Total Response Research Articles

Aerodynamics Optimization of Multi-Blade Centrifugal Fan Based on Extreme Learning Machine Surrogate Model and Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

The centrifugal fan is widely used in converting mechanical energy to aerodynamic energy. To improve the pressure of the multi-blade centrifugal fan used in an air purifier, an optimization process was proposed based on extreme learning machine (ELM) combined with particle swarm optimization (PSO). The blade definition position parameter and blade definition radian parameter were designed using the full-factor simulation experimental method. The steady numerical simulation of each experimental point was carried out using ANSYS CFX software. The total pressure of the multi-blade centrifugal fan was selected as the optimization response. The optimized ELM combined with the PSO algorithm considering the total pressure response value and the two multi-blade centrifugal fan parameters were built. The PSO algorithm was used to optimize the approximation blade profile to obtain the optimum parameters of the multi-blade centrifugal fan. The total pressure was improved from 140.6 Pa to 151 Pa through simulation experiment design and improved surrogate optimization. The method used in the article is meant for improving multi-blade centrifugal total pressure. The coupling optimization of impellers, volutes, and air intakes should be comprehensively considered to further improve the performance of centrifugal fans.

Persistent immune and clotting dysfunction detected in saliva and blood plasma after COVID-19

A growing number of studies indicate that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with inflammatory sequelae, but molecular signatures governing the normal versus pathologic convalescence process have not been well-delineated. Here, we characterized global immune and proteome responses in matched plasma and saliva samples obtained from COVID-19 patients collected between 20 and 90 days after initial clinical symptoms resolved. Convalescent subjects showed robust total IgA and IgG responses and positive antibody correlations in saliva and plasma samples. Shotgun proteomics revealed persistent inflammatory patterns in convalescent samples including dysfunction of salivary innate immune cells, such as neutrophil markers (e.g., myeloperoxidase), and clotting factors in plasma (e.g., fibrinogen), with positive correlations to acute COVID-19 disease severity. Saliva samples were characterized by higher concentrations of IgA, and proteomics showed altered myeloid-derived pathways that correlated positively with SARS-CoV-2 IgA levels. Beyond plasma, our study positions saliva as a viable fluid to monitor normal and aberrant immune responses including vascular, inflammatory, and coagulation-related sequelae.

Verbal problem-solving in agenesis of the corpus callosum: Analysis using semantic similarity.

Previous studies demonstrated that individuals with agenesis of the corpus callosum (AgCC) experience difficulties in novel and complex problem-solving. The present study investigated verbal problem-solving, deductive reasoning, and semantic inference in AgCC. Capacity for semantic inference was tested in 25 individuals with AgCC and normal-range intelligence compared to 29 neurotypical controls. The Word Context Test (WCT) of Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System was used, employing a novel method of analysis (semantic similarity) to detect trial-by-trial progress toward a solution. With respect to the typical WCT scores, persons with AgCC had fewer total consecutive correct responses. In addition, semantic similarity to the correct word was significantly lower overall in persons with AgCC than in controls. These findings indicated that individuals with AgCC who have intelligence in the normal range are less able at the WCT taking all trials into account, although they often solve the problem eventually. This outcome is consistent with previous research indicating that callosal absence in AgCC results in a restricted imagination for possibilities, limiting their problem-solving and inferential capacities. The results also highlight the usefulness of semantic similarity as a means of scoring the WCT. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Plant growth-promoting bacterial consortia improved the physiology and growth of maize by regulating osmolytes and antioxidants balance under salt-affected field conditions

