Interval Values Research Articles

The Evaluation Method of the Power Supply Capability of an Active Distribution Network Considering Demand Response

The accurate quantification of power supply capability (PSC) is crucial for the planning and operation of active distribution networks. To address the issue of PSC quantification, this paper presents a PSC evaluation method of active distribution networks while considering demand response (DR). Firstly, an incentive-based DR model is introduced, followed by the development of a PSC evaluation model that incorporates DR. This model completely describes the PSC of active distribution networks while considering N-1 security constraints. Secondly, a PSC evaluation algorithm based on uniform state-space sampling is presented, enabling the quantification of the complete PSC of active distribution networks with DR. Then, the influence of the load reduction coefficient in DR on the PSC is studied. It is found that the maximum PSC increases with the load reduction coefficient initially and then stabilizes. Furthermore, measures such as appropriately increasing the load reduction coefficient and expanding the bottleneck component capacity are proposed to enhance the PSC. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed PSC evaluation method is verified by two active distribution networks, CASE1 and CASE2. The proposed method visualizes the complete PSC of active distribution networks considering DR as a curve and quantifies it as an interval value. For CASE1, the complete PSC is quantified within the range of [4.0, 8.4] MVA, and for CASE2, it is quantified within the range of [17.0, 33.0] MVA. The proposed measures effectively enhance the PSC, facilitating the efficient, safe, and low-carbon operation of smart distribution networks.

The Reference Interval Values of Biochemical Parameters in Iranian Kurdish Adults: Results from Non-communicable Diseases of Ravansar Cohort

The Reference Interval Values of Biochemical Parameters in Iranian Kurdish Adults: Results from Non-communicable Diseases of Ravansar Cohort

Dynamic critical factors identification: A novel fuzzy DEMATEL method considering heterogeneous information

Identifying the critical factors and their interrelationships plays a critical role in system analysis. Fuzzy DEMATEL method is one of the popular techniques widely applied to identify the critical factors and analyze the interrelationship among them under fuzzy and uncertain environment. Different information types are often used to describe given problems in the real world, similar to how experts express their assessments due to their diverse knowledge backgrounds or individual preferences. However, in existing fuzzy DEMATEL studies, experts are allowed to use only a single information type to express their assessments, which can not reflect the real-world situations. Additionally, dynamic evolution is a typical feature of practical problems. Factors associated with these problems, including critical factors, might change and update alongside this dynamic evolution. Nevertheless, such dynamic evolution has not been considered in existing fuzzy DEMATEL studies. To address the issues of heterogeneous information and dynamic evolution, this study proposes a novel method based on fuzzy DEMATEL that considers both dynamic evolution and heterogeneous information. The dynamic evolution is described not only from the perspective of time changes, but also information updates. The heterogeneous information includes numerical values, interval values, linguistic information, and hesitant fuzzy linguistic term information. The proposed method consists of five parts including problem definition, information gathering, information transformation, information aggregation, and dynamic critical factors identification. A reasonable way based on alpha-level sets is employed to handle the aggregated fuzzy information, and dynamic degrees of different factors at each moment are calculated for critical factors identification. A numerical example, related discussions, and comparison analysis are provided to demonstrate the novelty and superiority of the proposed method.

A universal method for seizure onset zone localization in focal epilepsy using standard deviation of spike amplitude

