Standard Error Of The Mean Research Articles

VALIDATION OF ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY TECHNIQUES TO MEASURE SERUM DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE (DHEA) AND DHEA-S IN NARWHALS (MONODON MONOCEROS).

Narwhals (Monodon monoceros) are increasingly exposed to anthropogenic disturbances that may increase their stress levels with unknown consequences for the overall population dynamics. The validation and measurement of chronic stress biomarkers could contribute toward improved understanding and conservation efforts for this species. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated metabolite DHEA-S are collectively referred to as DHEA(S). Serum DHEA(S) concentrations combined in ratios with cortisol [cortisol/DHEA(S)] have been shown to be promising indicators of chronic stress in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. During field tagging in 2017 and 2018 in Baffin Bay, Nunavut, Canada, 14 wild narwhals were sampled at the beginning and end of the capture-tagging procedures. Serum DHEA(S) were measured with commercially available competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) developed for humans. A partial validation of the ELISA assays was performed by the determination of the intra-assay coefficient of variation, confirmation of the DHEA(S) dilutional linearity, and the calculation of the percentage of recovery. Mean values (nanograms per milliliter ± standard error of the mean) of narwhal serum cortisol, DHEA(S), and cortisol/DHEA(S) ratios, at the beginning and at the end of handling, respectively, are reported (cortisol = 30.74 ± 4.87 and 41.83 ± 4.83; DHEA = 1.01 ± 0.52 and 0.99 ± 0.50; DHEA-S = 8.72 ± 1.68 and 7.70 ± 1.02; cortisol/DHEA = 75.43 ± 24.35 and 84.41 ± 11.76, and cortisol/DHEA-S = 4.16 ± 1.07 and 6.14 ± 1.00). Serum cortisol and cortisol/DHEA-S were statistically higher at the end of the capture (P= 0.024 and P= 0.035, respectively). Moreover, serum cortisol at the end of handling was positively correlated to total body length (P = 0.042) and tended to be higher in males (P = 0.086). These assays proved easy to perform, rapid, and suitable for measuring serum DHEA(S) of narwhals and that calculated cortisol/DHEA(S) are potential biomarkers for chronic stress in narwhals and possibly other cetaceans.

Effects of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation on rehabilitation of upper limb motor function after stroke.

The cerebellum is involved in the control and coordination of movements but it remains unclear whether stimulation of the cerebellum could improve the recovery of upper limb motor function. Therefore, this study aimed to explore whether cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) therapy could promote the recovery of upper limb motor function in patients who suffered a stroke. In this randomized, double-blind, and sham-controlled prospective study, 77 stroke patients were recruited and randomly assigned to the tDCS group (n = 39) or the control group (n = 38). The patients received anodal (2 mA, 20 min) or sham tDCS therapy for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) score from baseline to the first day after 4 weeks of treatment (T1) and 60 days after 4 weeks of treatment (T2). The secondary outcomes were the FMA-UE response rates assessed at T1 and T2. Adverse events (AEs) related to the tDCS treatment were also recorded. At T1, the mean FMA-UE score increased by 10.7 points [standard error of the mean (SEM) = 1.4] in the tDCS group and by 5.8 points (SEM = 1.3) in the control group (difference between the two groups was 4.9 points, P = 0.013). At T2, the mean FMA-UE score increased by 18.9 points (SEM = 2.1) in the tDCS group and by 12.7 points (SEM = 2.1) in the control group (the difference between the two groups was 6.2 points, P = 0.043). At T1, 26 (70.3%) patients in the tDCS group had a clinically meaningful response to the FMA-UE score compared to 12 (34.3%) patients in the control group (the difference between the two groups was 36.0%, P =0.002). At T2, 33 (89.2%) patients in the tDCS group had a clinically meaningful response to the FMA-UE score compared with 19 (54.3%) patients in the control group (the difference between the two groups was 34.9%, P = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups. In the subgroup analysis of different hemiplegic sides, the rehabilitation effect of patients with right hemiplegia was better than that of patients with left hemiplegia (P < 0.05); in the age subgroup analysis, different age groups of patients did not show a significant difference in the rehabilitation effect (P > 0.05). Cerebellar tDCS can be used as an effective and safe treatment to promote recovery of upper limb motor function in stroke patients. ChiCTR.org.cn, identifier: ChiCTR2200061838.

