Significant Differences In Relation Research Articles

Abstract 4126262: The impact of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors on the elderly population with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: data from the real world

Heart failure (HF) remains a disease of increasing prevalence and morbidity. Validation of new lines of therapy in the elderly are required due to the progressive ageing of the world's population and scarce evidence in elderly patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The purpose of our study is to analyse the effect of Angiotensin Receptor–Neprilysin Inhibitors (ARNI) in this subgroup of patients. We conducted a single-centre, real-world observational study. We consecutively enrolled all patients aged ≥75 years diagnosed with HFrEF (defined as an ejection fraction <40%) and theorical indication for treatment with ARNI from November 2019 to January 2021. The main outcomes analysed were all cause mortality and admission due to HF. In order to avoid potential confounding factors, we performed a propensity-score (PS) matched analysis. Patients matching was performed in a 1:1 ratio with the nearest neighbour method. A total of 364 patients were recruited (total population). The mean age was 84.1 years of which 67% were male. 81% were hypertensive and 33.5% diabetic. The main cause of ventricular dysfunction was ischemic with 50.2%. At inclusion 55.8% were in NYHA functional class II and the mean LVEF was 29.8%. After PS matching, we selected 184 patients (study population), 92 with ARNI. As compared with non ARNI group, the ARNI patients showed higher use of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) (59.8% vs 43.5%, p< 0.05) and SGLT2 inhibitors (40.2% vs 6%, p<0.05). Other treatments were otherwise similar in both groups. There were not significant differences in relation with age, etiology or comorbidities between ARNI group and non-ARNI group. During a median follow-up of 39 months, total mortality was 31.5% (58 patients). After a Cox logistic regression analysis, ARNI therapy was shown to be an independent protective variable with respect to total mortality [HR 0.6 (0.4-1), p 0.05]. The figure shows the Kaplan-Meier survival curves for total mortality in patients with and without ARNI treatment. In summary, treatment of HFrEF remains a significant challenge in managing HF patients, especially in the elderly. According to our data, treatment with ARNI in elderly patients with HFrEF was associated with a lower rate of all-cause mortality. Our data show us that ARNI therapy could improve prognosis in the elderly with HFrEF in a real-world study.

Does More Invasive Surgery Result in Higher Patient Satisfaction? A Long-Term Follow-Up of 136 Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures.

Retrospective with follow-up. To evaluate the long-term satisfaction of surgically treated patients with zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures in relation to the use of internal fixation, number of fixation points, and orbital floor (OF) reconstruction. Secondary objectives were to describe the use of antibiotics and post-operative infections. Patients with unilateral ZMC fractures between 2007-2018 and treatment with either open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or closed reduction (CR) were identified from medical records and invited to follow-ups between 2018-2020. Patients were examined, photographed, and completed a questionnaire. A review panel of 3 experienced surgeons evaluated photographs and computed tomography (CT) scans pre- and post-surgery. The study sample consisted of 136 patients (108 ORIF, 28 CR) with a median follow-up time of 76 months. Patient satisfaction of surgical outcome was high (97.8%), with no significant differences in relation to the use of internal fixation, number of fixation points, or OF reconstruction. Dissatisfaction was primarily related to hypoesthesia. On post-operative CT scans, malar asymmetry was more often predicted in patients with 1-point fixations. On questionnaires and photographs, malar asymmetry was more common in patients with 3-point fixations. Prophylactic antibiotics had no effect on the rate of post-operative infections. Patient satisfaction was not influenced by internal fixation, number of fixation points, or OF reconstruction. Selected ZMC fractures can be treated with less invasive approaches. Caution should be observed when predicting long-term malar asymmetry on post-operative CT scans. The findings of this study highlight the importance of a rational and ethical use of surgery.

Comparison in Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Cheonggukjang Containing Mountain-Cultivated Ginseng Using Two Bacillus Genus.