BackgroundPrecisely localizing the seizure onset zone (SOZ) is critical for focal epilepsy surgery. Existing methods mainly focus on high-frequency activities in stereo-electroencephalography, but often fail when seizures are not driven by high-frequency activities. Recognized as biomarkers of epileptic seizures, ictal spikes in SOZ induce epileptiform discharges in other brain regions. Based on this understanding, we aim to develop a universal algorithm to localize SOZ and investigate how ictal spikes within the SOZ induce seizures. MethodsWe proposed a novel metric called standard deviation of spike amplitude (SDSA) and utilized channel-averaged SDSA to describe seizure processes and detect seizures. By integrating SDSA values in specific intervals, the score for each channel located within SOZ was calculated. Channels with high SOZ scores were clustered as SOZ. The localization accuracy was asserted using area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Further, we analyzed early ictal signals from SOZ channels and investigated factors influencing their duration to reveal the seizure inducing conditions. ResultsWe analyzed data from 15 patients with focal epilepsy. The channel-averaged SDSA successfully detected all 28 seizures without false alarms. Using SDSA integration, we achieved precise SOZ localization with an average area under ROC curve (AUC) of 0.96, significantly outperforming previous methods based on high-frequency activities. Further, we discovered that energy of ictal spikes in SOZ was concentrated at a specific frequency distributed in [6, 12Hz]. Additionally, we found that the higher the energy per second in this frequency band, the faster ictal spikes could induce seizures. ConclusionThe SDSA metric offered precise SOZ localization with robustness and low computational cost, making it suitable for clinical practice. By studying the propagation patterns of ictal spikes between the SOZ and non-SOZ, we suggest that ictal spikes from SOZ need to accumulate energy at a specific central frequency to induce epileptic spikes in non-SOZ, which may have significant implications for understanding the seizure onset pattern.

Reliability of the Strontium Isotope Stratigraphy approach in marginal seas: Insights from the Miocene Paratethys

The robustness of the Strontium Isotope Stratigraphy (SIS) as a chemostratigraphic tool was tested in the Miocene epicontinental Central Paratethys using new 87Sr/86Sr results obtained for 129 foraminiferal tests and various marine invertebrate shells that were converted to numerical ages using the global 87Sr/86Sr curve for Phanerozoic open oceans. These ages were compared with those expected from either magnetostratigraphic, radiometric or biostratigraphic studies applied to selected sections from different Central Paratethys basins. The results from different basins showed variations in 87Sr/86Sr values for specific time intervals; therefore, it is not possible to construct a unique 87Sr/86Sr curve for the Central Paratethys region that can be used for chemostratigraphic purposes. The 87Sr/86Sr signal in semi-enclosed basins tends to reflect the lithology of the source areas. a: For example, marine basins surrounded by areas of Mesozoic carbonate rock cover are associated with a reduced 87Sr/86Sr signal compared to the global 87Sr/86Sr signal primarily due to the drainage of these Mesozoic carbonate rocks and transfer of their specific Sr signal. By contrast, areas affected by continental runoff from crystalline terrains in combination with limited connection to surrounding marine domains were found to show an elevated 87Sr/86Sr signal compared to the global one. Additionally, it was demonstrated that infaunal, eutrophic and hypoxic species (foraminiferal genus Uvigerina and molluscs) show a shift towards a relatively higher 87Sr/86Sr signal. Therefore, our data show that variable 87Sr/86Sr patterns occur in semi-enclosed domains, primarily reflecting local settings and thus hampering reliable SIS ages. In particular, the best SIS results in the studied Paratethys area occur during periods of maximum marine connectivity, when other (biostratigraphic) methods can be applied, and then become unreliable as connectivity diminishes.

Changes in Shoulder and Lumbar Injury Incidence in Swimmers After Physical Examination and Exercise Programs.

Previous injury and physical examination data collected by a physiotherapist were reviewed to investigate the causes of injury among competitive swimmers. Each swimmer received an injury improvement exercise program based on their injury history and physical examination findings. The purpose of this study was to identify trends in the number of shoulder and lumbar injuries and discern the effectiveness of exercise programs in swimmers. The authors hypothesize that these efforts would decrease injury rates. Observational Cohort study. Thirty-one male high school and college student swimmers underwent a physical examination. Previous injury was considered as pain that lasted for > three weeks or that caused the participant to stop practicing. A questionnaire was administered to all swimmers at the beginning of the study and one year later. The questionnaire assessed the number of injuries sustained and the daily practice hours over the previous year. The injury rate at the first examination and one-year followup was calculated as the number of injury incidents divided by the total number of player hours (1 h of practice is equivalent to 1) for one year, multiplied by 1,000 to obtain the injury rate per 1,000 hours (1000 player hours: 1,000 ph). Shoulder and hip exercise programs were prescribed based on measurement results and previous research. The numbers of injuries seen in the group were 12 shoulder and six lumbar at the first examination, and two shoulder and one lumbar at the one-year followup. The 1,000 ph (95% confidence interval) values were 0.32 (0.13-0.50) and 0.16 (0.03-0.29) at the first examination and 0.05 (0.00-0.12) and 0.03 (0.00-0.07) at the one-year followup for the shoulder and lumbar areas, respectively. The results indicates that exercise programs prescribed after a physical examination may reduce the incidence of injuries in male swimmers over the course of a year. Level 3.