This study was undertaken to see how microbial consortia influenced maize development and yield under salt-affected conditions. The efficacy of the pre-isolated bacterial strains Burkholderia phytofirmans, Bacillussubtilis, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Pseudomonas syringae and Pseudomonas fluorescens to decrease the detrimental effects of salt on maize was tested in four distinct combinations using Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. The results revealed that these strains were compatible and collaborated synergistically, with an 80% co-aggregation percentage under salt-affected conditions. Following that, these strains were tested for their ability to increase maize growth and yield under salt-affected field conditions. The photosynthetic rate (11–50%), relative water content (10–34%), and grain yield (13–21%) of maize were all increased by these various combinations. However, when Burkholderia phytofirmans, Enterobacter aerogenes and Pseudomonas fluorescens were combined, the greatest increase was seen above the un-inoculated control. Furthermore, as compared to the un-inoculated control, the same combination resulted in a 1.5-fold increase in catalase and a 2.0-fold increase in ascorbate concentration. These findings showed that a multi-strain consortium might boost maize's total yield response as a result of better growth under salt stress.

Improving students’ vocabulary competence by using total physical response method to junior high school students in Manokwari, West Papua Province-Indonesia

The purpose of this research is to improve students’ ability in teaching vocabulary through Total Physical Response method. The method of this research was classroom action research, which was conducted in two cycles. The focus of this research was the 8th grade of the 15 Junior high school in Manokwari West Papua Province, Indonesia in the first semester, year 2020/2021. The research instruments were pre-test, observation sheet, and lesson plan. The findings shows that the result of data analysis through pre-test, post-test1 and post-2, the mean score of pre –test was 54.5 in “Fair” category. Students had improvement on post-test 1 after implementing the first treatment was 74.42 in “Good” category and the significant improvement after implementing the second and third treatment on the last post-test was 82.04 in “very good” category. Based on the result of the test, it showed that Total Physical Response method can enhance students’ ability in teaching vocabulary.

Socioeconomic and Demographic Risk Factors of Child Sexual Abuse in Pakistan: A Case Study of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

Child sexual abuse is a harsh reality and a threat of harm to children. Pakistan’s high population growth and increasing poverty has resulted in child labor on streets. Children are exposed to all forms of abuse including sexual exploitation. The main objective of this study is to find out the risk factors of child sexual abuse. The present study has been conducted in the capital city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. The respondents have been selected from places where children are found most often, selling products, or wondering in search of jobs. Primary data was collected through semi-structured questionnaire using snowball sampling. The total response was found at 50, including Pakistani and Afghan refugees’ children. According to the results 76% children are deprived of their parents’ proper attention, 96% are very poor and just earning below Rs. 8000, 66% are in the age group of 8 to 12 years, 72% of the respondents have only one room in their house, 78% respondents are not enrolled in school; about 22 % sample respondents left the school early, 64% of the respondent having large family size (family members more then 6), and 98% of the victims were out of homes for earnings. It is concluded that the main risk factors of child abuse consist of poverty, child labor, large family size, school dropout, and low parental warmth. With respect to most of the variables, no significant difference was found between the two nationals.

Causes Associated with the Growing Number of Street Children in Urban Cities of Indonesia

The central object of this research study was to find out the roots of the increasing number of street children in major urban cities of Indonesia. This research planned to find out the extent of poverty; domestic violence, family dysfunction, and wanted for freedom have increased the number of street children. The survey strategy used in this research, researchers used a survey strategy, the study target population consisted of street children working and living on the street. The interview and close-ended Questionnaire were used in this study to gather data from the respondents and out of three hundred and eighty-four (384) who were sampled three hundred eighty-one (381) of them responded, the total response rate was ninety-nine (99) percent. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for Data analysis. The research findings established that poverty, economic deprivation, low of home, domestic violence at home by parents, and family dysfunction have generally had an impact on street children. The former street children face difficulties and isolation due to stigma.

