Three-year Observation Period Research Articles

220. SHORT-AND LONG-TERM OUTCOMES OF ROBOT ASSISTED MINIMALLY INVASIVE ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER: A PROPENSITY SCORE-MATCHED STUDY

Abstract Background Conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy (C-MIE) for esophageal cancer has become widespread and standardized. In Japan, robot-assisted MIE (RAMIE) has been covered by national health insurance since 2018. However, the superiority of RAMIE over conventional MIE remains controversial. In this study, we will clarify the short-and long-term outcomes of RAMIE compared to C-MIE. Methods Short-term outcomes were compared using propensity score-matching (PSM) for C-MIE group (324 cases) and RAMIE group (101 cases) performed from 2010 to 2023. Long-term outcomes were compared using PSM for C-MIE group (313 cases) and RAMIE group (69 cases) up to 2021, when a minimum three-year observation period was available. Covariates for PSM were age, sex, tumor location, histological type, cT, cN, preoperative treatment, abdominal approach, and range of lymph node dissection. Results For short-term outcomes, 96 cases were included in each group after PSM. There were no significant differences in age, sex, tumor location, histological type, cT, cN, and preoperative treatment. Operative time was significantly longer in RAMIE group than in C-MIE group (overall procedure: 657 vs. 764 min, P<0.001; thoracic prpcedure: 306 vs. 411 min, P<0.001). Blood loss was significantly lower in RAMIE group than in C-MIE group (145 vs. 64 ml, P<0.001). The rate of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (Clavien-Dindo classification, Grade II or higher) was significantly lower in RAMIE group than in C-MIE group (10% vs. 0%, P<0.001). There were no significant differences in the rates of anastomotic leakage and postoperative pneumonia between both groups (P=0.159, 0.709). For long-term outcomes, 69 cases were included in each group after PSM. The 3-year overall survival rate was 70.8% in C-MIE group and 77.1% in RAMIE group, and the 3-year disease-free survival rate was 63.5% in C-MIE group and 58.8% in RAMIE group, both showing no significant difference (P=0.406, P=0.651). Conclusions RAMIE has the potential to reduce recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy compared to C-MIE and long-term outcomes for both procedures were comparable.

Usefulness of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-Related Procedures for Gallstone Pancreatitis.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) are said to be useful procedures for gallstone pancreatitis. However, there have been few reports on a large number of patients to whom they were used. The clinical usefulness of ERCP and EST is herein examined retrospectively. ERCP and EST were performed to evaluate their clinical usefulness and safety in 108 patients who had gallbladder stones from December 1985 to October 2017 and were diagnosed as having gallstone pancreatitis. Of 108 patients, 83 were mild, and 25 were severe. Following the procedures, clinical courses were observed for three years in 108 patients who underwent the treatments. Cholangiogram was successfully conducted in 108 patients. Bile duct stones were noted in 90 patients, and the stones were removed after EST. Of 18 patients who did not show bile duct stone in cholangiogram, 13 patients underwent EST, while five patients taking anticoagulants completed procedures only with cholangiogram. Accidental symptom was hemorrhage in three patients (2.7%; 3/108), but it was mild and conservatively resolving. During the three-year observation period, acute cholangitis was noted in three patients (2.7%; 3/108), but no relapsing pancreatitis was noted. It was suggested that ERCP and EST could be useful therapies for gallstone pancreatitis.

THE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY AND COMPANY SIZE AFFECTING FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND DIVIDEND POLICY

Investment is no longer limited to the upper class; it now includes participation from the lower middle class as well. This research was conducted at the Indonesia Stock Exchange with a sample size of 45. The sample comprised 15 companies with a three-year observation period. Based on the outcomes of this research, researchers can draw the following conclusions: Investment Opportunity Set (IOS) and firm size exhibit a positive influence on financial performance. However, company performance also serves as a mediator in the relationship between firm size and its impact on dividend policy. The practical implication for investors is to take into account variables that have been demonstrated to influence dividend policy when making investment decisions, with the aim of maximizing profits from dividends. For companies, it is essential to recognize that these variables, particularly the allure of dividends, can become a compelling attraction for the company itself.