Association between body condition score, testicular haemodynamics and echogenicity, nitric oxide levels, and total antioxidant capacity in rams

Higher body fatness adversely affects metabolic and hormonal homeostasis. The present work aimed to evaluate the association between body condition score (BCS) and haemodynamic pattern and echogenic appearence of the testes as well as nitric oxide (NO) levels and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). For that, fifteen Ossimi rams were blocked according to their BCS into a lower BCS group (L-BCS:2–2.5; n = 5), medium BCS group (M-BCS:3–3.5; n = 5), and higher BCS group (H-BCS:4–4.5; n = 5). Rams were examined for testicular haemodynamics (TH; Doppler ultrasonography), testicular echotexture (TE; B-mode image software analysis), and serum levels of NO and TAC (colorimetric). Results are presented as means ± standard error of the mean. There was a significant (P < 0.05) difference in the resistive index and pulsatility index means among the groups under experimentation, being the least in the L-BCS group (0.43 ± 0.02 and 0.57 ± 0.04, respectively) compared to the M-BCS (0.53 ± 0.03 and 0.77 ± 0.03, respectively) and H-BCS rams (0.57 ± 0.01 and 0.86 ± 0.03, respectively). Among blood flow velocity measurements [peak systolic, end-diastolic (EDV), and time-average maximum], only EDV showed significant (P < 0.05) higher values in the L-BCS group (17.06 ± 1.03 cm/s) compared to M-BCS (12.58 ± 0.67 cm/s) and H-BCS (12.51 ± 0.61 cm/s) groups. Regarding the TE results, there were no significant differences among the examined groups. There were significant differences (P < 0.01) in the concentrations of TAC and NO among the groups under experimentation, in which the L-BCS rams had the highest levels of TAC and NO in their sera (0.90 ± 0.05 mM/L and 62.06 ± 2.72 μM/L, respectively) than the M-BCS (0.058 ± 0.05 mM/L and 47.89 ± 1.49 μM/L, respectively) and H-BCS rams (0.45 ± 0.03 mM/L and 49.93 ± 3.63 μM/L, respectively). In conclusion, body condition score is associated with both testicular hemodynamic and the antioxidant capacity in rams.

A280 DOES THE PLACEMENT OF A MANOMETRY PROBE WITH ENDOSCOPY AND CONSCIOUS SEDATION EFFECT MEASUREMENTS ON ENSUING HIGH RESOLUTION MANOMETRY? A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY IN PATIENTS POST-PERORAL ENDOSCOPIC MYOTOMY

Abstract Background High resolution manometry (HRM) is the gold standard for diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders. This is traditionally conducted without sedation, using intranasal intubation with a manometry probe. Inserting the HRM probe immediately after endoscopic examination allows for endoscopic visualization and sedation for probe placement. This method is used commonly used for our patients who are post-peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). However, it is unclear whether short acting sedative drugs administered during endoscopy can affect contractility measurements during HRM. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine if conscious sedation with short-acting anaesthetic agents (Midazolam and Fentanyl) influenced HRM readings in patients undergoing evaluation post-perioral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). Method We conducted a retrospective cohort study, comparing patients post-POEM who had endoscopy under conscious sedation with placement of the manometry probe versus those without preceeding endoscopy/sedation. Post-POEM patients who had undergone HRM over a 3-year period (2019-2022) were identified from motility lab records. Electronic charts were reviewed for data abstraction, and HRM parameters (resting lower esophageal pressure and integrated relaxation pressure) were determined for both groups and compared using t-tests, and error listed as standard error of the mean. Result(s) From 2019-2022, 15 patients underwent manometry using a non-endoscopic approach with no sedation and 25 underwent manometry following endoscopy with conscious sedation and placement of the probe during the procedure. In the latter group, HRM occurred within 2 hours of probe placement. The mean doses of fentanyl and midazolam were 115mcg (+/-29.7) and 3.3mg (+/-1.3) respectively. The mean end-expiratory lower esophageal sphincter pressure was 9.8 mmHg (+/- 2.9) in the non-endoscopic group and 26.24mmHg (+/- 5) in the endoscopy group (p &amp;lt;0.02). The median integrated relaxation pressure was 11.2 mmHg (+/-1.2) in the non-endoscopic group and 14.52mmHg (+/- 0.9) in those in the endoscopy group (p &amp;lt;0.04). Conclusion(s) In conclusion, this small, retrospective cohort study shows that manometry probe placement after endoscopy with conscious sedation may affect esophgeal HRM measurement parameters in the post-POEM patient population. Physicians should consider delaying HRM measurements for &amp;gt;4 hours to maximize clearance of the sedative medications. Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below None Disclosure of Interest None Declared

In vitro Anti-Leishmanial Activities of Methanol Extract of Brucea antidysenterica J.F. Mill Seeds and Its Solvent Fractions.

Leishmaniasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases, threatening lives of about 350 million people globally. Brucea antidysenterica seeds are used for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the traditional medicine in Ethiopia. This study aimed to evaluate Brucea antidysenterica seeds' anti-leishmanial activity in vitro. The crude (80% methanol) extract of Brucea antidysenterica seeds and its fractions were evaluated for their anti-leishmanial activities against promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania donovani and Leishmania aethiopica, and for their cytotoxic effects against mammalian cells. The quantitative estimations of total phenolic compounds (TPCs), flavonoids (TFCs) and alkaloids (TACs) were determined, spectrophotometrically. Median inhibitory concentration (IC50) and median cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of the extract and its solvent fractions were calculated using GraphPad Prism 9.1.0 computer software. Data was presented as mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM). The crude extract and its hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions showed anti-leishmanial activities, with IC50 values of 4.14-60.12 µg/mL against promastigotes, and 6.16-40.12 µg/mL against amastigotes of both Leishmania species. They showed moderate cytotoxicity against Vero cell lines and peritoneal mice macrophages, with CC50 values of 100-500 µg/mL, but >1600 µg/mL against red blood cells. Selectivity indices ranged from 7.97 to 30.97. The crude extract, and its ethyl acetate and hexane fractions possessed 54.78-127.72 mg of gallic acid equivalent TPC, 18.30-79.21 mg of quercetin equivalent TFC, and 27.62-97.22 mg of atropine equivalent TAC per gram of extracts. The seeds of the plant possessed anti-leishmanial activities against L. aethiopica and L. donovani that might provide a scientific justification for its use in the treatment of leishmaniasis by traditional healers. Future works are recommended to isolate, purify and identify the possible secondary metabolites attributed to the anti-leishmanial activity.