No impact of helminth coinfection in patients with smear positive tuberculosis on immunoglobulin levels using a novel method measuring Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific antibodies

Helminth/tuberculosis (TB)-coinfection can reduce cell-mediated immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and increase disease severity, although the effects are highly helminth species dependent. Mtb have long been ranked as the number one single infectious agent claiming the most lives. The only licensed vaccine for TB (BCG) offers highly variable protection against TB, and almost no protection against transmission of Mtb. In recent few years the identification of naturally occurring antibodies in humans that are protective during Mtb infection has reignited the interest in adaptive humoral immunity against TB and its possible implementation in novel TB vaccine design. The effects of helminth/TB coinfection on the humoral response against Mtb during active pulmonary TB are however still unclear, and specifically the effect by globally prevalent helminth species such as Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Ancylostoma duodenale, Trichuris trichiura. Plasma samples from smear positive TB patients were used to measure both total and Mtb-specific antibody responses in a Peruvian endemic setting where these helminths are dominating. Mtb-specific antibodies were detected by a novel approach coating ELISA-plates with a Mtb cell-membrane fraction (CDC1551) that contains a broad range of Mtb surface proteins. Compared to controls without helminths or TB, helminth/TB coinfected patients had high levels of Mtb-specific IgG (including an IgG1 and IgG2 subclass response) and IgM, which were similarly increased in TB patients without helminth infection. These data, indicate that helminth/TB coinfected have a sustained humoral response against Mtb at the level of active TB only. More studies on the species-specific impact of helminths on the adaptive humoral response against Mtb using a larger sample size, and in relation to TB disease severity, are needed.

Curative effect of medicine cake sticking ultrasound drug penetration combined with body training on hemiplegia after stroke: An in vitro ultrasound targeted drug controlled release technology

To explore the efficacy of ultrasound drugs in the treatment of hemiplegia after stroke. The evaluation included clinical symptoms and signs, the Stroke Scale, activities of daily living, sensory disorder Fugl-Meyer and Lindmark, electromyography sensory nerve amplitude, and conduction velocity indexes in both groups. There was no significant difference in the improved Fugl-Meyer and Lindmark score between treatment (26.97 ± 2.78) and the control group (27.45 ± 3.1) (t = 14.528, P = 0.593). After treatment, the observation group (37.10 ± 4.2) was significantly different from the control group (34.76 ± 4.36) (t = 11.259, P = 0.005) and (t = 10.15 ± 1.69), (40.87 ± 6.58) (t = 7.943,9.538, P = 0.564,0.826). After treatment, the observation group the Stroke Scale (4.27 ± 0.57), activities of daily living score (76.15 ± 12.38) and the control group (5.36 ± 0.89), (58.41 ± 9.69) (t = 16.274,5.379, P = 0.035,0.000) after treatment and F wave and M wave. The cure rate of the observation group was 77.50% (31/40), which was significantly better than that of the control group, 47.50% (19/40), with a significant difference (χ2 = 11.724,P = 0.000). After comparison, the total response rate of the observed group reached 92.500% (37 / 40), which was significantly higher than the 80.00% (32 / 40) of the control group. This difference was statistically significant (χ 2 = 9.458, P = 0.015). This therapy closely links the theoretical knowledge of modern medicine with the theoretical knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine, and uses the meridian theory to give full play to the unique advantages of traditional Chinese medicine.

Improving Young Learners’ Vocabulary Trough TPR (Total Physical Response) With Song

The research was based on a preliminary study on the causes of problems related to the students’ inability to memorize vocabulary in English. This research was aimed at finding out the effectiveness of using the TPR (Total Physical Response) with song to improve vocabulary mastery of 3rd grade students at SDN Darsono 04 Jember in the academic year 2022/2023. The researcher designing the lesson plans, implementing the actions, making observations and reflecting on the results. The subjects of this research study were 3rd grader students from SDN Darsono 04 Jember in the academic year 2022/2023. This research was conducted in two cycles following the procedures for action research, namely planning, implementing, observing and reflecting. To collect data, the researcher used instruments of observation and test. The data obtained were presented quantitatively. The findings showed that TPR with song method were effective in improving students' vocabulary. This can be seen in the improvements after each cycle. Prior to the research, only one of the students scored above the KKM. In the first cycle, 3 out of 8 students who entered scored above the KKM. Whereas in the second cycle, 8 out of 8 students scored above the KKM. This means that the students responded positively to the implementation of this method.