The Effect of Profitability, Financial Leverage, Firm Size, Dividend Policy, and Stock Value on Income Smoothing in Food and Beverages Companies Listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2020-2022

Income smoothing is the intentional normalizing of profits to a specified level or trend. Smoothing is an attempt by the company's management to lessen anomalous variations in profitability, to the extent permitted by solid accounting and management standards. This study aims to explore the effects of many factors, including stock value, dividend policy, firm size, profitability, and financial leverage, on income smoothing approaches. The population of the study consisted of the 84 food and beverage companies that were listed on IDX between 2020 and 2022. The sampling process provides 20 companies for a three-year observation period using a purposive sample method. Logistic regression analysis is used in the data analysis process using the SPSS 26 program. The study's findings indicate that income smoothing is influenced by all variables at the same time. Variable dividend policies significantly have effect on income smoothing, partially. However, there is no effect between the factors of stock value, company size, profitability, or leverage.

ANALYSIS OF THE FACTORS AFFECTING THE APPLICATION OF CONSERVATISM IN ACCOUNTING

The application of accounting conservatism in the presentation and disclosure of financial information is important and necessary because of the flexibility of management in presenting financial statements with overstated tendencies that can mislead the use of financial statements. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of capital intensity, debt covenant, and managerial ownership, both tested one by one and tested together on accounting conservatism in manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDX). The research population is manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during the 2018-2020 period. Sample selection using purposive sampling method with predetermined criteria. Based on these criteria, a sample of 88 companies was obtained during the three-year observation period. The data used is secondary data. This study uses multiple linear regression analysis and hypothesis testing using the t-test, F test, and coefficient of determination test. The results showed that the factors that positively affect accounting conservatism are capital intensity and managerial ownership. While the debt covenant factor does not affect conservatism

Results of long-term riociguat therapy, including a switching strategy from sildenafil, in patients with pulmonary hypertension of various genesis

Aim: to study the influence of riociguat on the functional and hemodynamic status, remodeling of the right heart, as well as the safety of therapy in both previously untreated patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and inoperable chronic thromboembolic PH (CTEPH), and those not achieved treatment goals with sildenafil therapy and switching to riociguat.Materials and methods. A total of 161 pts with precapillary PH were included in the study; 137 pts completed the three-year observation period. Of 55 IPAH pts riociguat was started after diagnosis verification in 39 pts (subgroup 1); 16 pts previously taking sildenafil who did not achieve treatment goals comprised subgroup 2 of switching to riociguat. Of 82 inoperable CTEPH pts riociguat was started in 45 naїve pts; a switching strategy riociguat was implemented in 37 pts after 24-hour withdrawal of sildenafil. The dose titration of riociguat was started from 1 mg TID according to the standard algorithm up to 7.5 mg/day. By month 36 92.4% and 94.8% of pts with IPAH and CTEPH, respectively, received 7.5 mg/day. At baseline, at month 12, 24 and 36 all pts underwent a 6-minute walking test (6MWT) with the assessment of the dyspnea index according to the Borg scale and SpO2, echocardiography (Echo), right heart catheterization (RHC), and the safety profile was assessed.Results. At baseline, the proportion of pts with FC III-IV in CTEPH group compared to IPAH group, was significantly higher (70.7% vs 41.8%)); the distance in T6MX (d6MWT) was 291 [232;385] m vs 379 [300;448] m (p<0.001). CTEPH pts had lower values of sPAP, PVR, SaO2 and SvO2 assessed by RHC. In the switching subgroups 2 of pts with IPAH and CTEPH, achieved levels of sPAP (p=0.01), sRAP (p=0.001) and PVR (p=0.01) (RHC) were significantly lower than in subgroups 1. The baseline levels of CI and SV were significantly higher in subgroups 2 (p<0.05). During riociguat treatment in both subgroups of IPAH, a significant increase in d6MWT was achieved by 6 months with FC I-II (WHO) in 75% and 70% of patients. In the subgroup 1 to 36 months the greatest increase by 97m was achieved; in the switching subgroup the increase in d6MWT was noticed by month 6, which was maintained by month 36. In CTEPH patients, there was a significant improvement in FC (p=0.001) with ∆dT6MX 48m (p=0.001). In subgroup 1 with CTEPH, the d6MWT increase was 68.2m (p = 0.001), reaching 82.6m by month 36. In subgroup 2 the significant change of d6MWT were noted by the 1st year of FU, reaching 136.6m by month 36. In IPAH and CTEPH pts by month 36 of riociguat therapy, a significant decrease of mPAP, SPAP were found by echo, which was confirmed by RHC; there was a decrease in the basal size of the right ventricle (RV) (p=0.04) and an increase in RV FAC (p=0.04 and p=0.03, respectively). In subgroups 1, ∆SvO2 in ts with IPAH and CTEPH were significantly higher compared to subgroups 2. During FU period the proportion of low-risk pts increased to 26.7% in IPAH group and 44.8% in CTEPH group at month 36. In subgroups 2 riociguat therapy resulted in maintenance of treatment regimens throughout the year. Only 6.2% of pts by month 24 and 36 required the prescription of a 3d specific drug. No serious adverse events (AEs) were observed during treatment. The most common AEs were nasopharyngitis, nasal congestion, and dyspnea.Conclusions: Riociguat therapy for 36 months demonstrated a persistent positive effect on the functional and hemodynamic status, remodeling of the right heart both in previously untreated patients with IPH and inoperable CTEPH, and in patients from the switching groups who did not achieve treatment goals with sildenafil therapy.