Hierarchical-based self-triggered control for linear systems with external disturbances

This paper introduces a hierarchical-based robust self-triggered control mechanism for linear systems with disturbances, with the goal of achieving anti-interference and computational resource saving. To address the potential external interference in the system, the H∞ performance index is introduced, and the self-triggered controller is developed based on this index to guarantee the system’s desired anti-interference capabilities. Furthermore, a hierarchical framework is employed to facilitate collaborative optimization of triggering mechanisms and control strategies. Within this framework, the triggering interval values and control input values are computed sequentially using a cyclic iteration approach. By upholding the H∞ performance standard and incorporating a hierarchical optimization framework, the system’s sampling frequency is notably diminished, anti-interference performance is safeguarded, and the convergence speed of the state trajectory is accelerated. The efficacy of the proposed method is validated through two illustrative examples.

Measuring multidimensional inequality: a new proposal based on the Fourier transform

Inequality measures are quantitative measures that take values in the unit interval, with a zero value characterizing perfect equality. Although originally proposed to measure economic inequalities, they can be applied to several other situations, in which one is interested in the mutual variability between a set of observations, rather than in their deviations from the mean. While unidimensional measures of inequality, such as the Gini index, are widely known and employed, multidimensional measures, such as Lorenz Zonoids, are difficult to interpret and computationally expensive and, for these reasons, are not much well known. To overcome the problem, in this paper, we propose a new scaling invariant multidimensional inequality index, based on the Fourier transform, which exhibits a number of interesting properties, and whose application to the multidimensional case is rather straightforward to calculate and interpret.

Existence of optimal strategies in bimatrix game and applications

This paper delves into interval-valued bimatrix games, where precise payoffs remain elusive, but lower and upper bounds on payoffs can be determined. The study explores several key questions in this context. Firstly, it addresses the issue of the existence of a universally applicable equilibrium across all instances of interval values. The paper establishes a fundamental equivalence by demonstrating that this property hinges on the solvability of a specific system of interval linear inequalities. Secondly, the research endeavors to characterize the comprehensive set of weak and strong equilibrium using a system of interval linear inequalities. The findings in this paper shed light on the complexities and intricacies of interval-valued bimatrix games, offering valuable insights into their equilibrium properties and computational aspects. Through illustrative examples, we underscore the practical utility of these approaches and compare them with previously developed state-of-the-art methods, demonstrating their ability to generate conservative solutions in the face of interval uncertainty. The findings of this research not only offer valuable insights into the equilibrium properties and computational aspects of interval-valued bimatrix games but extend their practical implications. In particular, the paper delves into real-life applications, exemplifying the significance of these findings for crude oil trading decision-making.

A risk-based stochastic energy-water-carbon nexus analytical model to support provincial multi-system synergistic management – A case study of Shanxi, China

The synergistic management of energy-water‑carbon (EWC) nexus systems is crucial for achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Therefore, a non-deterministic interval chance-constrained fractional optimization model for EWC nexus system (ICCF-EWC) management has been developed in this study. This model is capable of handling uncertain parameters represented as stochastic probability distributions and interval values, providing an effective approach to addressing dual-objective optimization problems. Meanwhile, this model is expected to investigate the effect of water scarcity/carbon abatement pressure on the overall system, and potential synergistic abatement effects. A case study of Shanxi Province shows that over the next 30 years, the cumulative installed capacity for clean and renewable energy will exceed 65 %. The dominance of coal-fired electricity will be considerably diminished, with wind power overtaking coal/gas-fired power by around 30 %. Moreover, water scarcity and carbon mitigation pressure would promote the development of electricity conversion mode to clean energy rather than the large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology upgradation of thermal power. The results can help support low-carbon transition of power systems at a province-level in China and financial incentives related policy making to advance water conservation and carbon emission mitigation. The developed model can also be adapted to other energy resource-dependent regional power systems.