English Learning Assistance Using Interactive Media for Children with Special Needs to Improve Growth and Development

Background. Children with special needs (ABK) are children who are in several ways different from other children in general. Among the crew members are Special Children (ALB), which consists of children who are blind, deaf, mentally retarded, quadriplegic, mentally disabled and double disabled. Some of the main things that need to be considered in the learning process for ALB are teachers, learning methods, learning approaches, infrastructure and learning support media (teaching aids). Purpose. The purpose of this community service activity is to solve the problems faced by partners in the English learning process, namely when a disorder results in disruption in daily functioning, especially in learning, the student requires special services (children with special educational needs) and requires specific learning methods in addition to appropriate and interactive learning media. Method. The solution offered to overcome this problem is the optimization of teaching methods. The recommended approach in the English language assistance activities for the Cilacap State Polytechnic PkM Team is in the form of prompts and demonstrations. Meanwhile, teaching English can use total physical response (TPR) by maximizing lip reading technique in addition to maximizing the use of flash cards to attract students' interest and focus. Results. The results obtained from this community service activity are increasing the ability of children with special needs to say a few simple words in English. The growth and development of children with special needs increase after the community service activities are completed. This is shown from the evaluation results carried out by the service team by conducting a post-test on ABK. Conclusion. To get significant results, namely increasing the growth and development of ABK, especially in the pronunciation of words in English, it is better if this activity is carried out regularly in the future.

Analysing the Applicability of ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing to Generate Reasoning-Based Multiple-Choice Questions in Medical Physiology.

Background Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving in the medical education system. ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Microsoft Bing are AI-based models that can solve problems in medical education. However, the applicability of AI to create reasoning-based multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in the field of medical physiology is yet to be explored. Objective We aimed to assess and compare the applicability of ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing in generating reasoning-based MCQs for MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) undergraduate students on the subject of physiology. Methods The National Medical Commission of India has developed an 11-module physiology curriculum with various competencies. Two physiologists independently chose a competency from each module. The third physiologist prompted all three AIs to generate five MCQs for each chosen competency. The two physiologists who provided the competencies rated the MCQs generated by the AIs on a scale of 0-3 for validity, difficulty, and reasoning ability required to answer them. We analyzed the average of the two scores using the Kruskal-Wallis test to compare the distribution across the total and module-wise responses, followed by a post-hoc test for pairwise comparisons. We used Cohen's Kappa (Κ) to assess the agreement in scores between the two raters. We expressed the data as a median with an interquartile range. We determined their statistical significance by a p-value <0.05. Results ChatGPT and Bard generated 110 MCQs for the chosen competencies. However, Bing provided only 100 MCQs as it failed to generate them for two competencies. The validity of the MCQs was rated as 3 (3-3) for ChatGPT, 3 (1.5-3) for Bard, and 3 (1.5-3) for Bing, showing a significant difference (p<0.001) among the models. The difficulty of the MCQs was rated as 1 (0-1) for ChatGPT, 1 (1-2) for Bard, and 1 (1-2) for Bing, with a significant difference (p=0.006). The required reasoning ability to answer the MCQs was rated as 1 (1-2) for ChatGPT, 1 (1-2) for Bard, and 1 (1-2) for Bing, with no significant difference (p=0.235). K was ≥ 0.8 for all three parameters across all three AI models. Conclusion AI still needs to evolve to generate reasoning-based MCQs in medical physiology. ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing showed certain limitations. Bing generated significantly least valid MCQs, while ChatGPT generated significantly least difficult MCQs.

