Significant Difference In Proportion Research Articles

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer in Hunan Province, China, 2020-2023.

To describe the incidence and distribution of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer (CC) for rural women aged 35-64 in Hunan Province, China, 2020-2023. Data were from the Hunan Provincial Cervical Cancer Screening Program in Rural Areas. Most rural women aged 35-64 in Hunan Province attend the program. All women diagnosed with CINs and CCs will be asked to register detailed information, including pelvic examination, diagnosis, age, education level, etc. CINs included low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) (CIN1), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) (CIN2 and 3); CCs included adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), early invasive cervical cancer (EICC) (stage Ia1 and Ia2) and invasive cervical cancer (ICC) (stage Ib and above). The incidence of CIN and CC is the number of cases per 1000 women. Chi-square tests (χ2 ) were used to examine if there were significant differences in proportions among different groups. A total of 4150700 women were included, and 67071 CINs and CCs were identified. The incidence of LSIL, HSIL, AIS, EICC and ICC were 10.63‰(95%CI: 10.53-10.73), 4.98‰(95%CI: 4.91-5.05), 0.06‰(95%CI: 0.06-0.07), 0.23‰(95%CI: 0.22-0.25), and 0.26‰(95%CI: 0.24-0.27), respectively. The proportion of previous pelvic examinations was relatively low in EICC (17.24%) and ICC (17.45%) (χ2 = 236.57, P <0.01), present abnormal examination was relatively high in AIS (51.33%), EICC (49.74%) and ICC (62.45%) (χ2 = 331.15, P <0.01). HPV16 was the most common high-risk type for LSIL (22.01%), HSIL (36.92%), AIS (46.01%), EICC (58.88%), and ICC (64.34%). The proportion of HSIL was relatively high in women aged 35-44 (27.03%), AIS was relatively high in women aged 45-54 (46.39%), EICC (44.24%), and ICC (48.58%) was relatively high in women aged 55-64. The proportion of ICC was relatively high in women with elementary school (38.68%), HSIL (15.10%) and AIS (17.49%) was relatively high in women with senior high school, AIS (1.52%), EICC (0.62%) and ICC (0.75%) was relatively low in women with university and above. (P <0.01). We have described the incidence and distribution of CIN and CC among rural women aged 35-64. These findings were clinically relevant and were useful for clinical counseling and early diagnosis of CC.

Scapular morphology is associated with certain patterns of glenohumeral osteoarthritis, but not with full-thickness rotator cuff tears

BackgroundThe role of anatomic factors in rotator cuff (RC) pathology or in the development of shoulder osteoarthritis (OA) is not yet well understood or recognized. While two-dimensional imaging and measurements are easy to capture and interpret, three-dimensional (3D) methods provide a more thorough description and analysis of the scapula’s complex shape. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether scapular anatomy is associated with RC tears or glenohumeral OA using 3D statistical shape modelling (SSM). MethodsA total of 126 computed tomography (CT)-scans of complete scapulae were captured from three cohorts: RC pathology, OA, and control (C). The RC cohort included patients with posterosuperior RC tears, the OA cohort included patients with glenohumeral OA, and the C cohort included patients without shoulder pathology, imaged for other purposes. The RC and OA cohorts each included 55 patients matched by age and gender, while the C cohort included 16 patients, without a specific matching. A full segmentation of each scapula was manually created and 3D surfaces were reconstructed for input to a SSM analysis. SSM-based correspondence particles were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Various landmarks were manually identified on each scapula. From these landmarks, 3D measurements of glenoid version and inclination, critical shoulder angle (CSA), acromial angle, among others, were obtained. Measurements were compared between the three cohorts using ANOVA or Student’s T-test, as appropriate. ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in mean age (RC:57±9, OA:58±8 and C:61±7 years) or gender proportion (males:RC:51%, OA:51% and C:75%) between the three cohorts. 13 PCA modes captured significant shape variation (83.3% of overall variation) of the scapula. The LDA was significantly different between OA and both RC and C (RC:1.0±1.4, OA: -1.0±1.9 and C:1.4±1.2). Compared to C, the OA cohort had smaller CSA (24.9±6.1° vs. 32.4±4.3°; p<0.001), larger acromion angle (65.4±9.3° vs. 57.4±9.5°; p=0.019), among other parameters. Compared to RC, the OA cohort also had less distance between coracoid and acromion (47.2±5.8° vs. 44.2±6.4°; p=0.026), as well as similar morphological differences as to the C cohort. There were no significant differences between RC and C cohort. ConclusionsPCA and LDA applied to manually segmented scapulae revealed statistically significant differences in scapular morphology between OA and control scapulae (a more superior and more horizontal acromion with a lower CSA), but only minimal differences between RC and control scapulae (except a more anterior anterolateral corner of the acromion).