Predictive value of Tpeak-Tend interval of supine and orthostatic electrocardiogram in the diagnosis between psychogenic pseudosyncope and vasovagal syncope in children

Tpeak-Tend interval (Tp-Te) is an indicator of transmural dispersion of repolarization, which is often related to ventricular arrhythmias. The relationship between Tp-Te and vasovagal syncope (VVS) has been reported in previous studies, but very little is known about Tp-Te in differentiation between psychogenic pseudosyncope (PPS) and VVS in children. We aim to discuss the predictive value of Tp-Te of supine and orthostatic electrocardiogram (ECG) in the diagnosis between PPS and VVS in children. The 31 children with PPS and 40 children with VVS from July 2014 to November 2023 were enrolled as the study group. Meanwhile, 30 healthy children who underwent a physical examination in the same hospital were selected as the control group. Tp-Te and QT interval in 12-lead supine and orthostatic ECG were measured. (1) Supine ECG: ① The Tp-Te/QT in PPS group was significantly lower than that in control group in II lead (P < 0.05). The Tp-Te/QTc in PPS group was significantly lower than that in control group in II and aVR lead (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in Tp-Te between PPS group and control group (P > 0.05). ② The Tp-Te in VVS group was significantly higher than that in control group in aVR, aVF, and V4 lead (P < 0.05). The Tp-Te/QT in VVS group was significantly higher than that in control group in aVF lead (P < 0.05). The Tp-Te/QTc in VVS group was significantly higher than that in control group in aVL, aVF and V1 lead (P < 0.05). ③ The Tp-Te, Tp-Te/QT in PPS group were significantly lower than those in VVS group in some leads (P < 0.05). The Tp-Te/QTc in PPS group was significantly lower than that in VVS group in some leads. (2) Orthostatic ECG: ① The Tp-Te in PPS group was significantly higher than that in control group in V1, V2 lead (P < 0.05). The Tp-Te/QT, Tp-Te/QTc in PPS group were significantly higher than those in control group in V2 lead (P < 0.05). ② The Tp-Te and Tp-Te/QTc in V4 lead, Tp-Te/QT in V1, V4 lead in VVS group were significantly higher than those in control group (P < 0.05). ③ The Tp-Te in PPS group was significantly lower than that in VVS group in some leads (P < 0.05). The Tp-Te/QT in PPS group was significantly lower than that in VVS group in some leads (P < 0.05). The Tp-Te/QTc in PPS group was significantly lower than that in VVS group in some leads. (3) The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis: Tp-Te of supine ECG and orthostatic ECG in some leads had a predictive value on diagnosis between PPS and VVS (P < 0.05). Tp-Te, Tp-Te/QT, and Tp-Te/QTc of supine and orthostatic ECG in some leads have a certain predictive value in the diagnosis between PPS and VVS in children.

Effects of laser treatment on bond strength of epoxy resin and calcium silicate-based sealers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies.

This study aimed to systematically review the effect of laser treatment on the bond strength of epoxy resin-based and calcium silicate-based endodontic sealers to root dentine. The search encompassed four databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science. Inclusion criteria were limited to in vitro studies conducted on extracted human teeth evaluating bond strength in megapascals (MPa) of either epoxy resin-based or calcium silicate-based sealers, using the push-out test. Two independent reviewers appraised the methodological quality of the selected studies to assess the risk of bias. Meta-analysis was performed for different laser types, endodontic sealers, and control groups. Standard Mean Difference and 95% Confidence Interval values were calculated. 17 studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis, and 15 for quantitative analysis. Meta-analyses revealed that certain lasers (Er,Cr:YSGG, Er:YAG) significantly increased bond strength for epoxy resin-based sealers when compared to negative controls (inert solutions), but did not show a significant advantage over EDTA agent. For calcium silicate-based sealers, laser treatment did not show significant enhancement in bond strength compared to either inert solutions or EDTA. The subgroup analysis suggested that erbium lasers, especially in the PIPS mode, potentially increase the bond strength of epoxy resin-based sealers. Laser treatment enhances the bond strength of epoxy resin-based sealers compared to inert solutions, but not more than EDTA. For calcium silicate-based sealers, laser treatment does not significantly improve bond strength over inert solutions or EDTA. Laser treatment increases the bond strength of epoxy resin-based sealers.

Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence of Two Formulations of Montelukast Sodium Tablets in Healthy Chinese Volunteers Under Fasting and Fed Conditions.

Montelukast sodium is a leukotriene type 1 receptor antagonist that can be used for the prophylaxis and treatment of asthma. However, the pharmacokinetics of montelukast sodium tablets (10mg) remain unclear in healthy Chinese subjects. Here, a single-dose randomized, open-label, 2-sequence, and 2-period crossover (7-day washout period between treatments) study was performed to compare the pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence between the test products and the reference at a single dose of 10mg among healthy Chinese subjects under fasting and fed conditions. Blood samples were collected at specified time points to analyze the plasma concentrations of montelukast by a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. The results showed that the 90% confidence interval values of the geometric mean ratio of test/reference for the maximum plasma drug concentration, area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 to the end, and area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 to infinity were within the range of 80%-125%. Moreover, both the test and reference formulations were safe and well tolerated, with no occurrence of severe adverse events. These results demonstrate that both the test montelukast sodium tablets and the reference showed similar bioequivalence, safety, and tolerability among healthy Chinese subjects under fasting and fed conditions.

On the relative asymptotic expressivity of inference frameworks

We consider logics with truth values in the unit interval $[0,1]$. Such logics are used to define queries and to define probability distributions. In this context the notion of almost sure equivalence of formulas is generalized to the notion of asymptotic equivalence. We prove two new results about the asymptotic equivalence of formulas where each result has a convergence law as a corollary. These results as well as several older results can be formulated as results about the relative asymptotic expressivity of inference frameworks. An inference framework $\mathbf{F}$ is a class of pairs $(\mathbb{P}, L)$, where $\mathbb{P} = (\mathbb{P}_n : n = 1, 2, 3, \ldots)$, $\mathbb{P}_n$ are probability distributions on the set $\mathbf{W}_n$ of all $\sigma$-structures with domain $\{1, \ldots, n\}$ (where $\sigma$ is a first-order signature) and $L$ is a logic with truth values in the unit interval $[0, 1]$. An inference framework $\mathbf{F}'$ is asymptotically at least as expressive as an inference framework $\mathbf{F}$ if for every $(\mathbb{P}, L) \in \mathbf{F}$ there is $(\mathbb{P}', L') \in \mathbf{F}'$ such that $\mathbb{P}$ is asymptotically total variation equivalent to $\mathbb{P}'$ and for every $\varphi(\bar{x}) \in L$ there is $\varphi'(\bar{x}) \in L'$ such that $\varphi'(\bar{x})$ is asymptotically equivalent to $\varphi(\bar{x})$ with respect to $\mathbb{P}$. This relation is a preorder. If, in addition, $\mathbf{F}$ is at least as expressive as $\mathbf{F}'$ then we say that $\mathbf{F}$ and $\mathbf{F}'$ are asymptotically equally expressive. Our third contribution is to systematize the new results of this paper and several previous results in order to get a preorder on a number of inference systems that are of relevance in the context of machine learning and artificial intelligence.