Frontiers of Carbonate Clumped Isotope Thermometry

Carbonate minerals contain stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen with different masses whose abundances and bond arrangement are governed by thermodynamics. The clumped isotopic value Δi is a measure of the temperature-dependent preference of heavy C and O isotopes to clump, or bond with or near each other, rather than with light isotopes in the carbonate phase. Carbonate clumped isotope thermometry uses Δi values measured by mass spectrometry (Δ47, Δ48) or laser spectroscopy (Δ638) to reconstruct mineral growth temperature in surface and subsurface environments independent of parent water isotopic composition. Two decades of analytical and theoretical development have produced a mature temperature proxy that can estimate carbonate formation temperatures from 0.5 to 1,100°C, with up to 1–2°C external precision (2 standard error of the mean). Alteration of primary environmental temperatures by fluid-mediated and solid-state reactions and/or Δi values that reflect nonequilibrium isotopic fractionations reveal diagenetic history and/or mineralization processes. Carbonate clumped isotope thermometry has contributed significantly to geological and biological sciences, and it is poised to advance understanding of Earth's climate system, crustal processes, and growth environments of carbonate minerals. ▪ Clumped heavy isotopes in carbonate minerals record robust temperatures and fluid compositions of ancient Earth surface and subsurface environments. ▪ Mature analytical methods enable carbonate clumped Δ47, Δ48, and Δ638 measurements to address diverse questions in geological and biological sciences. ▪ These methods are poised to advance marine and terrestrial paleoenvironment and paleoclimate, tectonics, deformation, hydrothermal, and mineralization studies.

BENCHMARKING OF ANTIBODY TITRES SELECTIONS USING THE RANKING METHOD

Based on the serological monitoring results the humoral immunity level in birds was assessed after the use of three variants of inactivated vaccines against avian influenza, which causative agent is capable of genetic rearrangements and generation of extremely dangerous highly virulent forms. The refore there arise the need for accurate quantitative assessments of antibody titres, their benchmarking against threshold values and statistical analysis of the received results. The serological examinations allow obtaining the selections of antibody titres values, determining the arithmetic or geometric mean values, as well as statistical indicators such as standard deviations, coefficients of variation or standard error of the mean. to the parametric ones, since they are based on the given normal distribution of the elements of a selection. However, this condition is not always met, which leads to the incorrect conclusions, especially when conducting a comparative analysis. Alongside, it should be noted that banchmarking made in a group consisting of more than two selections cannot be made on independent pairs. In this case the special multi-comparative methods are required. The aim of this work was to conduct a comparative analysis of three antibody titres selections. The nonparametric multiple comparison Miller's method was applied, which is designed to detect the essentiality of mean trends differences in selections, regardless of the type of changing variables distribution. According to the method’s algorithm, the entire array of experimental data was integrated into a common rank-ordered (ranked) row, where each variable was assigned a serial number (rank). Respective with the original selections, the variables’ mean ranks were calculated. The mean ranks subtraction results and the necessary statistical operators were determined, which were benchmarked against the table values (the table is attached). Thus, the statistical significance of the discovered results of subtraction was drawn. The method did not require any special mathematical background of the researchers.

СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ СЕКРЕЦИИ ИНТЕРЛЕЙКИНА-6, ИНТЕРЛЕЙКИНА-1БЕТА, ИНТЕРЛЕЙКИНА-10, ФАКТОРА НЕКРОЗА ОПУХОЛИ-АЛЬФА, ИНТЕРФЕРОНА-ГАММА ПРИ РАЗЛИЧНЫХ ТИПАХ АНЕМИИ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ С ВИЧ-ИНФЕКЦИЕЙ