Pengaruh Firm Size, Likuiditas, Leverage Dan Profitabilitas Terhadap Nilai Perusahaan Pada Perusahaan Manufaktur Sub Sektor Barang Konsumsi Yang Terdaftar Di Bursa Efek Indonesia

This study examines how business size, liquidity, leverage, and profitability affect firm value in Indonesia Stock Exchange-listed supply products manufacturing companies between 2019 and 2021. Earlier corporate value study had mixed results. Therefore, more research is needed to retest company worth. The survey sampled 47 consumer products manufacturers. For the three-year observation period (2019–2021), 13 business samples were purposefully sampled with 39 observations. The Indonesian Stock Exchange website provided the sample businesses and research data. Research data obtained from the Indonesian Stock Exchange website, where sample businesses were found. The data analysis approach began with descriptive statistics, classical assumption test, multiple regression analysis, and hypothesis testing. Corporate size, liquidity, leverage, and profitability affect firm value. According to research, only profitability increases firm worth significantly. Significant to firm value. Liquidity boosts corporate value but not significantly. Leverage and firm size have minimal impact on firm value

Determinan Konservatisme Akuntansi Pada Perusahaan Real Estate dan Properti

This study aims to examine the effect of profitability, company size, capital intensity, leverage, and growth opportunities on accounting conservatism in the property and real estate sector listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in 2019-2021. The objects of this research are companies in the property and real estate sector that are listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in the 2019-2021 period. The sampling technique in this study was a purposive sample and the samples used were 30 samples obtained from 10 companies with a three-year observation period 2019-2021. By using data analysis techniques in the form of multiple regression analysis using the SPSS. The results of this study indicate that the variable profitability has a negative effect on accounting conservatism and capital intensity, growth opportunity has an effect on accounting conservatism. Meanwhile, firm size and leverage have no effect on accounting conservatism.

