregnancy, they were divided into groups: the Group I - 9 pregnant women 24-26 weeks 6 days, the Group II - 28 women 28-31 weeks 6 days, the Group III - pregnant women 32-36 weeks 6 days. The Control group (CG) consisted of 56 practically healthy pregnant women with a healthy reproductive history and an uncomplicated course of this pregnancy. Statistical processing of research results was carried out using standard Microsoft Excel 5.0 and Statistica 6.0 programs. Results. Were received significant differences between the Group I and the CG (p=0.007), in the presence of signs of the threat of termination of pregnancy during the second “wave” of cytotrophoblast invasion, so the chance of giving birth in the early term is 4.2 times higher than at term. In the presence of isthmic-cervical insufficiency (ICN), the reliability of differences between the Groups I and II (p=0.0021), Groups I and III (p=0.012) is observed between the Group I and CG (p=0.00083) and the risk of very early PB is 2.6 times higher than the risk of premature, late premature - 2.2 times. Disturbances in uteroplacental blood circulation have the presence of significant differences between Groups I and II (р=0.0051). There is a direct relationship between the level of blood pressure and blood circulation in the uterine arteries. Therefore, the observed difference is not accidental: in the Group II, preeclampsia was observed significantly more often. Violation of feto-placental hemodynamics when comparing groups demonstrated the existence of statistically significant differences between the Groups I and II (p=0.048), as well as between the Group I and CG (p=0.02). In the presence of clinical signs of fetal growth retardation syndrome (GRS), there is a significant difference between the Groups I and II (р=0.033). Conclusions.The features of the course of pregnancy with premature birth include the threat of termination during the second “wave” of cytotrophoblast invasion; isthmic-cervical insufficiency, which can lead to very early premature birth; vaginal infectious-inflammatory and dysbiotic diseases. Severe forms of placental insufficiency and preeclampsia are more often an indication for termination of pregnancy at 28-33 weeks 6 days. The research was conducted according to principles of Declaration of Helsinki. Protocol of research was proved by local ethical committee, mentioned in institution’s work. A informed sonsennt was collected in order to carry out the research. No conflict of interests was declared by the author.