The Assessment of Cardiovascular Abnormalities in Patients With Chronic Liver Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Chronic liver disease (CLD) is associated with a wide range of systemic complications, including cardiovascular abnormalities. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of cardiac abnormalities and to correlate with the severity of liver disorder. Materials and methods A cross-sectional analysis comprising 120 adult subjects diagnosed with CLD was performed. Data were collected through clinical assessments, including liver function tests, echocardiography, and electrocardiograms (ECG). The severity of CLD wasdetermined using the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scoring systems. Results In this study, 85 (70.8%) were men, and the major cause of CLD was alcoholism in 89 (66.7%) of the patients. Regarding CLD severity, the majority of patients were in MELD stage 2, and 70 (58.3%) and 76 (63.3%) were in CTP class C.The prevalence of various cardiac abnormalities was as follows: left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) in25 (20.8%), left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in 76 (63.3%), and prolonged corrected QT (QTc) in 52 (43.3%) of the CLD patients. The values of the QTc interval were higher in MELD stage 3, and it was significant (p=0.001). The association between LVSD (p=0.004) and LVDD (p=0.001) was significant, and the proportion of CLD subjects with cardiac dysfunction was greater in CTP class C compared to classes B and A. Conclusion The present study highlights a concerning prevalence of cardiovascular abnormalities among chronic liver disease patients, underscoring the need for routine cardiovascular assessment in this population.

APPLICATION OF OPTIMIZATION METHOD IN MULTIDIMENSIONAL SPACE TO THE PROBLEM OF DETERMINING FULLERENE CONCENTRATION IN FULLERENE-CONTAINING MIXTURE

The work proposes a method for the quantitative processing of experimental data from ultraviolet spectroscopy of substituted fullerene mixtures, taking into account errors in the experimental data. This task can be written as a system of Vierordt equations (a system of linear equations). The coefficients of the system are the extinction coefficients of individual substituted fullerenes, which are difficult to measure accurately. Therefore, the mathematical model of the problem contains significant errors that affect the reliability and stability of the solution. To minimize the influence of errors, the work [1] proposes a method, which involves reducing the considered system of linear equations to a linear programming problem. This study generalizes the work [1] and proposes to use linear programming problems to find interval values of correction factors for parameters containing errors. Since decreasing the discrepancy reduces the solution error only for well-conditioned coefficient matrices, the values of correction coefficients that minimize the condition number of the coefficient matrix are found in the obtained intervals. The found correction values allowed to significantly improve the conditionality of the system coefficient matrix and obtain a more accurate solution. By using the refined extinction coefficients, the distribution of molar fractions of fullerene fragments and fullerene-containing compounds in the mixture of products formed by the attachment of cyanoisopropyl radicals was obtained, as well as the distribution of molar fractions of fullerene fragments of different degrees of substitution for samples of fullerene-containing polymethyl methacrylate and the distribution of molar fractions of fullerene fragments of different degrees of substitution for samples of fullerene-containing polystyrene. The results are correct and consistent with the theory, both for low-molecular-weight mixtures and for fullerene-containing polymers.

Atrial Topology for a Unified Understanding of Typical and Atypical Flutter.

Macroreentry stands as the predominant mechanism of typical and atypical flutter. Despite advances in mapping, many aspects of macroreentrant atrial tachycardia remain unsolved. In this translational study, we applied principles of topology to understand the activation patterns, entrainment characteristics, and ablation responses in a large clinical macroreentrant atrial tachycardia database. Because the atrium can be topologically seen as a closed sphere with holes, we used a computational fixed spherical mesh model with a finite number of holes to induce and analyze macroreentrant atrial tachycardia. The ensuing insights were used to interpret high-density activation maps, postpacing interval-tachycardia cycle length values (difference between postpacing interval and tachycardia cycle length), and ablation response in 131 cases of typical and atypical flutter (n=106 left atrium, n=25 right atrium). Modeling of macroreentrant atrial tachycardia revealed that reentry on closed surfaces consistently manifests itself as paired rotation and that an odd number of critical boundaries is mathematically impossible. Together with mathematical confirmation by the index theorem, this led to a unifying construct that could explain the number of loops, difference between postpacing interval and tachycardia cycle length values, and ablation outcomes (termination, no change, or prolongation in tachycardia cycle length) in all 131 cases. Combining topology with the index theorem offers a novel and cohesive framework for understanding and managing typical and atypical flutter.

Age-dependent haemogram and sex-dependent serum biochemistry values in semi-feral Konik horses.