Minimally invasive techniques for lateral maxillary sinus floor elevation: small lateral window and one-stage surgery—a 2–5-year retrospective study

This study aimed to introduce a minimally invasive technique for maxillary sinus floor elevation using the lateral approach (lSFE) and to determine the factors that influence the stability of the grafted area in the sinus cavity. Thirty patients (30 implants) treated with lSFE using minimally invasive techniques from 2015 to 2019 were included in the study. Five aspects of the implant (central, mesial, distal, buccal, and palatal bone heights [BHs]) were measured using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) before implant surgery, immediately after surgery (T0), 6 months after surgery (T1), and at the last follow-up visit (T2). Patients’ characteristics were collected. A small bone window (height, (4.40 ± 0.74) mm; length, (6.26 ± 1.03) mm) was prepared. No implant failed during the follow-up period (3.67 ± 1.75) years. Three of the 30 implants exhibited perforations. Changes in BH of the five aspects of implants showed strong correlations with each other and BH decreased dramatically before second-stage surgery. Residual bone height (RBH) did not significantly influence BH changes, whereas smoking status and type of bone graft materials were the potentially influential factors. During the approximate three-year observation period, lSFE with a minimally invasive technique demonstrated high implant survival rate and limited bone reduction in grafted area. In conclusion, lSFE using minimally invasive techniques was a viable treatment option. Patients who were nonsmokers and whose sinus cavity was filled with deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) had significantly limited bone resorption in grafted area.

The Effect Of Growth Opportunities, Company Size And Profitability On Accounting Conservatism In Lq45 Companies For The Period 2019-2021

This research aims to ascertain how the result of growth opportunities, company size and profitability on accounting conservatism. The object of this study is companies included in the LQ45 index for the years 2019 to 2021The information used in this study comes from the financial statements listed for the 2019–2021 period on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The number of LQ45 companies sampled was 13 companies with a three-year observation period. The total sample of this study with the purposive sampling research method was 39. The dependent variable in this study is accounting conservatism, while the independent variables are growth opportunities, company size and profitability. In this work, multiple linear regression analysis is used for hypothesis testing. The findings of this research are growth opportunities have a significant negative effect on accounting conservatism, company size has a negative and insignificant effect on accounting conservatism and profitability has a positive and insignificant effect on accounting conservatism.

Tерриториальная дифференциация уровня жизни населения Cеверного Kавказа

Introduction. One of the indicators characterizing the difference of socio-economic development of any state, subject and municipality is the standard of living of the population. The article analyzes the standard of living of the population of the regions of the North Caucasus economic region. Materials and research methods. The article puts forward a solution to the problem of developing an integral indicator of the living standard based on the method of summing the points. Data from open statistical sources of the Federal State Statistics Service and the Unified interdepartmental information and statistical system database of 2018, 2019 and 2020 are used as an information basis. Based on the results of average values obtained over a three-year observation period, a rating and subsequent typology of regions were specified. In total, five groups of territories with different indicators of the living standard were identified, and their mapping was carried out. Research results and their discussion. The article analyzes the dynamics of the integral indicator of the living standard in individual regions. Distinctive features are established and a component-by-component analysis of the components of the living standard by groups of regions with different parameters is performed. The features of the territorial differentiation of the North Caucasus are revealed both in terms of integral and specific indicators. Conclusion. The integral index of the living standard makes it possible to assess the nature of the well-being of the population of individual territories, although it does not always take into account the disproportions between individual indicators, which are leveled when they are integrated. The living standard of the population in the regions of the North Caucasus economic region in some cases lags behind the average one in Russia, which is especially noticeable in terms of material well-being. Significant inter-regional inequality in terms of living standards has been established. Particularly low parameters are characteristic of ethnic republics.