Meningkatkan Kosa Kata, Pengucapan Kata, dan Motivasi Belajar Bahasa Inggris Siswa Melalui Penerapan Metode Pembelajaran Total Physical Responses [Increasing Vocabulary, Pronunciation, and motivation to Study English Through Implementation of Total Physical Responses

&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="1eAbstract-text"&gt;Mastering English language is very important because it is the most spoken language in global interaction. In order to master English, early age linguistic education is required. Therefore, the most suitable method used in this research is the Total Physical Responses (TPR), which emphasizes on vocabulary, pronunciation, and motivation to study English. The purposes of this research are: 1) to increase English vocabulary by using the TPR teaching method in Kindergarten A at Ehipassiko School BSD; 2) to increase English pronunciation by using the TPR teaching method in Kindergarten A Ehipassiko School BSD; 3) to increase motivation to study English by using the TPR teaching method in Kindergarten A Ehipassiko School BSD. This research was conducted in Kindergarten A Ehipassiko School BSD with participants of 18 students, consists of 8 boys and 10 girls. The type of this research is pre-experimental research. The results showed an increased vocabulary, pronunciation, and motivation to study English through the method of TPR. It can be seen from the results of the N-Gain, vocabulary 0.755 was in the high category, the pronunciation in the medium category was 0.45 and 0.54 for motivation which is fall into the medium category. Based on the results of this research can be concluded that the teaching of English through the TPR teaching method can increase vocabulary, pronunciation, and motivation to study English.&lt;em&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;

Cognitive impairment in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 and short duration myalgic encephalomyelitis patients is mediated by orthostatic hemodynamic changes.

Cognitive impairment is experienced by people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Patients report difficulty remembering, concentrating, and making decisions. Our objective was to determine whether orthostatic hemodynamic changes were causally linked to cognitive impairment in these diseases. This prospective, observational cohort study enrolled PASC, ME/CFS, and healthy controls. All participants underwent clinical evaluation and assessment that included brief cognitive testing before and after an orthostatic challenge. Cognitive testing measured cognitive efficiency which is defined as the speed and accuracy of subject's total correct responses per minute. General linear mixed models were used to analyze hemodynamics and cognitive efficiency during the orthostatic challenge. Additionally, mediation analysis was used to determine if hemodynamic instability induced during the orthostatic challenge mediated the relationship between disease status and cognitive impairment. Of the 276 participants enrolled, 256 were included in this study (34 PASC, 71 < 4 year duration ME/CFS, 69 > 10 year ME/CFS duration, and 82 healthy controls). Compared to healthy controls, the disease cohorts had significantly lower cognitive efficiency scores immediately following the orthostatic challenge. Cognitive efficiency remained low for the >10 year ME/CFS 2 and 7 days after orthostatic challenge. Narrow pulse pressure less than 25% of systolic pressure occurred at 4 and 5 min into the orthostatic challenge for the PASC and ME/CFS cohorts, respectively. Abnormally narrow pulse pressure was associated with slowed information processing in PASC patients compared to healthy controls (-1.5, p = 0.04). Furthermore, increased heart rate during the orthostatic challenge was associated with a decreased procedural reaction time in PASC and < 4 year ME/CFS patients who were 40 to 65 years of age. For PASC patients, both their disease state and hemodynamic changes during orthostatic challenge were associated with slower reaction time and decreased response accuracy during cognitive testing. Reduced cognitive efficiency in <4 year ME/CFS patients was associated with higher heart rate in response to orthostatic stress. Hemodynamic changes did not correlate with cognitive impairment for >10 year ME/CFS patients, but cognitive impairment remained. These findings underscore the need for early diagnosis to mitigate direct hemodynamic and other physiological effects on symptoms of cognitive impairment.