Aim. To compare the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-1-beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (INF-γ) in patients with HIV infection with anemia of chronic disease (ACD), iron deficiency anemia (IDA), as well as their combination. To assess the effect of the studied cytokines on erythropoiesis in each of the studied types of anemia in this category of patients. Material and methods. 125 patients with HIV infection were examined: 101 with anemia (55 men, 46 women, 39.4±9.6 years), 24 patients with HIV infection without anemia (13 men, 11 women, mean age 37.6± 7.37 years). In accordance with the Van Santen and Worwood criteria, by determining the transferrin saturation index (TSI), ferritin concentrations, C-reactive protein (CRP), patients with anemia were divided into 3 groups: group 1 – 36 patients with ACD (19 men, 17 women, mean age 41.7±11.8 years), group 2 – 30 patients with a combination of ACD/IDA (18 men, 12 women, mean age 41.2±10 years), group 3 – 35 patients with IDA (18 men, 17 women, mean age 35.4±7.1 years). In all patients, the number of erythrocytes, the concentration of hemoglobin, ferritin, CRP, CNT, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), interferon-gamma (INF-γ). For quantitative indicators, the arithmetic mean, standard error of the mean, and interquartile range (IQR) were calculated. Significance of differences between several unrelated groups was determined using the Kruskal-Wallis’s test. To assess the relationship between variables, the Spearman correlation coefficient I was calculated. Results. In the ACD group, the maximum concentration of IL-6 (36.6 [IQR, 11.5-51.1]) and IL-10 (21.6 [IQR, 11.4-28.8]) compared with the ACD/IDA group (IL-6 (9.1 [IQR, 5.1-11.4]), IL-10 (15.5 [IQR, (7.1-21.6)]), and IDA (IL- 6 (6.2 [IQR, 1.6–7.2]), IL-10 (8.6 [IQR, 3.9–9.3]) (p&lt;0.05). In the groups of patients with ACD and ACD/IDA, the maximum and almost equal concentrations of TNF-α (15.2 [IQR,6.1-24.1] in the ACD group and 17.3[IQR,7.9-17.3] in the ACD/IDA group), IL-1β (16.7[IQR,4.7-28.9] in the ACD group and 19.2 [IQR,3.9-28.8] in the ACD/IDA group), INF-γ ( 62.6[IQR,4.6-85.3] in the ACD group and 58.3[IQR,8.5-37.5] in the ACD/IDA group), which were statistically significantly higher than the concentrations of these cytokines in patients with IDA and the control group. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10 and IFN-γ between patients with IDA and the control group. Significant moderate and strong negative correlations were found in the groups of patients with ACD and ACD/IDA between all studied cytokines, erythrocytes and hemoglobin. In the IDA group, the correlation coefficients between cytokines, erythrocytes, and hemoglobin are low or absent. Conclusions. In patients with HIV infection, a wide prevalence of ACD has been shown, especially in patients with immunodeficiency and in the late stages of the disease. ACD, unlike IDA, has a complex multicomponent pathogenesis. This study shows the importance of pro-inflammatory and inflammatory cytokines in the development of ACD in HIV patients, including due to their negative effect on erythropoiesis and hemoglobin synthesis. A working version of the classification of ACD (with a predominant iron deficiency, with impaired regulatory mechanisms of erythropoiesis, with insufficient production of erythropoietin) has been proposed. It is necessary to further study the pathogenesis of ACD in this category of patients to improve treatment.

The association of immune response and colostral immunoglobulin G in Canadian and US Holstein-Friesian dairy cows

In cattle, maternal immunoglobulins are transferred through colostrum to provide passive immunity to the neonatal calf once they are absorbed into circulation. Cows can be assessed for antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses (AMIR and CMIR, respectively), and through estimated breeding values (EBV) and genomic parent averages (GPA), cows can be classified as having high, average, or low immune response (IR). The objective of this study was to identify associations of colostral IgG concentrations with IR in dairy cows. High IR dairy cows identified by GPA or EBV were hypothesized to produce higher colostral IgG concentrations than cows with average or low IR. Colostrum was collected from Holstein dairy cows from 3 large commercial herds (n = 590) in the United States and 1 research herd at the Ontario Dairy Research Centre (n = 275) in Canada. For the US herds, IR GPA were available through genotyping. For the Canadian herd, IR EBV were available through phenotyping and pedigree information. Colostral IgG concentrations were measured by radial immunodiffusion and analyzed using general linear models in SAS. Based on a prediction equation, cows in US herds with a CMIR GPA of 1 would have colostral IgG concentrations 6.3 g/L higher on average than cows with a CMIR GPA of 0. High CMIR cows produced statistically greater colostral IgG concentrations (least squares mean ± standard error of the mean, 107.5 ± 7.7 g/L) than low CMIR cows (91.4 ± 7.1 g/L), with intermediate values for average CMIR cows (105.1 ± 5.6 g/L). No differences were found among AMIR categories in US cows. The Canadian herd showed a trend for cows with high CMIR EBV (continuous variable) to produce greater colostral IgG. No differences were observed among high, average, and low AMIR EBV classifications in Canadian cows. The findings suggest that selective breeding of Holstein cows to enhance CMIR could contribute to higher-quality colostrum in succeeding generations.