Space-time analysis of the phytocenotic cover of the mining and industrial landscapes of the right-bank forest-steppe

In the proposed article we highlight the peculiarities of the formation of phytocenotic cover within the limits of quarry-dumping complexes of mining and industrial landscapes of Right-Bank Forest-Steppe. It was determined, that the formation of such anthropogenic landscapes depends on the general natural conditions of the territories, production features and the method of mineral extraction. According to the definition of T.A. Rabotnov, within the formed manmade substrates, the emergence of primary succession is possible due to the presence of plant rudiments in the deposits or the ingress of plant diaspores from the outside, which distribution is directly depends on the individual ecotopic conditions within the pits. Therefore, the purpose of our research is to determine the influence of ecotopic conditions on the formation of phytocenotic cover of the mining and industrial landscapes of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe (on the example of the Andriykovetskyy sand quarry). In order to explore the trends and rates of changes in this area, the dynamics with using photos from different years was determined and landscape maps were created. The Andriykovetskyy sand quarry is a part of the deposits of the Sarmatian layer — the lower geological layer of the upper Miocene of the Neogene period. The investigated territory is characterized by sharp differences in altitude compared to the surrounding agro-ecosystems of related agricultural lands. Breaches, which were caused by mineral extraction processes, are marked by the formed man-made accumulative relief. In the structure of the mining landscape, we highlight the next main areas: the hilly monolithic bottom of the sandpit without vegetation; steep (up to 80°) sandy walls of the quarry without vegetation; hilly loamy-sandy surfaces overgrown with cereal vegetation and various herbs; micro-bumpy surface of sandy loam dumps overgrown with ruderal vegetation; slopes of sandy-loam dumps overgrown with ruderal vegetation, trees and bushes; shaft-shaped embankments overgrown with cereal vegetation and bushes; microbumpy ledges of overburden rocks, overgrown with grass-cereal vegetation and single trees; sloping surfaces overgrown with various herbaceous vegetation; low-lying areas with sufficient moisture, overgrown with moisture-loving vegetation; sandy and loamy areas within the quarry, not occupied by developments. Also, we analyze the changes in vegetation and man-made landscape elements that occurred during the study period: during the three-year observation period, the areas of plant cover within the quarry and the number of species were increased. It was found, that the quarry is characterized by the spread of segetal-ruderal vegetation and the process of synanthropization, which can lead to the loss of typical species diversity

Effect of Firm Size, Profitability and Capital Intensity on Effective Tax Rate (ETR)

This study aims to determine the size of the company, profitability and capital intensity affect the effective tax rate on Manufacturing Companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The period used in this study is 3 (three) years, starting from 2017 to 2019. This study uses a form of quantitative research method. The sampling technique in this study used a purposive sampling method which resulted in 23 manufacturing companies according to existing criteria with a three-year observation period, so that the total sample was 69 companies. The data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression. In addition, there are also descriptive statistical tests and classical assumption tests. In this study, the hypothesis was tested using the t test (partial) and the coefficient of determination (R Square). The statistical program in this study uses SPSS version 18.0. The results obtained based on multiple linear regression analysis indicate that the variables of firm size, profitability and capital intensity affect the effective tax rate. Simultaneously, the variables of firm size, profitability and capital intensity have been shown to have an effect on effective tax rates.

Prognostic factors affecting periodontal regenerative therapy using recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2: A 3-year cohort study.

IntroductionFibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) has been reported to promote periodontal tissue regeneration. However, no study has investigated the long-term prognosis of periodontal regenerative therapy using FGF-2 to date. The aim of this study was to observe the long-term outcomes as well as to investigate the factors affecting the prognosis of periodontal regenerative therapy using FGF-2.MethodsSixty intrabony defects were prospectively investigated for three years after periodontal regenerative therapy with recombinant human FGF-2 (rhFGF-2) by evaluating probing pocket depth (PPD) and radiographic bone defect depth (RBD). The factors influencing RBD were assessed by conducting a multivariate linear regression analysis after adjusting for confounders.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 62.4 ± 13.4 years, and baseline PPD and RBD were 6.1 ± 1.9 mm and 4.5 ± 1.8 mm, respectively. At six months, one year, and three years after surgery, PPD and RBD had significantly improved to 4.2 ± 1.7, 3.7 ± 1.4, 4.0 ± 1.9 mm and to 3.08 ± 2.05, 2.73 ± 1.90, 2.51 ± 2.15 mm, respectively. At the three-year examination, a significant positive association was deteced between RBD reduction and RBD at baseline, while the association was not significant between RBD reduction and the radiographic bony angle, number of bony walls of the defect, or the furcation involvement at baseline.ConclusionsrhFGF-2 was effective for alveolar bone regeneration in patients with periodontitis and maintained the improved parameters over the three-year observation period. The radiographic bone defect depth at baseline was found to be the factor affecting the periodontal regenerative therapy using rhFGF-2 in the intrabony defects.Trial registration numberUMIN000027979.