In this study, the nutrients, phytochemicals (including isoflavone and ginsenoside derivatives), and antioxidant activities of cheonggukjang with different ratios (0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%) of mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG) were compared and analyzed using microorganisms isolated from traditional cheonggukjang. The IDCK 30 and IDCK 40 strains were confirmed as Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis, respectively, based on morphological, biological, biochemical, and molecular genetic identification, as well as cell wall fatty acid composition. The contents of amino acids and fatty acids showed no significant difference in relation to the ratio of MCG. After fermentation, isoflavone glycoside (such as daidzin, glycitin, and genistin) contents decreased, while aglycone (daidzein, glycitein, and genistein) contents increased. However, total ginsenoside contents were higher according to the ratio of MCG. After fermentation, ginsenoside Rg2, F2, and protopanaxadiol contents of cheonggukjang decreased. Conversely, ginsenoside Rg3 (2.5%: 56.51 → 89.43 μg/g, 5.0%: 65.56 → 94.71 μg/g, and 10%: 96.05 → 166.90 μg/g) and compound K (2.5%: 28.54 → 69.43 μg/g, 5.0%: 41.63 → 150.72 μg/g, and 10%: 96.23 → 231.33 μg/g) increased. The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were higher with increasing ratios of MCG and fermentation (fermented cheonggukjang with 10% MCG: 13.60 GAE and 1.87 RE mg/g). Additionally, radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing/antioxidant power were significantly increased in fermented cheonggukjang. This study demonstrates that the quality of cheonggukjang improved, and cheonggukjang with MCG as natural antioxidants may be useful in food and pharmaceutical applications.

Maxillofacial Trauma in Females: A Retrospective Study.

Maxillofacial trauma in females is not widely reported. This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics and the patterns of maxillofacial injuries in females and to determine the differences in these patterns among different causes. This retrospective study analyzed several variables, including demographic, social, injury-related, and treatment-related variables, and compared these variables in relation to the main etiologies of maxillofacial trauma. The main etiologies of maxillofacial injuries involving females were assault, followed by road traffic accidents, and falls. There were significant differences in relation to the 3 etiologies in age groups (P= 0.002) and marital status (P< 0.0001). There were significantly more soft tissue injuries in the assault group compared with the other groups (P= 0.007). Associated injuries were significantly more with injuries caused by road traffic accidents (P= 0.0009). Most females were victims of assault and violence. There were significant differences in relation to the etiology of trauma in terms of age groups, marital status, types of injury, and associated injuries. Most of the assaults were due to domestic violence.

Drivers and Buffers of Stream Flashiness in the Mid‐Atlantic United States

ABSTRACTFlashiness is a hydrologic signature used to describe the responsiveness of streamflow to precipitation. In practise, flashiness has most often been correlated with rainfall intensity and the presence of urban land cover or imperviousness. However, a number of watershed characteristics can influence flashiness, necessitating further investigation of how this particular watershed behaviour and its associated drivers vary at regional scales. We investigated how ten measurable watershed characteristics are empirically related to flashiness of 195 gauged streams in the Mid‐Atlantic region using linear regression analysis. The selected gauges had drainage areas ranging in size from 15 to 250 km2. To explore multiple quantifications of flashiness, we determined both the Richards‐Baker flashiness index, calculated from the continuous hydrograph, and number of peaks‐over‐threshold, for all watersheds for a 10‐year period. As found in other studies, the percentage of watershed development was strongly correlated with stream flashiness, though significant inverse relationships also existed for forest cover, water and wetlands and carbonate geology. Differences in flashiness values between rural and suburban watersheds were not significant, with a significant increase in flashiness (p &lt; 0.01) occurring at 80% development or ~ 25% imperviousness. In addition, we found significant differences in relationships between watershed characteristics and flashiness when differentiated by physiographic regions. For the study area and each of its five physiographic sub‐regions, we identified the four most important predictors through multiple regression. The overall mid‐Atlantic model suggested that development, wetlands and compactness ratio as the most important predictors (adj R2 = 0.57). Significant predictors of stream flashiness varied among regions; however, wetlands served as a significant buffer of flashiness in four of five sub‐regions demonstrating the importance of wetlands in modulating flash‐flooding. In all physiographic regions, empirical models of flashiness values outperformed the Mid‐Atlantic regional model, underscoring the value of local landscape characteristics in augmenting or modulating flashy watershed responses. Our findings suggest the potential for improvements to operational flash‐flood forecasting using hydrologic characteristics of the landscape.

Distortion Assessment of Different Materials in Full-Arch Dentate Impressions in Relation to Operator Experience: A Comparative In Vivo Study.