Decreased role of neuropeptides in the microvascular function in migraine patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background and aimsTo understand pathophysiological mechanisms underlying migraine as a cardiovascular risk factor, we studied neuropeptide action and endothelial function as measures of peripheral microvascular function in middle-aged women with or without migraine. MethodsWe included women with the endocrine disorder polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a population with supposed elevated cardiovascular risk, with and without comorbid migraine. In 26 women without and 23 women with migraine in the interictal phase (mean age 50.8 ± 2.9 years) local thermal hyperemia (LTH) of the skin of the volar forearm was measured cross-sectionally under control conditions, after inhibition of neuropeptide release by 5% lidocaine/prilocaine (EMLA) cream application, and after inhibition of nitric oxide formation by iontophoresis of NG-monomethyl-l-arginine (L-NMMA). Hereafter, changes in the natural logarithm of the reactive hyperemia index (lnRHI) and augmentation index (AI) during reperfusion after occlusion-derived ischemia were measured. ResultsWhile mean values under control conditions and L-NMMA conditions were similar, migraine patients had a significantly higher mean area of the curve (AUC) of the total LTH response after EMLA application than those without (86.7 ± 26.5% versus 67.9 ± 24.2%; p = 0.014). This was also reflected by a higher median AUC of the plateau phase under similar conditions in women with migraine compared to those without (83.2% (IQR[73.2–109.5]) versus 73.2% (IQR[54.3–92.0]); p = 0.039). Mean changes in lnRHI and AI scores were similar in both groups. ConclusionsIn PCOS patients with migraine, neuropeptide action was lower compared with those without migraine. While larger studies are warranted, these findings provide a potential mechanism supporting previous findings that migraine may be independent from traditional risk factors, including atherosclerosis.

Air-stable, all-dry transferred ReS2/GaSe heterostructure-based NO2 gas sensor

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have gained considerable attention in chemical sensing owing to their naturally high surface-to-volume ratio. However, the poor response time and incomplete recovery restrict their application in practical, high performance gas sensors. In this work, we fabricated air-stable ReS2/GaSe heterostructure-based NO2 gas sensors with excellent gas sensing response, recovery, selectivity and a low limit of detection (LOD) toward nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The ReS2/GaSe heterostructure was prepared via mechanical exfoliation and an all-dry transfer method. Before the sensing measurements, temperature-dependant transport measurements were carried out. The Schottky Barrier Height (SBH) of the ReS2/GaSe heterostructure was calculated and the corresponding transport mechanisms were discussed. The fabricated gas sensors showed a significant response enhancement with full reversibility toward ppm-level NO2 (response of ∼17% at 3 ppm, a LOD of ∼556 ppb) at an operating temperature of (33 °C). In particular, the total response and recovery time of the ReS2/GaSe was revealed to be less than 4 min (∼38 s and ∼174 s, respectively) for the 250 ppm concentration, which is one of the best response and recovery time toward ppm-level NO2. The excellent sensing performances and recovery characteristics of the ReS2/GaSe structure are attributed to its efficient charge separation, unique interlayer coupling and desirable band alignments. This atomically thin, ultrasensitive gas sensor that operates at room temperature is a strong technological contender to conventional metal oxide gas sensors, which often require elevated temperatures.