Is Butyrate Concentration in the Equine Gastrointestinal Tract Altered During and After Surgery for Treatment of Large Colon Obstruction?

A major cause of morbidity and mortality in horses with large colon obstructive lesions is injury to the colonic mucosal barrier from ischemic injury. Since butyrate has been shown to play a critical role in the maintenance of a healthy mucosal barrier, it may play a role in the recovery process. This study's objective was to determine whether the differences in butyrate concentrations existed between horses with surgical large colon obstructive lesions and healthy horses both during and after surgery. Eleven horses presenting with surgical colic lesions were enrolled; colonic samples were acquired during surgery, and fecal samples were obtained 36 h later. Colonic and fecal samples were also obtained from control groups. Samples were analyzed for butyrate, acetate, and propionate concentrations. There was no significant difference in butyrate content between surgical colonic or fecal samples and controls; however, an alteration in the proportion of SCFAs in relation to one another was noted. These changes in the individual SCFA levels were not statistically significant. The study findings demonstrated that there were no significant differences in butyrate proportions when comparing samples from horses with surgical colic lesions to healthy control horses.

Nationwide trends in blood pressure control among those with and without diabetes in England over last 2 decades: Health Survey of England 2003-2019

Abstract Diabetes and hypertension are both risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and often co-exist. Over recent decades practice guidance and health policy efforts have been made to improve population wide blood pressure (BP) control, particularly amongst those with diabetes, to reduce CVD. However, the nationwide impact of these ongoing efforts is yet to be documented comprehensively in England. We used data from 11 serial nationally representative health surveys of England between 2003 and 2019 and compared BP control and presence of untreated hypertension amongst those with and without diabetes. These cross-sectional, randomly sampled surveys included 94,100 individuals cumulatively. We applied sample weights, accounting for oversampling and survey nonresponse, and transformations mitigating for survey equipment changes during this period. We used ‘period definitions’ to define those with diabetes and quantify BP control at the time of each coinciding survey, facilitating accurate comparison of trends over the sixteen-year period, while accounting for changes in understanding, variations in definitions, and shifts in medical practices. Python and STATA were used to conduct analyses and Join Point regression software was used to develop and compare trends. In England, from 2003-2019, the prevalence of hypertension amongst those with diabetes and without diabetes decreased from 74.4% to 66.5% and from 32.6% to 27.1% (7.9% vs. 5.5%), respectively. This corresponded to reductions in population-wide mean systolic (S) and diastolic (D) BPs: compared to those without diabetes, those with diabetes had greater reduction in both SBP (7.9mmHg vs. 4.8mmHg) and DBP (2.7mmHg vs. 1.9mmHg) (Figure1). Both groups showed similar temporal improvement in BP-control amongst those with diagnosed hypertension, with those with diabetes showing better improvement in BP control compared to those without diabetes (14% vs. 12%). There was a significant difference in proportions of those with undiagnosed (unaware) hypertension amongst those with and without diabetes (11.4% vs. 30.0% respectively) (Figure2). Notably, there was no change in proportion of those with hypertension unaware about the condition (i.e. detection rate for hypertension in either of the group did not show any improvement over time). These results suggest that we have been able to improve BP control over this period amongst those with and without diabetes, however, those without diabetes (more than 90% of population) have shown significantly poorer improvement. In addition, around one third of hypertensive patients amongst the no-diabetes group are unaware of the condition, and overall, the detection rates for hypertension in both groups have not improved in the last two decades. Lessons learnt from improving BP control amongst those with diabetes should be applied across the entire population, and newer strategies need to develop to improve detection of those with hypertension and are unaware.