Эффективность невролиза плечевого сплетения под видеоэндоскопической ассистенцией при лечении брахиоплексопатий у взрослых

Introduction The method of endoscopic revision, neurolysis and decompression of the brachial plexus is a current minimally invasive method of treatment. It is able to completely preserve the anatomical structures (skin, fascia, muscles, clavicle, arteries, veins, nerves) and minimize damage to the structures of the brachial plexus, since neurolysis is carried out along the trunks and bundles of the plexus through a low-invasive transaxillary approach. However, the effectiveness of this type of operation has not been studied previously. The aim of the study To evaluate the effectiveness of brachial plexus neurolysis under video endoscopic assistance in the treatment of brachioplexopathies in adults Materials and methods The study involved patients hospitalized in the Tyumen Federal Center for the period from 2017 to 2022 with a diagnosis of brachial plexus palsy, who, for medical reasons, underwent neurolysis of the brachial plexus under video endoscopic assistance. The number of patients gave informed concent was 25 subjects. The results of treatment were assessed with score systems and questionnaires; neurological examination was performed and muscle strength was assessed according to the British scale (M5-M0), the type of sensory disorders and their degree on a scale from 0 to 10, where 10 is the complete preservation of sensitivity, and 0 is its complete absence and were confirmed by the data of functional diagnostics (stimulation ENMG) 3, 6 and 12 months after the operation. Statistical data processing was carried out using the Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Office 365) and Stattech 2.0 software package. For quantitative traits, the arithmetic mean (M) and standard error of the mean (SEM) were calculated. To assess the statistical significance of the results obtained, the parametric t-Student's test was used. Differences were considered significant at p &lt; 0.05. Results The mean age of the patients was 48 ± 15 years, gender ratio (m/f) was 18/7, the affected side (right/left) ratio was 12/13. A positive result was achieved in 75 % of cases (n = 19), the absence of positive dynamics was noted in 25 % of cases (n = 6); there were no cases of poor results. When comparing the indicators in groups with a positive result and its absence, it was revealed that the degree of limb dysfunction and the degree of paresis affect the treatment outcome (p &lt; 0.05). In all patients with a positive result, a positive trend was observed starting from 5.89 ± 0.93 (range 1-15) weeks after surgery. Conclusion The proposed method of neurolysis of the brachial plexus is an effective method for the treatment of patients with brachial plexus palsy of various etiologies. The main factor influencing the outcome of reatment is limb dysfunction, the severity of which is inversely proportional to the function recovery in the postoperative period. Based on the results obtained, neurolysis was not effective in paresis of the affected muscles scoring 0-1 points. If there is no positive effect from the intervention within 3 months after its implementation, further waiting tactics is not advisable. Other treatment options should be considered.

Micronutrient value and lipid profile of ethnic nutrition’s traditional dish of the Baikal region’s population

Background. Against the backdrop of stagnation in most industries, the production of semi-finished meat products is expanding, which is due to an increase in demand and, accordingly, an increase in consumption. This trend is also observed in the nutrition of the Baikal regions population, however, the micronutrient value of meat semi-finished products of ethnic nutrition is not presented in the national tables of the chemical composition of food products.&#x0D; Aim. To assess the micronutrient value and lipid profile of ethnic nutritions traditional dish of the Baikal regions population buuz.&#x0D; Material and methods. Using spectrofluorimetry, high-performance liquid chromatography, atomic absorption and gas chromatography, the content of vitamins B1, B2, E, iron, sodium and the composition of fatty acids in buuzes, steamed from semi-finished meat in a packaged dough category B with beef and pork filling, were determined. The measurement was carried out in 3 samples, the detection was repeated twice. The data obtained were analyzed using the SPSS Statistics program for Windows using the descriptive statistics method: the arithmetic mean (M) and the standard error of the mean (m) were calculated. The results were compared with the tables data of the foodstuffs chemical composition.&#x0D; Results. With comparable nutritional value (differences in calorie content of no more than 12%), the carbohydrate content in buuzes was approximately 1.5 times higher, and proteins and fats were less than in dumplings. The content of vitamins B1, B2 and E in 100 g of frozen buuzas steamed in a slow cooker was 0.200.01; 0.110.01 and 0.500.03 mg, respectively. The losses of vitamins during cooking were insignificant and amounted to 56%. The content of iron in 100 g of ready-to-eat buuzes was 2 mg, sodium 354 mg. The content of sodium in ready-to-eat buuzes was 1.8 times less, and iron was 2.2 times more than in boiled dumplings. The results obtained by us on the content of vitamins B1, B2 and E, iron and sodium, the quantitative composition of fatty acids can be used in assessing the intake of nutrients by a questionnaire method.&#x0D; Conclusion. Consumption of one serving of buuz (200 g) provides about 20% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin B1, 1012% of vitamins E and B2, and 14% of iron.