To evaluate the distortion probability in impressions of completely dentate arches when different impression materials are used in relation to operator experience. A total of 28 students (Group A) and 7 dentists (Group B) performed three maxillary impressions on 28 participants, each using vinyl siloxane ether (VSE), polyether (PE), and irreversible hydrocolloid (IHC). Gypsum master casts were fabricated and subsequently digitized. Intraoral scans were taken as a control. Differences between master casts and intraoral scans were visualized with heatmaps, and planar deviations were investigated. If planar deviations > 120 μm were found, the impression was rated as 'distorted.' An additional superimposition using the casts from VSE or PE was performed to confirm the presence of distortions. The relative number of surfaces with distortions in each impression was calculated. The procedure was repeated for a distortion threshold of 500 μm. The statistical analyses included repeated measures ANOVA (RMA) and post hoc tests (α < .05). When 120 μm was considered as the threshold for distortions, IHC impressions showed higher distortion probability than PE impressions in Group A (P &#61; .003) and Group B (P < .0001). In Group B, PE showed a lower distortion probability than VSE (P &#61; .02). There was no significant difference between the study groups (P &#61; .42). Considering 500 μm as a threshold for distortions, there was no difference between impression materials (P &#61; .17) or study groups (P &#61; .53). There were no statistically significant differences in relation to operator experience. Different impression materials had a significant impact on distortion probability. PE impressions showed the lowest distortion probability.

Prevalence of Non-typhoidal Salmonella Species in Food and Stool Samples in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Aim: To assess the prevalence of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella spp isolated from food and stool samples in Port Harcourt. Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study with simple randomized sampling. Methodology: In this study, 210 stool samples and 210 food samples collected from December 2022 to November 2023 were tested for Salmonella using standard bacteriological and biochemical tests. The Salmonella species were isolated from the samples using Salmonella-Shigella agar (SSA), and Bismuth Sulfite Agar (BSA) after pre-enrichment and enrichment methods had been carried out using peptone water and Selenite F Broth after which biochemical tests were carried out for further identification. Data collected was analyzed with Graph pad prism version 8. Results: The prevalence and distribution of Salmonella were presented in frequencies and percentages with all analysis done at a 95% confidence interval and P-values less than .05 were considered significant. From chi-square analysis there was a 3.3% prevalence rate in food samples in comparison to stool samples that had a 2.4% prevalence (P value = .56). A higher prevalence was also reported in the female subjects (3.7%) compared to the male subjects (1.0%) (P value = .19). There was a statistically significant difference in relation to the age groups with the ‘above 50’ and ‘0 – 10’ age groups having a higher prevalence (11.1% and 10% respectively) compared to other age groups (P value = .02). For the food samples, samples in the chicken category had the highest prevalence (8.7%) (P value = 0.11). Conclusion: This study reports a relatively lower prevalence of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella species at 2.9% with the age, education and occupation of the subjects being significantly associated (P value &lt; .05) with the prevalence of the infection. Health promotion and appropriate surveillance system should be put in place to continually reduce the burden of this disease.

Socioeconomic inequalities in patients undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction in the North-West of England, UK: a three-centre retrospective cohort study

PurposePatients from deprived areas are more likely to experience longer waiting times for elective surgery, be multimorbid, and have inferior outcomes from elective and emergency surgery. This study aims to investigate how surgical outcomes vary by deprivation for patients undergoing elective abdominal wall reconstruction.MethodsA three-centre retrospective cohort study was conducted across three hospitals in North-West England, including patients with complex ventral hernias undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction between 2013 and 2021. Demographic data, comorbidities, and index of multiple deprivation quintiles were recorded.Results234 patients (49.6% female), age 57 (SD 13) years, underwent elective abdominal wall reconstruction. Significantly higher unemployment rates were found in the most deprived quintiles (Q1 and Q2). There were more smokers in Q1 and Q2, but no significant deprivation related differences in BMI, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or ischaemic heart disease. There were also higher rates of Clavien-Dindo 1–2 complications in Q1 and Q5, but no difference in the Clavien-Dindo 3–4 outcomes. Patients in Q1 and Q5 had a significantly greater hospital length of stay.ConclusionThe association between deprivation and greater unemployment and smoking rates highlights the potential need for equitable support in patient optimisation. The lack of differences in patient co-morbidities and hernia characteristics could represent the application of standardised operative criteria and thresholds. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between socioeconomic status, complications, and prolonged hospital length of stay.