Tree crowns broken off by windstorms are an unstable life raft for Collembola

There are a number of ways to clear the aftermath of a windthrow disturbance of forest stands, the most common practice being to remove all broken trees and broken-off crowns lying on the ground. This practice leads to complete exposure of the soil, which deprives soil invertebrates (including Collembola) of the protection of trees that affords them a chance of surviving. Accordingly, following a windthrow disturbance of pine stands in 2017, a three-year study of collembolan assemblages was undertaken in stands spared from salvage logging. We aimed to test the effect of three different levels of disturbance (severely, moderately and least disturbed stands with a canopy cover of 0–20 %, 20–60 % and 60–90 %, respectively) on the survival of Collembola assemblages and to determine its association with changes in the soil environment and in the LAI index. Additionally, in the severely and moderately disturbed stands, Collembola were sampled between crowns of fallen trees and under the crowns. There were no significant differences in density, species richness and proportions of individuals of belowground “soil” and aboveground “epedaphic” species between the Collembolan assemblages that were associated with the degree of windthrow disturbance and time since disturbance. The study confirmed the presence of a significantly higher number of species and proportion of “epedaphic” species, and a lower proportion of “soil” species in the assemblages sampled under fallen tree crowns than between crowns. Analysis of principal response curves (PRC) yielded unexpected results as it indicated that these differences were significant only in the first year post-disturbance, thus suggesting a very short-lasting protective effect of tree crowns on Collembola, RDA analysis with preselected factors from environmental variables of interest (LAI of standing and fallen tree crowns, soil respiration, soil temperature and humidity, soil pH and soil nitrogen and carbon content) indicated the LAI index as significant for the Collembolan assemblages in the first yearpost-disturbance, soil moisture in the second year, and soil temperature in the third year. This sequence of significant indices over a three year period is compatible with the fallen crowns becoming more and more thinned as a result of needles falling off (from shade to full exposure to sunlight). We nevertheless postulate that at least some trees or their crowns lying on the ground should be left in place during clearance of windthrow-affected tree stands to facilitate restoration of the soil biota.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Endometriosis Among Infertile Women in a Tertiary Care Center in South India.

Background Endometriosis is a gynecological conundrum because of its challenging diagnosis and treatment. It seems to affect every aspect of a woman's reproductive system, rendering her incapable of conceiving or achieving a successful pregnancy outcome independently. This study sought to determine the prevalence of endometriosis and clinical attributes of infertile women undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy. Methodology The current research is an analytical cross-sectional study that was carried out from April 2017 to December 2018. We included 103 women diagnosed with infertility and who underwent laparoscopy in the fertility center at GovernmentMedical College Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, a southern state of India. A semistructured questionnaire was used to collect information on the sociodemographic, menstrual, and reproductive characteristics. Family history and associated symptoms of endometriosis were elicited. Patients were put into four stages by the revised American Fertility Society (rAFS) grading, which was used for the laparoscopic staging. Results Among the 103 cases who underwent laparoscopy, 23 patients (22.3%) were diagnosed with endometriosis. Of the 23 cases of endometriosis, one (4.3%) had minimal endometriosis, two (8.7%) had mild endometriosis, and 10 (43.5%) each had moderate and severe endometriosis. Dysmenorrhea was significantly more prevalent among cases (87%, 20 participants) compared to controls (48.8%, 39 participants) (p = 0.001). Approximately 56.5% (13 participants) of cases had dyspareunia, compared to only 31.3% (25 participants) of controls, and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.027). About 52.2% of the cases (12 participants) experienced premenstrual spotting, while none of the controls did. The p-value of 0.001 shows a statistically significant difference. Out of the total cases examined, 56.5% (13 participants) reached menarche at or before 12 years, whereas 43.5% (10 participants) attained it after reaching the age of 12. Among the control group, 31.2% (25 participants) of individuals had menarche at or before the age of 12, while 68.8% (55 participants) experienced it later. The difference that was observed had a statistically significant result (p = 0.027). The majority of cases (about 65.2%) experienced cycles lasting less than 21 days, with 30.4% having cycles within the normal range, and 4.3% experiencing cycles longer than 35 days. The significant difference in proportion is evident with a p-value of 0.015. Out of the cases, around 34.8% (eight participants) had a history of pelvic surgery. Compared to the control group, nearly 30.4% of the cases (seven participants) had a positive family history of endometriosis. There were no additional risk factors associated with the development of endometriosis. Conclusion The prevalence of endometriosis among infertile women undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy was more than one-fifth of the study patients. The common complaints were dysmenorrhea, followed by dyspareunia and premenstrual spotting. Risk factors associated with endometriosis were early menarche, frequent cycles, and positive family history.