Clinically meaningful improvement in disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) following cervical spine surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXTPatients with cervical spine disease suffer from upper limb disability. At present, no clinical benchmarks exist for clinically meaningful change in the upper limb function following cervical spine surgery. PURPOSEPrimary: to establish clinically meaningful metrics; the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) of upper limb functional improvement in patients following cervical spine surgery. Secondary: to identify the prognostic factors of MCID and SCB of upper limb function following cervical spine surgery. STUDY DESIGNRetrospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLEAdult patients ≥18 years of age who underwent cervical spine surgery from 2012 to 2016. OUTCOME MEASURESPatient-reported outcomes: Neck disability index (NDI) and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH). METHODSMCID was defined as minimal improvement and SCB as substantial improvement in the DASH score at last follow-up. The anchor-based methods (ROC analyses) defined optimal MCID and SCB thresholds with area under curve (AUC) in discriminating improved vs. non-improved patients. The MCID was also calculated by distribution-based methods: half standard-deviation (0.5-SD) and standard error of the mean (SEM) method. A multivariable logistic regression evaluated the impact of baseline factors in achieving the MCID and SCB in DASH following cervical spine surgery. RESULTSBetween 2012 and 2016, 1,046 patients with average age of 57±11.3 years, 53% males, underwent cervical spine surgery. Using the ROC analysis, the threshold for MCID was –8 points with AUC of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.67–0.79) and the SCB was –18 points with AUC of 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.85–0.91). The MCID was –11 points by 0.5–SD and –12 points by SEM-method. On multivariable analysis, patients with myelopathy had lower odds of achieving MCID and SCB, whereas older patients and those with ≥6 months duration of symptoms had lower odds of achieving DASH MCID and SCB respectively. CONCLUSIONsIn patients undergoing cervical spine surgery, MCID of –8 points and SCB of –18 points in DASH improvement may be considered clinically significant. These metrics may enable evaluation of minimal and substantial improvement in the upper extremity function following cervical spine surgery.

Targeting reactive astrocytes by pH-responsive ligand-bonded polymeric nanoparticles in spinal cord injury.

In spinal cord injuries, axonal regeneration decreases with the activation of astrocytes followed by glial scar formation. Targeting reactive astrocytes has been recently performed by unsafe viral vectors to inhibit gliosis. In the current study, biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles were selected as an alternative for viruses to target reactive astrocytes for further drug/gene delivery applications. Lipopolysaccharide-bonded chitosan-quantum dots/poly acrylic acid nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation method to target reactive astrocytes both in vitro and in spinal cord-injured rats. Owing to their biocompatibility and pH-responsive behavior, chitosan and poly acrylic acid were the main components of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were then chemically labeled with quantum dots to track the cell uptake and electrostatically interacted with lipopolysaccharide as a targeting ligand. In vitro and in vivo studies were performed in triplicate and all data were expressed as the mean ± the standard error of the mean. Smart nanoparticles with optimum size (61.9nm) and surface charge (+ 12.5mV) successfully targeted primary reactive astrocytes extracted from the rat cerebral cortex. In vitro studies represented high cell viability (96%) in the exposure of biocompatible nanoparticles. The pH-responsive behavior of nanoparticles was proved by their internalization into the cell's nuclei due to the swelling and endosomal escape of nanoparticles in acidic pH. In vivo studies demonstrated higher transfection of nanoparticles into reactive astrocytes compared to the neurons. pH-responsive ligand-bonded chitosan-based nanoparticles are good alternatives for viral vectors in targeted delivery applications for the treatment of spinal cord injuries.

Reduced volume of diabetic pancreatic islets in rodents detected by synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast microtomography and deep learning network

The pancreatic islet is a highly structured micro-organ that produces insulin in response to rising blood glucose. Here we develop a label-free and automatic imaging approach to visualize the islets in situ in diabetic rodents by the synchrotron radiation X-ray phase-contrast microtomography (SRμCT) at the ID17 station of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. The large-size images (3.2mm×15.97mm) were acquired in the pancreas in STZ-treated mice and diabetic GK rats. Each pancreas was dissected by 3000 reconstructed images. The image datasets were further analysed by a self-developed deep learning method, AA-Net. All islets in the pancreas were segmented and visualized by the three-dimension (3D) reconstruction. After quantifying the volumes of the islets, we found that the number of larger islets (=>1500 μm3) was reduced by 2-fold (wt 1004±94 vs GK 419±122, P<0.001) in chronically developed diabetic GK rat, while in STZ-treated diabetic mouse the large islets were decreased by half (189±33 vs 90±29, P<0.001) compared to the untreated mice. Our study provides a label-free tool for detecting and quantifying pancreatic islets in situ. It implies the possibility of monitoring the state of pancreatic islets in vivo diabetes without labelling.