Relationship between dietary stereotypes and arterial hypertension among residents of Siberia

Objective to evaluate the dynamics and identify the relationship between empirically obtained dietary stereotypes and the presence of arterial hypertension (AH) according to a prospective study among the population of a large region of Siberia.Design and methods. A clinical and epidemiological prospective group study of the population aged 35 to 70 years was carried out. The baseline study included 1124 women (70,3%) and 476 men (29,7%). The mean age was 54,9 ± 9,75 years and 52,6 ± 10,0 years, respectively, p < 0,001. The followup period was 3 years from the first visit of the respondent. An adapted questionnaire (Questionnaire Food Frequency (FFQ)) was used to assess the frequency of food consumption. To identify latent factors (stereotypes of eating behavior), we used factor analysis (method of principal components). The association of eating habits with the presence of AH was assessed using logistic regression analysis. The critical level of significance when testing statistical hypotheses in the study was taken to be ≤ 0,05.Results. In men, the prevalence of AH was the highest among those who adhered to the fruit and vegetable dietary stereotype (75,0%), the minimum was in men who followed the mixed stereotype (60,1 %, p = 0,034). Among women, as well as among men, the maximum prevalence of AH was observed in people with a fruit and vegetable diet (71,1 %), and the minimum was observed in those with a protein-carbohydrate diet (63,2 %, p = 0,049). Among those who followed the fruit and vegetable stereotype, new cases of AH were identified in 30,9 %, protein-carbohydrate — 33,3 %, mixed — 35,7 % (p = 0,846). The structure of nutrition of the population has undergone changes during the observation period. So, 5 main stereotypes of eating behavior were determined: vegetable, protein-carbohydrate, fruit, dairy and mixed. The prevalence of AH did not differ statistically significantly among individuals with different nutritional stereotypes at the prospective stage (p = 0,337): the maximum prevalence of AH was observed among individuals who followed the vegetable stereotype (77,6%), and the minimum — fruit (67,6%). When conducting a logistic regression analysis, after leveling the influence of gender and age, no statistically significant associations were found between nutritional stereotypes and the development of AH.Conclusions. 1. Over three years of observation, the prevalence of AH among residents of a large industrial region of Siberia increased from 66,4% to 72,0%. 2. With the help of factor analysis, three nutrition stereotypes were identified: fruit and vegetable, protein and carbohydrate, and mixed. During the three-year period of observation, the diet of the inhabitants of Siberia has changed: 5 main stereotypes of eating behavior have been identified — vegetable, protein-carbohydrate, fruit, dairy and mixed. 3. At the basic stage, AH was more common among people who followed the fruit and vegetable diet, especially among young men. During the prospective phase of the study — in individuals who preferred the vegetable stereotype.

Results of the study of indicators of dental caries intensity growth in patients with congenital lip and palate incongruity depending on the level of mineralization potential of oral fluid

Aim. To study the indicators of tooth caries intensity growth in patients with congenital cleft lip and palate depending on the mineralizing capacity of mixed saliva.Material and methods. The level of mineralization potential of mixed saliva was studied in 98 children with congenital cleft lip and palate aged 6 to 16 years using the enamel resistance test and the clinical assessment test for the rate of remineralization of the enamel surface.Results. Studies have shown a significant increase in the rate of dental caries among patients with congenital cleft lip and palate and the presence of low levels of oral mineralization.Conclusion. Among the examined cohort of children with low and very low mineralization potential of mixed saliva, the rates of dental caries intensity increase markedly over the entire three-year observation period.