A-109 The impact of adjusting circulating calcium levels for changes in albumin

Abstract Background Correcting patients’ circulating calcium to albumin level is a common clinical practice to aid in the evaluation of calcium disorders. More recent studies have called into question the utility of the calculation relative to its ubiquity. The purpose of this study is to re-evaluate the practice of calcium adjustment and thus impact on the interpretation of calcium level. Methods Retrospective calcium and albumin levels performed and reported during May 2022 were retrieved. Reference intervals for both serum calcium and albumin were statistically derived using the Hoffman regression method following removal of outliers. Samples exhibiting hypoalbuminemia had their calcium adjusted using the formula (corrected calcium = (0.8 * (derived mean normal albumin - patient's albumin) + calcium). Patients who had their calcium levels adjusted were then compared to the currently in use reference interval to determine if their initial classification of calcium levels was impacted. Results Reported calcium and albumin results from a total of 1639 patients (712 males and 927 females) were obtained. Male patients, 137 (19%) were found to exhibit hypoalbuminemia and their calcium levels were adjusted with 15 patients (2% of total) had their initial calcium status change. 13 patients were reclassified from a state of hypocalcemia to normocalcemia (average increase in calcium levels was 0.9 mg/dL), while 2 patients were reclassified as being hypercalcemic. Among females, 151 (16%) found to exhibit hypoalbuminemia had their calcium levels adjusted with 12 patients (1.3% of total) having their initial calcium classification changed. 11 were reclassified from a state of hypocalcemia to normocalcemia (average increase in calcium levels was 0.89 mg/dL) and one patient was reclassified as hypercalcemic. There was no gender specific significant difference in the extent of required calcium adjustment (p= 0.92). Among the 474 black patients 88 (19%) exhibited hypoalbuminemia and mean calcium level of 9.51 mg/dL. Of those 88 patients, 4 were reclassified from a state of hypocalcemia to normocalcemia (average calcium increase of 0.96 mg/dL) and one patient status changed from normocalcemia to hypercalcemia. Furthermore, among the 1094 white patients, 191 (17%) exhibited hypoalbuminemia and had a mean calcium level of 9.38 mg/dL. Among the white patients, 21 (2%) changed from a state of hypocalcemia to normocalcemia (average calcium increase of 0.88 mg/dL). One patient changed from a state of normocalcemia to hypercalcemia. There was no significant racial difference in in the extent of required calcium adjustment (p=0.65). Conclusions The practice of adjusting calcium to account for albumin levels lead to changes in patients’ calcium status and thus likely to be of benefit in clinical management. There were no significant gender or racial differences in the relative proportion of changes in calcium status following albumin correction.

A-220 Method Intercomparison Study between Atellica Solution® and CI® Analyzers for HDL and LDL Methods

Abstract Background After validating a new Siemens equipment, the Atellica CI®, it is essential to ensure result interchangeability in our laboratory accredited by ISO 15189:2012. Objectives verify if the results of the HDL and LDL methods measured by Atellica Solution® and CI® analyzers are interchangeable and could be used interchangeably on both instruments Methods 40 patient samples were selected for each assay, with results distributed across the entire measurement range and analyzed by both instruments. Result evaluation was conducted using the statistical program Method Validator v.19. To determine the degree of agreement between the instruments, a Bland-Altman mean difference analysis and a Passing-Bablok regression were performed. Statistics are expressed with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results HDL: After analyzing the Bland-Altman differences, a systematic error was found as the mean difference between the results obtained by Atellica Solution® and CI® was 0.686, with higher results in CI 1900®. Regarding the Passing Bablok analysis, constant systematic differences were observed as the confidence interval of the intercept does not include the zero value, and statistically significant proportional differences based on the slope whose 95% CI does not include the value 1.LDL: After analyzing the Bland-Altman differences, a systematic error was found as the mean difference between the results obtained by Atellica and CI® was -3.16, with higher results in Atellica Solution®. Regarding the Passing Bablok analysis, there were no systematic differences of constant type as the confidence interval of the intercept includes the zero value, but there were proportional differences based on the slope whose 95% CI does not include the value 1. Conclusions After evaluating the results, it is concluded that Atellica Solution® and CI® analyzers are interchangeable for HDL and LDL assays despite the presence of a systematic error, as the observed difference is not clinically significant.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Upadacitinib vs. Vedolizumab, Ustekinumab, and Tofacitinib After Induction and Maintenance for Ulcerative Colitis: Three Matching-Adjusted Indirect Comparisons.