P061 AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING (ABPM) CHARACTERIZATION IN PATIENTS CONSULTING A CARE CENTER IN THE CITY OF POPAYÁN, COLOMBIA BETWEEN JANUARY 2019 AND JUNE 2021

Background: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) provides important information on the circadian behavior of this variable. This measure provides different phenotypes that can be analyzed in more depth than office blood pressure measurement. Several associations have been identified between altered circadian phenotypes, such as non dipper, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, such as cardiovascular mortality, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and hospitalization for heart failure. To date, the behavior of blood pressure according to the MAPA is unknown in the population of the department of Cauca, Colombia. Therefore, our objective was to characterize the arterial hypertension profiles in a sample of this population. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in patients over 18 years of age, undergoing ambulatory BP monitoring from 2019 to 2021; data were recorded in an instrument containing sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics. The data were analyzed with the SPSS 25 program. Results: A total of 440 blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) records were obtained, of which, 80.4% of the records were found to be compatible with a diagnosis of arterial hypertension. The distribution of the profiles included: normal dipper (55.2%), attenuated dipper (non-dipper) (23.6%), inverted dipper (13.6%) and extreme dipping (1.4%). Most of the overweight and obese patients presented arterial hypertension in the ABPM records, with 41.1% being overweight patients and 25.2% obese. Regarding the arterial hypertension profiles, there were no statistically significant differences in relation to overweight and obesity. Conclusions: Among the BP profiles measured by ABPM in the population studied, the most prevalent was the normal dipper profile, followed by non-dipper, inverted dipper, and extreme dipper. There was a tendency for the overweight and obese population to present abnormal circadian BP profiles more frequently; however, in our study these results were not statistically significant.

Evaluation of FVIII pharmacokinetic profiles in Korean hemophilia A patients assessed with myPKFiT: a retrospective chart review

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of factor VIII (FVIII) in Korean patients, as limited information is available on the PK of FVIII in this population.MethodsWe collected the FVIII PK results from patients with moderate-to-severe hemophilia A using myPKFiT. PK variations were assessed according to age, blood type, inhibitor history, von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag) level, and body mass index. Additionally, the correlation between the PK profile and prophylaxis regimen was specifically analyzed for each product in severe cases.ResultsThe PK data of 48 and 81 patients treated with octocog alfa and rurioctocog alfa pegol, respectively, were obtained. The median half-lives of octocog alfa and rurioctocog alfa pegol were 9.9 (range: 6.3–15.2) h and 15.3 (range: 10.4–23.9) h, respectively. The PK profiles for each product did not differ according to age group; however, blood type-O patients had shorter half-lives and time to 1% compared to non-blood type-O patients. In regression analysis, the PK of octocog alfa showed a statistically significant difference according to age, whereas the PK of rurioctocog alfa pegol correlated with vWF:Ag. Only the frequency of rurioctocog alfa pegol use showed a statistically significant difference in relation to time to 1%, although the coefficient of determination was small.ConclusionThis study confirmed significant interpatient variation in the PK of FVIII among Korean patients with hemophilia A. To achieve optimized prophylaxis, personalizing the regimen based on the PK profile of each individual patient is essential.

Prevalence of Iron Deficiency in Female Collegiate Athletes at a Division I Institution