Comparison of outcomes between observation and tube thoracostomy for small traumatic pneumothoraces

BackgroundTraumatic pneumothorax management has evolved to include the use of smaller caliber tube thoracostomy and even observation alone. Data is limited comparing tube thoracostomy to observation for small traumatic pneumothoraces. We aimed to investigate whether observing patients with a small traumatic pneumothorax on initial chest radiograph (CXR) is associated with improved outcomes compared to tube thoracostomy. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed trauma patients at our level 1 trauma center from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2020. We included those with a pneumothorax size <30 mm as measured from apex to cupola on initial CXR. We excluded patients with injury severity score ≥ 25, operative requirements, hemothorax, bilateral pneumothoraces, and intensive care unit admission. Patients were grouped by management strategy (observation vs tube thoracostomy). Our primary outcome was length of stay with secondary outcomes of pulmonary infection, failed trial of observation, readmission, and mortality. Results are listed as mean ± standard error of the mean. ResultsOf patients who met criteria, 39 were in the observation group, and 34 were in the tube thoracostomy group. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. Average pneumothorax size on CXR was 18 ± 1.0 mm in the observation group and 18 ± 0.84 mm in the tube thoracostomy group (p > 0.99). Average pneumothorax sizes on computed tomography were 25 ± 2.1 and 37 ± 3.9 mm in the observation and tube thoracostomy groups, respectively (p = 0.01). Length of stay in the observation group was significantly shorter than the tube thoracostomy group (3.6 ± 0.33 vs 5.8 ± 0.81 days, p < 0.01). While pneumothorax size on computed tomography was associated with tube thoracostomy, only tube thoracostomy correlated with length of stay on multivariable analysis; pneumothorax size on CXR and computed tomography did not. There were no deaths or readmissions in either cohort. One patient in the observation group required tube thoracostomy after 18 h for worsening subcutaneous emphysema, and one patient in the tube thoracostomy group developed an empyema. ConclusionsSelect patients with small traumatic pneumothoraces on initial chest radiograph who were treated with observation experienced an average length of stay over two days shorter than those treated with tube thoracostomy. Outcomes were otherwise similar between the two groups suggesting that an observation-first strategy may be a superior treatment approach for these patients.

Benthic composition changes on coral reefs at global scales.

Globally, ecosystems are being reconfigured by a range of intensifying human-induced stressors. Coral reefs are at the forefront of this environmental transformation, and if we are to secure their key ecosystem functions and services, it is important to understand the likely configuration of future reefs. However, the composition and trajectory of global coral reef benthic communities is currently unclear. Here our global dataset of 24,468 observations spanning 22 years (1997-2018) revealed that particularly marked declines in coral cover occurred in the Western Atlantic and Central Pacific. The data also suggest that high macroalgal cover, widely regarded as the major degraded state on coral reefs, is a phenomenon largely restricted to the Western Atlantic. At a global scale, the raw data suggest decreased average (± standard error of the mean) hard coral cover from 36 ± 1.4% to 19 ± 0.4% (during a period delineated by the first global coral bleaching event (1998) until the end of the most recent event (2017)) was largely associated with increased low-lying algal cover such as algal turfs and crustose coralline algae. Enhanced understanding of reef change, typified by decreased hard coral cover and increased cover of low-lying algal communities, will be key to managing Anthropocene coral reefs.

Mechanical Characterization of Porcine Tricuspid Valve Anterior Leaflets Over Time: Applications to Ex Vivo Studies

Abstract Mechanical characterization of the ex vivo tricuspid valve (TV) continues to provide key insights into native valve function and the development of valvular diseases. However, experimental methods to characterize TV biomechanical behavior ex vivo often fail to account for potential changes in the tissue’s mechanical responses that may occur during experiment preparation. Therefore, we assessed the mechanical responses of the anterior tricuspid leaflet (ATL) via biaxial mechanical testing over the course of 5 h to validate the accuracy of our fresh tissue experiments. We hypothesized that ATL mechanical responses would remain consistent for the proposed time scale. We found that ATL stiffness, represented by the upper tangent modulus (UTM), did not significantly change in either the radial or circumferential directions for the 5-h test period. Similarly, no significant change was observed in radial or circumferential strains corresponding to an estimated mean systolic stress value of 85 kPa. Overall mean UTM (±standard error of the mean (SEM)) showed that ATL samples were significantly stiffer in the circumferential direction (11.3 ± 0.98 MPa) compared to the radial direction (2.29 ± 0.20 MPa) across all time points. Thus, our results indicate that the outcomes of ex vivo tricuspid valve studies requiring sample preparation up to 5 h remain reliable.

Comparison of Brooding and Reflection Rumination Between People With Depression and Obsessivecompulsive Disorder

Background and Purpose: Rumination is one of the most significant symptoms of several mental illnesses. Rumination is classified into two brooding and reflection categories. Notwithstanding the prevalence of rumination, the discrimination between its subtypes among various clinical populations has been overlooked. Materials and Methods: In this comparative study, our sample size included 95 patients who were interviewed at a specialized health clinic in Sari City, Iran. For diagnosis, we applied structured clinical interviews, the Yale-Brown obsessive-compulsive scale, and the second version of the Beck depression inventory (BDI). To test our hypothesis, we used the ruminative response scale (RRS) which enabled us to divide ruminations into brooding and reflection. In the first step, the descriptive statistics of the research, including mean, standard deviation, and standard error of the mean were determined. An independent samples t test was conducted to determine whether people with major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) significantly differed in rumination subtypes. Results: Out of 95 participants, who entered the study, 50 people suffered from MDD, and 45 participants were diagnosed with OCD. For people with MDD, the mean±SD of the age of the participants was 31.62±6.94 years, while the age of the people with OCD was 32.11±6.37. Our independent samples t test analysis determined a significant difference in brooding between the groups (P&lt;0.05). Nonetheless, the two groups did not show any difference in reflection. Conclusion: Considering the higher mean for brooding scores in people with MDD, it is concluded that this population is more likely to adopt this type of passive and maladaptive rumination as a regulatory strategy, which in turn prone depressed people to lower mood.