Evidence on the comparative efficacy and safety of approved therapies for ulcerative colitis (UC) during induction and maintenance, including upadacitinib (UPA), vedolizumab (VEDO), ustekinumab (UST), and tofacitinib (TOFA), is limited. Using data from phase 3 trials, three placebo (PBO)-anchored matching-adjusted indirect comparisons of the efficacy and safety of UPA versus VEDO, UST, and TOFA (U-ACHIEVE and U-ACCOMPLISH, GEMINI-1, UNIFI, and OCTAVE induction and maintenance trials) have been conducted. Baseline characteristics from UPA trials were weighted separately to match each comparator trial. Induction responders were re-randomized to oral UPA 15 or 30mg, VEDO 300mg intravenously every 8weeks (Q8W), UST 90mg SC Q8W, or oral TOFA 5mg, or PBO in maintenance. Treat-through efficacy outcomes at weeks 44(UST)/46(VEDO)/52(UPA/TOFA) were adjusted by the likelihood of induction response and included clinical response, clinical remission, and endoscopic improvement. Safety outcomes included adverse events (AEs), serious AEs (SAEs), and AEs leading to discontinuation (except UPA vs. VEDO). Benefit-risk was assessed by numbers needed to treat (NNT)/harm, calculated as the inverse of the difference in proportions of patients achieving each efficacy/safety outcome for UPA versus comparator. The proportions of patients who demonstrated clinical response or endoscopic improvement was greater with UPA 15mg versus VEDO and TOFA (p<0.05). The proportions of patients demonstrating all treat-through efficacy outcomes were significantly greater with UPA 30mg versus VEDO, UST, or TOFA with NNTs 3.2-8.7. No significant differences in proportions of AEs, SAEs, and AEs leading to discontinuation were observed between the two doses of UPA and comparators. In patients with active UC, greater clinical efficacy, and similar safety after 1year of maintenance were observed with UPA versus VEDO, UST, and TOFA, suggesting a favorable benefit-risk profile for UPA. Despite matched baseline characteristics, differences in trial design and endpoints may persist.

The Relationship Between Compliance in Taking Anti Tuberculosis Drugs and the Results of Acid-Fast Bacteria (AFB) Examination as an Indicator of Recovery of TB Patients in Tanjung Pinang City in 2022-2023

Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis with a treatment period of 6 to 8 months. Mycobacterium tuberculosis can become germ resistant or multidrug resistance (MDR) if you do not comply in taking anti-tuberculosis drugs (ATD), making this disease very difficult to cure. This research uses secondary data from the Tanjung Pinang City Population Control and Family Planning Health Service for 2022-2023. The aim is to determine the relationship between compliance in taking Anti-Tuberculosis Drugs (ATD) and the results of acid-fast bacteria (AFB) examinations of TB patients in Tanjung Pinang City. The research methodology was observational analytic using a cross-sectional design, with a total sampling technique from pulmonary TB patients with positive AFB, negative AFB with positive thorax and extrapulmonary, 252 TB patients. Data analysis used the Fisher Exact test with a confidence level of 95%. The results of data analysis showed that 91.3% of patients complied in taking drugs, and 87.3% recovered with negative AFB results. Fisher Exact analysis showed a significant difference in proportion between compliance in taking anti-tuberculosis drugs and the results of AFB examination of pulmonary TB patients with a p-value of 0.000 (p &lt; ∝0.05). The conclusion from this study is that there is a relationship between compliance in taking anti-tuberculosis drugs and the results of AFB examinations of pulmonary TB patients in Tanjung Pinang City in 2022-2023. Keywords: Pulmonary TB, ATD, (AFB), Ziehl Neelsen

The Use of Recreational Cannabis Among Breast Reduction Patients: Characteristics, Complications, and Immediate Postoperative Analgesic Needs.

Introduction: The characteristics, complications, and postoperative analgesic needs of patients with a recent or active history of recreational cannabis use have not been explored explicitly in plastic surgery. In this study, the characteristics, complications, and postoperative analgesic needs within a population of breast reduction patients who use and do not use recreational cannabis were compared. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out on patients who underwent breast reduction between 2019 and 2023. Demographics, comorbidities, recreational cannabis use, postoperative opioid use, and postoperative complications were collected. Patients with a recent history (<1 month since last cannabis use) or current cannabis use were then compared to patients with no history of cannabis use. Results: In total, 340 patients were included, 88 (26%) patients had a history of cannabis use and 252 (74%) did not. Patients in the cannabis-using group were significantly younger than in the non-cannabis-using group (28 years vs 40 years, P < .01), and significantly more patients in the non-cannabis group had hypertension (20% vs 6% P < .01). More patients in the cannabis-using group had hematomas (5% vs 1%, P = .041) and fewer had t-point breakdown (4% vs 0%, P = .046), but these figures lost statistical significance on multiple logistic regression analysis after controlling for possible confounding factors including demographics and comorbidities (P > .05). There were no significant differences in proportions of opioid use or by doses of opioids, even when converted to oral morphine equivalents (P > .05). Conclusion: The analgesic needs, postoperative pain levels, and complications between cannabis-using and non-cannabis-using cohorts were similar. Counseling on substance use preoperatively should still be encouraged, especially in younger patients seeking reduction mammaplasty.

Myosteatosis predicts bariatric surgery response: A longitudinal study in patients with morbid obesity.