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is widely underdiagnosed in female college athletes and may limit their athletic performance. Routine screening is necessary to identify potential female athletes who might benefit from iron supplementation. A retrospective study on the prevalence of iron deficiency in female collegiate division I athletes is imperative to bring awareness to the prevailing problem. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency in female athletes presenting to a Division 1 Athletic Training Room for initial health screening evaluation from January 2017 to July 2022. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for female athletes who presented for initial pre-participation examination health screening to a Division 1 Athletic Training Room The data collected included the patients’ age, BMI, menstrual history, ferritin, and hemoglobin lab values. The primary sports analyzed was swim and dive, soccer, basketball, track and field/cross country, softball, lacrosse, volleyball, high tech, tennis, golf, and cheerleading. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the prevalence of iron deficiency among female athletes and the Student’s t-test and Pearson correlation analysis are used to identify any potential risk factors for iron deficiency. RESULTS: There was a total of 336 participants. The prevalence of athletes with low initial ferritin values under 40 ng/mL at pre-participation examination was 194 (57.74%, n=336). The mean ferritin value at pre-participation examination was 43.18 ng/mL (n=336). Statistical analysis of the other variables collected in this study including body mass index, menstrual history and primary sport showed no significant differences in relationship to initial ferritin levels. Female athletes with low ferritin levels were more likely to receive iron supplementation (p=8.089e-18, 95% CI= -31.33142, -20.19980). An increase in ferritin levels was correlated with iron supplementation (p=0.0217, 95% CI= 1.45825, 18.34014) and hemoglobin levels were higher in female athletes with higher ferritin levels (p-value=0.04971, 95% CI=0.00546, 0.14506). Initial ferritin levels were positively correlated with hemoglobin levels (p=2.402e-11, 95% CI=0.26962, 0.46399). Statistical analysis showed an increase in ferritin levels with usage of contraception (p=0.0073, 95% CI= 3.15448, 20.05362). CONCLUSION: This study’s findings represent the importance of screening ferritin levels in all female collegiate athletes regardless of sport, BMI, or menstrual history due to the high prevalence of low ferritin values. There was an increase in ferritin levels with usage of birth control suggesting the need to further evaluate the impact of menstrual history and contraception usage on ferritin and hemoglobin levels. In these authors experience, it is uncommon for institutions to incorporate routine screening measures in place for screening all female athletes with a ferritin value and complete blood count at initial pre-participation examination.

Efficacy of doxorubicin and lipiodol therapy by trans-arterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma Egyptian patients and relation to genetic polymorphisms

ABSTRACT Background Genetic polymorphisms play a crucial role in predicting treatment efficacy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to evaluate the response to Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) in relation to the genetic polymorphisms of interleukin 28B (IL28B) and angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2) in HCC patients. Research design and methods Prospective cohort study conducted on 104 eligible HCC Egyptian patients who underwent TACE using doxorubicin and lipiodol. Genotyping of the IL28B and ANGPT2 genes was performed with laboratory data analysis. Results At baseline IL28B rs12979860 genotypes C/T, C/C and T/T appeared in 43.9%, 34.6% and 21.5% while ANGPT2 rs55633437 genotypes C/C, C/A and A/A found in 71.03%, 28.04% and 0.93% of patients respectively. After one month of therapy, 51.4% of patients achieved a complete response. There was a significant difference in relation to IL28B rs12979860 genotypes (p = 0.017) whereas ANGPT2 rs55633437 genotypes (p = 0.432) showed no significant difference in patient response after one month of TACE Conclusion This study demonstrates the effectiveness of TACE in Egyptian HCC patients, as evidenced by low recurrence rates. Furthermore, the IL28B rs12979860 (C/T) gene may be associated with the efficacy and prognosis of TACE treatment in HCC Egyptian patients. Trial Registration The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (CT.gov identifier: NCT05291338)

Determination of Soil Contamination Due to the Influence of Cemeteries for the Surrounding Land and People in Central Ecuador—Worldwide Implications

Human decomposition processes generate pulses of nutrients, such as carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in the form of ammonium and nitrate (NO3−), which are released into the surrounding environment. The little exploration related to the potential of cadaveric leachate to influence the physical chemistry and biology of the soil makes it difficult to obtain data and scientific evidence, and subsequently the predominant objective of the current study was to determine soil contamination through the analysis of parameters of physical chemistry that included organic matter (OM), NO3−, texture, humidity, and pH. Soil samples were taken at different depths in two temporary trials (the dry and rainy seasons) in central Ecuador. The Kruskal–Wallace and ANOVA statistical analyses determined significant differences in relation to the sampling sections and by categories, while there were no significant differences in the inter-season analysis; therefore, the study was based on the data obtained in the dry season. The results indicate a tendency towards contamination in cemeteries categorized as critical, that is, moderate, light, and not suitable due to the high values of OM and humidity measured. On the contrary, the soils that corresponded to the cemeteries classified as suitable yielded low values of the analyzed parameters, which corroborates their capacity for the present and future location of cemeteries. Monitoring and managing soil health is crucial to ensure sustainable environmental practices and protect public health; nonetheless, additional research is suggested to confirm the findings of the current study.