Defining the Duty Hour for Surgical Trainees

Being mindful of duty hours has become an integral part of surgical training. Violations can lead to disciplinary action by the American Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), including probation or even withdrawal of accreditation. It is therefore crucial to ensure these hours are accurately reported. However, as these are often self-reported by the resident, what counts as a duty hour is at the discretion of the reporter. The goal of this study is to identify what trainees and faculty include in their definitions of a duty hour. We hypothesized that there would be discrepancies in faculty versus trainee definitions of the duty hour, and that there remains an unclear understanding of which nonclinical activities contribute to surgical trainee duty hours. An anonymous, voluntary survey was conducted at a single institution. The survey contained 14 scenarios, and participants answered either "yes" or "no" as to if they believed the scenario should be counted within duty hour reporting. Analysis of the results included evaluating overall responses to determine which scenarios were more controversial, as well as chi square analysis comparing trainee (residents and fellows) versus faculty responses to each scenario. This survey was performed within the Department of Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, a large academic institution in Dallas, TX. There were 91 total faculty and trainee responses to the voluntary survey within the General Surgery Department and associated subspecialties, including 50 residents (54.9%), 4 clinical fellows (4.4%) and 37 faculty (40.7%). When analyzing total responses, the most controversial scenarios were taking a short period of home call (50.6% of all respondents included this as a duty hour), making a presentation for resident education (48.4%), making a presentation related to patient care (57.1%), and making a monthly call schedule (44.0%). The least controversial topic was transit to and from work (91.2% of all respondents did not include this as a duty hour). Additionally, there were statistically significant differences between trainee and faculty perceptions when it came to attending departmental curricula (96.2% trainees included as a duty hour v 81.6% faculty, p =0.02), participating in nonmandatory journal club (5.7% trainees v 23.7% faculty, p =0.01), and attending mentorship meetings (30.2% trainees v 52.6% faculty, p =0.03). There is no consensus as to what nonclinical activities formally count towards a duty hour. There are also significant differences identified between faculty and trainee definitions, which could have implications for duty hour reporting and ACGME violations. Further research is required to obtain a clearer picture of the surgical opinion on defining the duty hour, and hopefully this will reduce duty hour violations and better optimize surgical trainee education.

P-094 Dynamics of progesterone-induced intracellular Ca2+ changes in sperm predicts zygote formation rate by IVF: Preliminary results

Abstract Study question Can the overall intracellular Ca2+ dynamics evoked by progesterone stimulation predict the fertilizing potential of a non-normozoospermic semen sample under fertility treatment? Summary answer Some kinetic parameters of the transient intracellular Ca2+ increase evoked by progesterone stimulation correlate with fertilization rates in conventional IVF but not with ICSI. What is known already Stimulation with female hormone progesterone induces the activation of the sperm-specific ion channel CatSper which in turn produces a fast increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). After reaching a maximum [Ca2+]i, different Ca2+ clearance mechanisms become active producing a transient followed by a plateau. We investigated whether the [Ca2+]i dynamics upon progesterone stimulus may be used to assess the fertilizing potential of sperm samples from men undergoing assisted reproduction. Study design, size, duration This prospective study employed unidentified semen samples from 39 non-normozoospermic men (age 38 ± 6 years old) undergoing fertility treatment from March 2022 to the present at CITMER Reproductive Medicine, Mexico City. Frozen semen samples and ART procedures with less than 3 oocytes were excluded. Ten normozoospermic semen samples were also analyzed. The progesterone-dependent [Ca2+]i changes were evaluated using time-lapse flow cytometry. Participants/materials, setting, methods Semen samples were obtained on the same day as oocyte retrieval. Sperm cells were washed and incubated in capacitating HTF media for further use in conventional IVF or ICSI procedures. When available, the surplus cells were stained with vitality and Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent dyes. Fluorescence changes were evaluated by AccuriC6 flow cytometer. Progesterone-induced [Ca2+]i transient as well as the correlations with the fertilization rates were calculated using custom-made R programming language code. Main results and the role of chance The progesterone (1 µM) stimulation evoked a fast and transitory increase in the [Ca2+]i. We then calculated six different kinetics parameters of such responses: basal Ca2+ level, increase and decrease in velocity, maximum Ca2+ level, total response duration, and the area under the curve (AUC). There were no significant differences in any of these parameters between normozoospermic donors (and non-normozoospermic patients. The former group of semen samples were divided into either conventional IVF (n = 17) or ICSI (n = 21). In IVF but not ICSI samples, the duration, and the area under the curve of the progesterone response tended to be higher than in normozoospermic (2.39±0.7 min, p = 0.03, and 113±30 AUF*min, p = 0.18, respectively). Furthermore, both parameters showed a tendency to correlate negatively with the conventional IVF (R= –0.45, p = 0.07 and R= –0. 5, p = 0.04, respectively) but not with ICSI fertilization ratio (number of zygotes/total number of mature oocytes). These results suggest that cells with a better Ca2+ recovery mechanism are well suited for IVF. Interestingly, we observed no difference between the magnitude of the [Ca2+]i increase after progesterone stimulus among donors, IVF, or ICSI samples, as was previously reported. Differences in the concentration of progesterone could explain such results. Limitations, reasons for caution The preliminary nature of the results implies a necessity to increase the number of analyzed semen samples (in progress). It is well known that progesterone induces variable responses even among the same donor cells. Our population-based analysis may be underestimating such single cells variations. Wider implications of the findings Current protocols for sperm analysis fail to successfully predict the fertilizing capability of semen samples from men seeking reproductive treatment. Further research into the molecular regulation of Ca2+ dynamics could offer promising alternatives for clinicians to appropriately choose between IVF and ICSI for each couple. Trial registration number .