Reproductive behaviour before and after oestrus and oviposition in the captive short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus).

Most of our current knowledge regarding echidna reproductive behaviour is based on qualitative measurements; therefore, it is unclear if specific behavioural cues could be utilised in their captive reproductive management. This study aimed to identify quantitative changes in general and reproductive behaviour of echidna breeding pairs and pregnant females that might facilitate the detection of oestrus and impending oviposition and provide a summary of reproductive behaviour observed in a captive colony over a three-year observation period. Three echidna breeding pairs and two trios were monitored daily for seven reproductive and eight general behaviours during the 2020 breeding season. After confirmed copulation, females were monitored for four egg-laying and eight general behaviours until egg incubation. General observations of reproductive behaviours during the 2018-2020 breeding seasons were recorded as part of routine husbandry. For breeding pairs, there was a significant rate of change over time before and after copulation for the behaviours 'urogenital sniffing', 'rolling' and 'copulation attempt'. For pregnant females, time engaged in 'pacing' significantly increased while 'time eating' and the 'quantity of food eaten' significantly decreased on the day of oviposition. We were not able to identify oestrus from specific behaviours, but our observations suggest that the female echidna's period of receptivity is less than 24h. The frequency that males express 'urogenital sniffing', 'rolling' and 'copulation attempt' toward the female can be used to alert zookeepers that copulation has likely occurred. Increased pacing, reduced feeding time and quantity of food eaten can aid zookeepers to identify impending oviposition. This study demonstrates that there are quantifiable changes in specific echidna behaviours that can be incorporated into zoo husbandry practices to improve the reproductive management of this species.

Impact of fertigation schema on yield and chemical composition of strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa Duch.)

A frequent fertigation of garden strawberry with solute mineral fertiliser in accord with the plant growth phase allows a more efficient mineral nutrient absorption compared to a single application of larger fertiliser amount. Field studies on medium loam-granulometry sod-podzol soil in fruiting garden strawberry plantations were carried out for three years in the Moscow Region to evaluate the impact of fertigation regimes on strawberry yield and the main nutrient content in soil and plant leaves. In study setup, the control crop grew with a no-fertiliser drip irrigation, schema 1 included frequent (once in 3 days) mineral fertiliser drip application at 2-3 g/l, schema 2 — 4-6 g/l solution application twice less often (once in 6 days). Materials and methods. Yield was estimated by weight per plot area unit, plant samples analysed with conventional wet ashing. Nitrate nitrogen was determined in ionometry, exchangeable ammonium — in photocolourimetry, mobile phosphorus and potassium specimens — by the Kirsanov’s CINAO-modified method. The article presents registration data, averaged leaf chemical assays and content dynamics of major soil macronutrients over a three-year observation period. Conclusions. A significant increase in three-year total yield was observed with the mineral fertiliser fertigation schema in the Ducat strawberry cultivar; a supraoptimal phosphorus accumulation in leaves of the Rusich cultivar was facilitated by a less frequent application of concentrated fertiliser solution; a maximal nitrogen amount in Ducat leaves was observed with fractional fertigation; in a lower-yield season, concentrated mineral fertiliser fertigation contributed to the increase of mobile phosphorus and potassium specimens in soil in mid growing season. A greater correlation was observed between the soil content of mobile potassium and its uptake by strawberry plants.

Follow-up study of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with pulmonary hypertension