Microscopic analysis of cut mark characteristics from chopping/hacking tools

Evaluating sharp force trauma (SFT) injuries to bone inflicted by a larger class of chopping/hacking tools (i.e., swords, axes, hatchets, machetes, and cleavers) is a growing area within the field of forensics. Previous studies have demonstrated promise regarding tool differentiation through the utilization of microscopic cut mark characteristics. However, this is an area that warrants additional investigation as there has yet to be a comprehensive study that incorporates the majority of these microscopic chopping/hacking cut mark characteristics into one analysis. The purpose of the current research was to analyze a large sample of microscopic cut mark characteristics derived from the current chopping/hacking literature to determine if differentiation of tool type could be made based on the microscopic cut mark characteristics. An additional goal of the current research is to develop standardization guidelines for the assessment of cut marks, focusing on a comprehensive suite of microscopic cut mark characteristics commonly observed in the existing literature. The skeletal sample for the current research was derived from a previous macroscopic cut mark characteristic experiment where trauma was inflicted to 20 partially fleshed domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) limbs utilizing four chopping/hacking tools (i.e., axe, hatchet, machete, and cleaver) as well as a large carving knife for comparison. Cut marks were evaluated for 15 microscopic cut mark characteristics to assess statistical significance. Utilizing a chi-square analysis, nine of the 15 microscopic cut mark characteristics demonstrated statistically significant differences in relation to the tool utilized, indicating moderate to relatively strong effect sizes. For example, it should be possible to use a combination of microscopic cut mark characteristics to potentially indicate which chopping/hacking tool inflicted trauma when analyzing bones. In particular, examining the characteristics such as regularity of the cut mark edges along with the occurrence of uprising, fossae/depressions, and microscopic fractures can suggest or exclude tool class within forensic contexts.

Artificial Intelligence and the Judiciary: Analysis of regulatory policies in Brazil and Italy

This article aims to carry out a comparative study between the regulation of artificial intelligence systems in the judiciary in Brazil and Italy. The research addresses aspects such as legislation, ethics, privacy, transparency and fairness, in order to identify the main similarities and differences between the two regulations. The methodology used consisted of a comparative approach between Brazilian and Italian regulations, with analysis of legal documents and interviews with experts. The results indicated that both countries have specific legislation for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the judiciary, with significant differences in relation to ethical approach, transparency and privacy. The main findings highlight the importance of broader and more consistent regulation to ensure the fair and transparent use of AI in the judiciary, as well as the need for a broader and more participatory dialogue with civil society to promote more democratic and accountable regulation. It is hoped that this study can contribute to a broader reflection on the regulation of AI by the judiciary at a global level and to the formulation of more effective and fair public policies in this area.

SATELLITE INDICES IN VEGETATION DESCRIPTION - COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS AND INTERDEPENDENCES

The study analyzed the variability of some indices, interdependence relationships and differences in the vegetation description. Based on the Rapid Eye satellite system, images were taken for the ATU Padureni area, Timis County, Romania. From the analysis of the images, the spectral bands were obtained and the NDVI, gNDVI, NDVIre, and RTVIcore indices were calculated. The series of values presented a normal distribution, under conditions of r = 0.982 in the case of gNDVI, r = 0.961 in the case of NDVI, r = 0.983 in the case of NDVIre, respectively r = 0.990 in the case of RTVIcore. The descriptive statistical analysis facilitated obtaining the values of the statistical parameters and the description of the data series for each index. Based on the coefficient of variation (CV), the indices considered showed high variability; CV = 54.7535 in the case of the NDVIre index, CV = 57.2578 in the case of the RTVIcore index, CV = 58.0955 in the case of the NDVI index and CV = 64.5481 in the case of the gNDVI index. Linear models described the variation of the gNDVI index and the NDVIre index in relation to the NDVI index (p = 0). Polynomial models of the 2nd degree described the variation of RTVIcore in relation to NDVI (R2 = 0.918), in relation to gNDVI (R2 = 0.954) and in relation to NDVIre (R2 = 0.938), p = 0. The comparative analysis of gNDVI and NDVIre indices in relation to NDVI led to statistically significant differences (p&lt;0.001) in relation to the mean and median value of the NDVI index.

The Prevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Domestic Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in the North-Western Region of Romania Using Serological Diagnosis: A Preliminary Study.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian, domestic rabbits being the main host. The disease can be acute or subclinical, but treatment options are limited and usually with unrewarding results; therefore, diagnosis and prevention of encephalitozoonosis in rabbits are of the utmost importance. This study aims to obtain the first preliminary information of the prevalence of E. cuniculi in the north-western region of Romania. A total of 176 rabbits were clinically examined and 2 mL of blood was sampled from each. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit by Medicago (Medicago, Uppsala, Sweden) on the resulted blood serum was utilized. Statistical analysis of the results was conducted using the EpiInfo 2000 software (CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA). A total prevalence of 39.2% (69/176) was identified, with statistically significant differences in relation to the rabbits' clinical status, age, season of sampling, breeding system, body condition score and county of origin; the different family farms tested also had a statistically significant difference. This study gives the first preliminary information on this pathogen distribution on Romania's territory, but further studies need to be performed on larger regions to declare the prevalence in the country.

Influence and Relationship of Pain on Lumbar Biomechanics in a Young Adult Population with Non-Specific Low Back Pain.

The therapeutic actions indicated for low back pain, in addition to physiotherapy, include mobilization of the affected segment, as it is assumed that a loss of mobility may contribute to a patient's pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of back pain on the degrees of spinal mobility in young adults. Eighty-six volunteers participated in the study. Fingertip-to-floor distance, Schöber's test, the fingertip-to-floor lateral flexion test, GHQ-12, the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire and the STarT Back Screening Tool were used. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups (pain and no pain) in degrees of spinal flexion (Schöber's test and side flexion) showing greater mobility in the group with pain. However, the group with low back pain showed less rotational mobility. The presence or absence of back pain had an impact on the individual's sporting practice and perception of pain, and they were able to carry out their sporting activities normally. Young adults with idiopathic low back pain showed some statistically significant differences in relation to the mobility of the spine in the different planes of movement (flexion and side flexion), conditioning their quality of life and sports practice.

Cultural Socialization and Civic Engagement Among Racially Diverse Students of Color: Examining Ethnic-Racial Identity Components as Mediators and Neighborhood Racial Composition as a Moderator

Understanding the factors that promote civic engagement among emerging adult college students is crucial, especially considering its association with positive youth development. The current study examined ethnic-racial identity (ERI) exploration, resolution, and affirmation as mediators of the relation between cultural socialization and civic engagement. Additionally, the extent to which students were raised in predominantly minoritized neighborhoods (i.e., predominantly minoritized neighborhood racial composition; PMNRC) was included as a moderator of the associations between cultural socialization and ERI components. Last, we tested whether findings varied based on students’ ethnic-racial backgrounds (i.e., differences in the model for Asian, African American, Latinx, and Multiracial students of color; N = 1036). Results indicated that there was a significant mediation path, such that cultural socialization predicted greater ERI exploration and, in turn, greater civic engagement. Cultural socialization was also positively associated with greater ERI resolution and affirmation. The racial composition of the neighborhoods that individuals were raised in was not significantly associated with any ERI component; however, PMNRC moderated the relation between cultural socialization and ERI affirmation. Specifically, cultural socialization predicted more ERI affirmation at higher levels of PMNRC, but this relation was not significant at low levels of PMNRC. There were no significant ethnic-racial differences in relations we tested in the model. These findings highlight the importance of cultural processes in civic engagement among diverse emerging adults.

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Carbon and Nitrogen in Subtropical Urban Streams (Santo André, SP, Brazil)

Urban sprawl poses a significant threat to urban stream water quality due to impermeabilization, reduced vegetation cover, and the release of diffuse pollutants. This study evaluates water quality in seven catchments in Santo André, SP, considering seasonality. Nutrient concentrations and in situ measurements were taken during both dry and rainy seasons. Comparisons were made using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests. Streams showed significant differences in relation to water quality parameters. The Carapetuba, Jundiaí, and Apiaí streams were most adversely affected, underscoring the need for urgent water quality intervention (water conductivity above 500 μS/cm, dissolved oxygen below 2 mg/L, total dissolved carbon above 50 mg/L, and total dissolved nitrogen above 25 mg/L). Significant differences were observed across seasons. The dry season showed elevated temperatures (above 25 °C) and increased total dissolved carbon (above 50 mg/L) and nitrogen concentrations (above 30 mg/L), indicating reduced dilution effects from rainfall and heightened organic contamination. Conversely, the wet season demonstrated lower nutrient concentrations, emphasizing seasonal dynamics. Sustained, long-term monitoring of urban streams in Santo André and the implementation of sewage collection and treatment in irregular settlements are recommended. These measures are essential to mitigate the adverse impacts of urban expansion on water quality.