ЗВ’ЯЗОК ГЕРМАНІЮ ІЗ ЗОЛЬНІСТЮ ТА «ТОКСИЧНИМИ» ЕЛЕМЕНТАМИ У ВУГІЛЛІ НА ПРИКЛАДІ ПЛАСТА с5 ПОЛЯ ШАХТИ БЛАГОДАТНА ЗАХІДНОГО ДОНБАСУ

Purpose. The character and level of the statistical relationship between the content of germanium and “toxic elements” in coal seam c5 of the “Blahodatna” mine and the main features of their distribution were established for the assessment of possible environmental risks during the selective processing of coal enriched with this element. It has been proven that the correlation between germanium and all “toxic” elements is inverse and very weak. The existence of genetically different forms of germanium and arsenic, fluorine, mercury and beryllium was revealed. Methods. The research materials included analysis of 38 coal samples for germanium, beryllium, fluorine, mercury and arsenic, performed in accredited state laboratories after 1981. The content of germanium, beryllium and fluorine was determined by quantitative emission spectral analysis, mercury and arsenic – by atomic absorption analysis. The samples were taken during the work of production enterprises and research organizations with the participation of the authors, using the furrow method of sampling in mine workings and from the core of wells from 1981 to 2018. For primary processing of geochemical data, STATISTICA 13.3 and IBM SPSS Statistics 22 were used to calculate basic statistical characteristics, including mean, standard error of the mean, median, kurtosis, mode, standard deviation, variance, minimum and maximum values, coefficient of variation, and sample skewness . Frequency histograms were created for visual assessment of the studied parameters, as well as the characteristics of their distribution were determined. To achieve the objectives of the study, correlation and regression analyzes were carried out using the functions available in Micromine – the leading professional mining and geological information system for 3D modeling, statistical data processing and mining planning. Results. It was established that a general feature of the distribution of ash content, germanium, arsenic, fluorine, mercury and beryllium in the c5 coal seam of the Blahodatna mine field is their non-compliance with normal and lognormal laws and the polymodality of the distributions with a shift of the density nuclei to the left, except for beryllium and germanium. Each of the studied elements in seam c5 of the “Blahodatna” mine accumulated in several forms, which differed significantly in their genesis. At the same time, the forms of finding, which are responsible for the minimum contents, were jointly accumulated at the initial, syngenetic stage. The presence of an inverse and very weak correlation between germanium concentrations and ash content, arsenic, fluorine, and mercury contents in the c5 coal seam of the Blahodatna mine was revealed. The only element considered that forms a very weak positive correlation with germanium is beryllium. Scientific novelty of the results. The presence of genetically different forms of germanium and arsenic, fluorine, mercury and beryllium in coal seam c5 of the Blahodatna mine was revealed. The polymodality of the distributions was established for all the considered components, while the displacement of the density of their distribution to the left was proved, except for germanium and beryllium. It has been proven that the correlation between germanium and ash content and all “toxic” elements (except beryllium) is inverse and very weak. Practical significance of the results. Justification of the method of the most accurate assessment of the central tendency in the distribution of a sample population of concentrations of germanium and arsenic, fluorine, mercury and beryllium in coal seam c5 of the “Blahodatna” mine. The presence of a very weak correlation between the content of germanium and “toxic” elements makes it possible to predict the minimal nature of possible environmental risks during the selective processing of germanium-enriched coal.

Progesterone circulation and follicular growth in adapted Bos taurus cows.

The creole breed Blanco Orejinegro (Bos taurus adapted) is an important animal genetic resource in Colombia. However, very little is known about the reproductive physiology of the breed. The objective was to determine the dynamics of progesterone circulation and follicular growth in Blanco Orejinegro cows throughout the estrous cycle. Fifteen cyclic Blanco Orejinegro cows were used and subjected to hormonal protocol for estrous and ovulation synchronization. Once the time of ovulation was identified by monitoring the ovarian dynamics with ultrasonography equipment. For description of the results, the mean was used as a measure of central tendency and the standard error of the mean. Statistical analysis was longitudinal descriptive. Blood samples were collected every 24 hr throughout the estrous cycle for serum quantification of progesterone (P4), monitoring of corpus luteum (CL) growth dynamics and follicular dynamics. It was possible to verify that 76.92% of the Blanco Orejinegro cows presented two follicular waves during the estrous cycle and the highest circulating levels of P4 (> 6.00 ng mL-1) were observed on the 14th day of the estrous cycle. It was concluded that the creole cows of the Blanco Orejinegro breed presented two follicular waves per estrous cycle. In addition to, the size of the CL was consistent with the secretion of progesterone presenting higher circulating levels at the end of the luteal phase.