Objective: To investigate the relationship between clinical characteristics of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and COPD exacerbation over a three-year observation period. Methods: A total of 366 cases of stable COPD patients were enrolled from the Department of Respiratory Medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology. The patients underwent pulmonary function tests(PFT), COPD assessment test (CAT), Saint George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ), transthoracic echocardiogrophy(TTE), chest CT and biochemical detection. The likelihood of PH was evaluated based on the peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) measured by echocardiography at rest and other indicators, which were represented by low, medium, and high probability, respectively. Highly probability was defined as PH. The mean values of the groups were compared using a two-tailed unpaired t test for normally distributed variables. Qualitative data were assessed using a χ2 test. Pearson correlation analysis was performed, and risk factors were analyzed using logistic regression analysis and stepwise regression analysis. P<0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. Results: The prevalence of patients with high likelihood of PH was 18.3% (n=67) in a series of 366 patients with COPD. The median estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure in patients with PH was (51.7±6.7) mmHg(1mmHg=0.133 kPa). There were differences between patients with high likelihood of PH and those with low to moderate likelihood of PH for the following factors: age (76.0 vs. 64.0), body mass index (BMI) [(21.4±6.0) kg/m2 vs. (22.6±7.2)kg/m2], brain natriureticpeptide (BNP) [(50.8±9.1) pg/ml vs. (36.4±8.1) pg/ml], toral number of acute exacerbation in three-year [(6.1±0.1) times vs. (2.8±0.4) times], CAT (17.0 vs. 10.0), SGRQ (48.9 vs. 32.1), carbon monoxide diffusion percentage of predicted value (DLCO%) [(51.9±21.9)% vs. (67.0±22.1)%]; all the differences being statistically significant(mean P<0.05).There was a negative correlation between DLCO% and SPAP (r=-0.28, P<0.01).In patients with high likelihood of PH, the percentage of low attenuation area (LAA%) and interstitial abnormalities in chest CT were higher than those in patients with low to moderate likelihood of PH (56.1% vs. 34.3% and 30.8% vs. 15.6%, mean P<0.05).LAA% ≥ 30% and pulmonary interstitial abnormalities were independent risk factors for pH [beta value were 1.479, 1.065, OR value was (3.640-5.720), 95%CI (1.462-8.571), mean P<0.01]. The ratio of main pulmonary diameter to aortic artery diameter was significantly correlated with estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure(r=-0.35, P<0.01).Age ≥75 years, FEV1%predicted value<50% and the presence of PH increased the likelihood of exacerbations of COPD over three years[beta value (0.459-1.211), OR value (3.643-5.722), 95%CI (1.463-8.904), mean P<0.01]. Conclusions: COPD patients with high likelihood of PH assessed by echocardiography were older, had a lower BMI, and presented with a worse health status compared to those with low to moderate likelihood of PH. The presence of PH assessed by echocardiography was related to future COPD exacerbations in COPD patients, and emphysema was closely related to PH assessed by echocardiography.

Effects of Statins After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Key Patient Populations.

Statin therapy after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI) is associated with better short-term and long-term outcomes. It is of interest to identify specific patient populations that may profit from statin therapy. In this retrospective, observational analysis of 2862 patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis after successful transfemoral TAVI, survival during a three-year observation period was characterized by Kaplan-Meier analyses according to statin therapy. Hazard ratios and potential interactions for specific subgroups of patients were determined by Cox regression analyses. At hospital discharge 1761 patients were on low-intensity or moderate-intensity statins, 246 patients were on high-intensity statins, and 855 patients did not take statins. Statin therapy adherence during the first 3 months post-TAVI was 91%. Mortality rates were 18.5%, 12.9%, and 6.9% for patients with no statin, low-intensity or moderate-intensity statins, and high-intensity statins (P < 0.001). Any statin therapy proved to be effective in patients in different classes of age, risk, and manifest cardiovascular disease and was independent of background medication. Statins were of particular benefit in high-risk patients with coronary artery disease [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.57], ejection fraction <40% (HR = 0.64), or low-flow low-gradient aortic stenosis (HR = 0.58) and showed additional benefit even in patients taking renin-angiotensin system blockers (HR = 0.74). Statins also reduced mortality in patients with malignant disease (HR = 0.47). Our analysis confirmed the beneficial effect of statins on survival after TAVI and documented this phenomenon in key patient subsets. The protective effect of statins in our study is consistent with the cardioprotective mechanisms but must be explained by other, yet undetermined pleiotropic effects of statins.