Data on the preoperative factors for bariatric surgery response in patients with morbid obesity are limited, and there are no studies on the relationship between myosteatosis and surgery response. We investigated the preoperative factors determining bariatric surgery response and the impact of preoperative muscle fat infiltration on bariatric surgery response. This retrospective longitudinal cohort study included 125 individuals (37 men, 88 women) with morbid obesity who underwent bariatric surgery. Muscle fat infiltration (skeletal muscle fat index [SMFI]) was evaluated using computed tomography-based psoas muscle mass and density at the 4th lumbar level. A bariatric surgery response was defined as ≥50% excessive weight loss at one year postoperatively. Before bariatric surgery, the patient mean body weight and body mass index (BMI) were 107.0 kg and 39.0 kg/m2, respectively. After one year, the mean body weight was 79.6 kg. The mean excessive weight loss at one year was 75.6% and 102 (81.6%) patients were categorized as responders. There were no statistically significant differences in initial BMI, age, sex, or proportion of diabetes between responders and non-responders. Responders were more likely to have lower SMFI and triglyceride and glycated hemoglobin A1c levels than non-responders at baseline (P<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a lower baseline SMFI was associated with bariatric surgery response (odds ratio=0.31, 95% confidence interval=0.14-0.69, P=0.004). Preoperative myosteatosis may determine the response to bariatric surgery.

Ciliochoroidal Detachment After Intrascleral Lens Fixation Using the Yamane Technique.

The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of ciliochoroidal detachment (CCD) after intrascleral lens fixation using the Yamane technique and other vitrectomy procedures. This retrospective study evaluated patients who underwent intrascleral lens fixation using the Yamane technique at Hiroshima University Hospital between March 2023 and February 2024 and who could be followed up for at least one month. Patients who underwent vitrectomy for macular disease without air-fluid exchange comprised the control group. The frequency of CCD was compared using anterior segment optical coherence tomography imaging. Forty-five eyes of 45 patients (26 men and 19 women, mean age 70.8 years) were included. There were no significant differences in the population means or proportions between the intrascleral fixation and control groups for age, sex ratio, right-to-left eye ratio, preoperative visual acuity, preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular axis, and corneal thickness. The population mean of IOP on the day after surgery was significantly lower in the Yamane intrascleral fixation group (8.4 mmHg) than in the control group (11.5 mmHg) (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the population proportions of CCD on the day after surgery between the Yamane intrascleral fixation group and the control group. However, the CCD incidence was 20 eyes (80%) for the Yamane intrascleral fixation group and 12 eyes (60%) for the control group, which was higher in the intrascleral fixation group. There was no significant difference in population means of IOP or population proportions of CCD at one week and one month. There was no significant difference in population proportions of CCD on the day after surgery, although the CCD rate for the Yamane intrascleral fixation group was higher, and the population mean of the IOP was significantly lower. The Yamane technique assumedly lowered IOP because of the stress placed on the ciliary body. One week after the procedure, the IOP in the intrascleral fixation group normalized.

Disparity in the effect of partial gravity simulated using a new apparatus on different rat hindlimb muscles

The days of returning to the Moon and landing on Mars are approaching. These long-duration missions present significant challenges, such as changes in gravity, which pose serious threats to human health. Maintaining muscle function and health is essential for successful spaceflight and exploration of the Moon and Mars. This study aimed to observe the adaptation of rat hindlimb muscles to partial gravity conditions by simulating the gravity of space (microgravity (µG)), Moon (1/6G), and Mars (3/8G) using our recently invented ground-based apparatus. A total of 25 rats were included in this study. The rats were divided into five groups: control (1G), sham (1G), simulated Mars (3/8G), simulated Moon (1/6G), and simulated Space (µG). Muscle mass, fiber proportion, and fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) of four types of hindlimb muscles were measured: gastrocnemius (GA), tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), soleus (Sol). Sol and GA exhibited the most significant alterations in response to the changes in gravity after 10 days of the experiment. A notable decline in muscle mass was observed in the simulated µG, Moon, and Mars groups, with the µG group exhibiting the most noticeable decline. In Sol, a noteworthy decline in the proportion of slow-twitch type I fibers, CSA of slow-twitch type I fibers, and average CSA of the whole muscle fibers was observed in the simulated groups. The GA red, mixed, and white portions were examined, and the GA mixed portion showed significant differences in fiber proportion and CSA. A notable increase in the proportion of slow-twitch type I fibers was observed in the simulated groups, with a significant decrease in CSA of type IIb. In EDL or TA, no discernible changes in muscle mass, fiber proportion, or fiber CSA were observed in any of the five groups. These findings indicate that weight-bearing muscles, such as Sol and GA, are more sensitive to changes in partial gravity. Furthermore, partial gravity is insufficient to preserve the normal physiological and functional properties of the hindlimb muscles. Therefore, targeted muscle interventions are required to ensure astronauts' health and mission success. Furthermore, these findings demonstrate the viability and durability of our ground-based apparatus for partial gravity simulation.