Associations of childhood hearing loss and adverse childhood experiences in deaf adults.

Childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences have a strong relationship with health disparities across the lifespan. Despite experiencing approximately doubled rates of trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are poorly characterized in deaf populations. We sought to characterize deaf-specific demographic factors and their association with multiple experiences of ACEs before the age of 18 years old. An analytical cross-sectional approach was used to ascertain associations of deaf-specific demographic factors and experiences with ACEs. The complete dataset included 520 participants for a total response rate of 56%. After adjusting for confounding effects, less severe hearing loss of 16-55 dB (2+ OR: 5.2, 4+ OR: 4.7), having a cochlear implant (2+ OR: 2.1, 4+ OR: 2.6), and not attending at least one school with signing access (2+ OR: 2.4, 4+ OR: 3.7) were significantly and independently associated with reported experiences of multiple ACEs. We conclude that factors associated with childhood hearing loss and language experiences increase risk of experiencing ACEs. Given the strong relationship between ACEs and poor social outcomes, early intervention clinical practice and health policies should consider interventions to support healthy home environments for deaf children.

96-LB: Dorzagliatin Improves Beta-Cell Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: The oral minimal model (OMM) is a powerful tool to assess beta-cell function, including both the dynamic and static states. Dorzagliatin, a novel dual-acting glucokinase activator, has been reported the potential to improve pancreatic function in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of dorzagliatin on beta-cell function by using OMM. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of dorzagliatin following multiple ascending doses in T2DM was completed (NCT02077452) and the data collected were used for beta-cell function parameters (Φb, Φd, Φs, and Φtot) estimation by using the SAAM II package integrating OMM. These parameters represent the non-glucose stimulated index, the dynamic responsivity of insulin secretion, the static responsivity of insulin secretion, and the global index of beta-cell responsivity, respectively. Results: All treatments except for the 200 mg dose group, compared with baseline, were associated with higher beta-cell function indices. Among them, Φb was significantly higher in the 25, 50, 100, and 150 mg dose groups (p &amp;lt; 0.05, p &amp;lt; 0.01, or p &amp;lt; 0.001), indicating basal beta-cell responsivity improved. Φd has an increase in the 25 and 100 mg dose groups (p &amp;lt; 0.05), indicating promptly releasable insulin responsivity improved. Φs was higher in the 25, 50, 100, and 150 mg dose groups (p &amp;lt; 0.05 or p &amp;lt; 0.01), indicating insulin secretion responsivity at steady state improved. Φtot significantly increased in the 25, 50, 100, and 150 mg dose groups (p &amp;lt; 0.05 or p &amp;lt; 0.001), indicating total beta-cell responsivity improved. No statistically significant difference was observed within the placebo group. Conclusions: This study suggested dorzagliatin can improve postprandial glucose control through its positive effects on beta-cell function. Disclosure Y. Zhang: None. L. Feng: Employee; Hua Medicine. L. Chen: Employee; Hua Medicine. D. Liu: None.