Comparison of two methods of measuring the urinary protein concentration for the determination of the urinary protein to creatinine ratio in various animal species.

Determination of the urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC) is an important tool in the quantification of proteinuria in animals. However, the result may be affected by the different methods of determining the urinary protein concentration. The aim of this study was to compare the turbidimetric method using benzethonium chloride and the colorimetric method using pyrogallol red in the measurement of the urinary protein concentration in dogs, cats, guinea pigs and horses. A total of 464, 192, 216 and 119 urine samples from dogs, cats, guinea pigs and horses were examined in the study, respectively. The group consisted of animals of both sexes and different ages, and, in the dogs and cats, it included both healthy animals and those with various health problems. In the group of horses and guinea pigs, only clinically healthy animals were included. A total of 347, 185, 103 and 100 samples from the dogs, cats, guinea pigs and horses were used in the statistical analysis; the other values were excluded as they were below the detection limit. According to the Passing-Bablok analysis, there was a significant constant and proportional difference in the horses. In the dogs, cats and guinea pigs, there was a significant constant difference, but no proportional difference. The Bland-Altman method showed significant bias between the two methods in the horses and cats, but not in the dogs and guinea pigs. In the dogs and cats, the agreement between the two methods was tested and expressed as Cohen's kappa (κ). In the cats, it was almost perfect for the proteinuric samples (κ = 0.823 3) and significant for the non-proteinuric samples (κ = 0.804 9). In the dogs, the agreement was significant for the non-proteinuric samples (κ = 0.621 5) and only moderate for the proteinuric samples (κ = 0.527 5). The influence of the method used to determine the urinary protein concentration should be taken into account when evaluating the UPC. Repeated examinations in one patient should be performed with the same method.

Proportion and risk factors of epiretinal membrane in residents of Brussels with versus without diabetes mellitus.

To compare the proportion of epiretinal membrane (ERM) between individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) and without DM, who live in Brussels, to investigate possible risk factors for ERM formation and to compare the results with the ones of large population studies. Participants were divided into two groups; 99 patients with DM (group A) and 103 individuals without DM (group B). All participants underwent an undilated 7-field color fundus photography and a spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Age, gender, race, type of diabetes, duration of medical treatment of diabetes, HbA1C rate, smoking, previous cataract surgery and educational level were investigated as possible risk factors. Epiretinal membrane was detected in 17.2% of group A and in 11.7% of group B participants. The difference is not statistically significant (χ2 (1) = 1.252, p = 0.263). The proportion of ERM was significantly associated with age in both groups (p = .009 and p < .001 respectively), as well as with smoking (p = .023) and previous cataract surgery (p = .028) in patients with DM. There is no statistically significant difference of ERM proportion between the two groups of the study. Age was recognized as a risk factor for both groups, while smoking and previous cataract surgery were identified as predictors only for diabetics.

(Relative) size matters: a content analysis of front-of-packaging cue proportions and hierarchies

PurposeFront-of-packaging (FOP) is a critical branding tool that uses “cues” to communicate product attributes and establish distinct brand images. This paper aims to understand how food brands utilize cues and their relative proportions to hierarchically communicate brand image and belonging to particular subcategories.Design/methodology/approachA content analysis is used for analysing 543 food FOPs sold in Australia (breakfast cereals, chips, snack bars). Samples are collected and classified into product sub-categories defined by ingredients, consumer-audience and retail placement. A novel 10 × 10 coding grid is applied to each FOP to objectively analyse cue proportion, with statistical comparison undertaken between sub-categories.FindingsResults reveal intrinsic cues are favoured over extrinsic cues, except for those in the eatertainment sub-category. Hierarchies are evidenced that treat product and branding cues as primary, with health cues secondary. Statistically significant differences in cue proportions are consistently evident across breakfast cereals, chips and snack-bar FOPs. Clear differentiation is evidenced through cue proportions on FOP for health/nutrition focused sub-categories and eatertainment foods.Originality/value“Cue utilization theory” research is extended to an evaluation of brand encoding (not consumer decoding). Design conventions reveal how cue proportions establish a dialogue of communicating brand/product image hierarchically, the trade-offs that occur, a “meso-level” to Gestalt theory, and achieving categorization through FOP cue proportions. Deeper understanding of packaging design techniques provides inter-disciplinary insights that extend consumer behaviour, retailing and design scholarship.

Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Criteria Influences Diagnostic Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundCriteria classifying fever of unknown origin (FUO) patients remains subject to discrepancies. A minimal standardized set of investigative tests serves as the foundation for the qualitative criteria, whereas quantitative incorporates the length of evaluation (7 or 3 days). A systematic review of studies would help physicians anticipate the frequency of illness types that could influence management. MethodsProspective studies published in Medline (PubMed), Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from January 1, 1997 to July 31, 2022, were included. A meta-analysis estimated associated pooled proportions between these criteria and diagnostic outcomes adjusted to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition (ICD-10) definitions. ResultsFive qualitative studies corresponded to an increase of 15.3% (95% CI: 2.3%-28.3%, P = .021) in undiagnosed FUO proportions compared to eleven quantitative studies. Quantitative studies had 19.7% (95% CI: 6.0%-33.4%, P = .005) more in adjusted infectious disease proportions than qualitative studies. No significant differences in proportions between FUO defining criteria were noted for adjusted noninfectious inflammatory disorders (P = .318), oncology (P = .901), non-inflammatory miscellaneous disorders (P = .321), diagnostic evaluation process, gross national income (GNI), or World Health Organization (WHO) geographic region. ConclusionsUse of either qualitative or quantitative FUO criteria was associated with a statistically significant risk of over- or under-estimating infectious diseases and undiagnosed illnesses when using an ICD-10 adjusted FUO five-category system. Clinicians should anticipate differences depending on which criteria are used. While further research is warranted, qualitative criteria provide the best framework for study comparisons.

Getting It Across the Finish Line: Publication Rates of Abstracts Presented at a Major Urologic Conference

ObjectiveTo identify characteristics of published manuscripts following a regional American Urological Association (AUA) meeting and recognize trends of publication rates over a 13-year timeframe. MethodsAbstract submissions to the Mid-Atlantic AUA (MA-AUA) conference from 2008 to 2020 were collected. Manuscripts were searched using abstract titles and authors in a standard fashion using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Google. Characteristic data was collected, including abstract type (podium or poster), abstract category, first author gender, manuscript publication date, and journal of publication. Univariate and multivariate analysis determined association of these variables with manuscript publication. Results1257 abstracts were presented between 2008 and 2020, of which 458 (36%) were published as manuscripts and 799 (64%) were not published. Of the published manuscripts, 55 (12%) were published prior to the conference date and 403 (88%) were published after. Our analysis was limited to the 403 manuscripts published post-meeting and the 799 abstracts that were not published, with N=1202. Amongst the 403 published post-meeting, the mean time to publication was 14.8 months ± 13.2 months. Podium presentations had a higher proportion of publications than those of posters (39.4% vs 30.5%, p=0.002). There was a statistically significant difference in proportion of publications between years (p=0.002). No association was noted between abstract first author gender and publication (38.7% male vs. 39.2% female, p=0.899). ConclusionsApproximately one-third of presented abstracts from a major urologic conference were published with an average time to publication of 15 months. Publication percentage varied significantly between different years. Podium presentations had a higher publication rate compared to non-podium abstracts.

The characteristics and risk of obesity central and concomitant impaired fasting glucose: Findings from a cross-sectional study.

Obesity is associated with concomitant chronic conditions. An early metabolic consequence of obesity is disruption of glucose and insulin homeostasis. One of the consequences is impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Visceral fat is metabolically more harmful than subcutaneous fat, but few information is available regarding the association between the risk of abnormal glucose in increased waist circumference. This study is based on a cross sectional of 1,381 population-based from Palembang, Indonesia. The eligibility requirements subject were to be older than 18 and consent to taking fasting glucose and lipid profile tests as well as physical exams measuring their body weight, height, blood pressure, abdominal circumference, and waist circumference. The number of subjects consisting of 798 noncentral obesity with normoglycemia, 376 central obesity with normoglycemia, and 207 central obesity with concomitant IFG. The prevalence central obesity with concomitant IFG was 35.51%. In subjects with central obesity, there were significant differences in proportions based on sex, age, marital status, education, and occupation. In multivariate analysis show that the risk factors that contribute to having a significant association with central obesity with concomitant IFG are sex (female), age (>40 years), blood pressure (hypertension), and HDL-C <50 mg/dL (p<0.001). The analysis also founded that there was a significant difference in the dietary pattern of sweet foods (p = 0.018), sweet drinks (p = 0.002), soft drinks (p = 0.001) and smoking habit (p<0.001) between subjects with obesity central and concomitant IFG compared to subjects with noncentral obesity. The majority of subjects with obesity central and concomitant IFG had consuming these risky foods >6 times/week. The prevalence of central obesity with IFG is quite high. There are significant differences in the characteristics, lipid profile, blood pressure, dietary pattern, and smoking habit of central obesity with concomitant IFG was confirmed in this population-based observational study.