Semi-feral, free-roaming Konik polski horses are used in some European countries for preserving semi-open pasture landscapes. The estimation of their health status is still limited by insufficient data on various blood parameters. Therefore, our study aimed at the sex- and age-dependent analysis of haemogram and selected biochemistry parameters in healthy, semi-feral Koniks. In order to reach this aim, we took blood samples from 53 female and 18 male (8 uncastrated, 10 castrated) Koniks living in two Middle German nature reserves. They were of different age (9-266 months) and without signs of illness. Blood samples were analysed by an accredited laboratory. We identified age- but not sex-dependent changes in the white blood cell count (WBC). Higher age mainly caused a decrease in lymphocytes. Therefore, WBC correlated negatively and granulocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio positively with increasing age. Serum values of selected biochemical parameters did not depend on age but showed some sex-related differences. In this regard, serum total protein, triglyceride and the enzymatic activities of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase and g-glutamyltransferase were higher in males than females. However, the sex dependency of these enzymatic activities was restricted to uncastrated males. They also showed higher serum values for calcium and selenium than castrated males or all females. As far as the respective group sizes permitted, we then calculated age- or sex-dependent reference interval values for all parameters analysed. These values improve now the estimation of the health status of semi-feral, free-roaming Konik horses and provide a stable basis for future studies.

Hepatitis B Virus-Related Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Hospital Discharge Rates from 2005 to 2021 in Spain: Impact of Universal Vaccination.

Background: The main consequences of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), both associated with frequent hospitalization. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of universal HBV vaccination in Spain on chronic HBV-related hospital discharges from 2005 to 2021. Methods: Using data from the Minimum Basic Data Set of the Spanish National Health System, we calculated the hospital discharge rate ratio (HDRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) values for chronic HBV-related discharges between 2005 and 2021. For comparative purposes, we calculated the HDRR and 95% confidence interval (CI) values for the early (2005-2013) and later (2014-2021) periods and the vaccinated compared with unvaccinated cohorts for the 20-39 age group. Results: The hospital discharge rate per 1,000,000 people was 3.08 in 2005 and 4.50 in 2021 for HCC, and 4.81 in 2005 and 1.92 in 2021 for cirrhosis. Comparing the early and later periods, values were higher for HCC (HDRR 1.13; 95% CI: 1.06-1.20) and lower for cirrhosis (HDRR 0.56; 95% CI: 0.51-0.60). The rate for the 20-39 age group was lower for the vaccinated compared with the unvaccinated cohorts overall (HDRR 0.53; 95% CI: 0.45-0.62), for HCC (HDRR 0.66; 95% CI: 0.53-0.82), and for cirrhosis (HDRR 0.41; 95% CI: 0.33-0.53). Conclusions: This study describes the important impact, after 25 years, of universal HBV vaccination in Spain: cirrhosis hospital discharge rate was reduced, and the vaccinated cohorts, compared with the unvaccinated cohorts in the 20-39 age group, had a lower hospital discharge rate of both HCC and cirrhosis.

Amniotic sac diameter reference interval in early pregnancy between 7 and 10 weeks' gestation.

To establish a normal reference interval for amniotic sac diameter (ASD) between 7 + 0 and 9 + 6 weeks' gestation and its relative size in relation to gestational sac diameter (GSD) and the embryo crown-rump length (CRL). This was a prospective, cross-sectional study of consecutive women presenting to the Early Pregnancy Unit, University College Hospital, London, UK, between August 2022 and June 2023. We included live, normally sited, singleton pregnancies with a normal 20-week anomaly scan. We collected 120 cases per gestational week, from 7 + 0 to 9 + 6 weeks' gestation, totaling 360 cases. We performed an inter- and intraobserver variability assessment in the measurement of mean ASD in 30 patients. Regression analyses were used to establish reference intervals for GSD and CRL, ASD and CRL, GSD and ASD, and GSD/ASD ratio and CRL. A fitted regression line was calculated, along with a 90% prediction interval and R2 value. There was good interobserver agreement (mean ± SD difference, 0.007 ± 1.105 mm (95%limits of agreement (LoA), -2.160 to 2.174 mm)) and good intraobserver agreement for Observer A (mean ± SD difference, -0.080 ± 0.741 mm (95% LoA, -1.532 to 1.372 mm)) and Observer B (mean ± SD difference, -0.014 ± 0.919 mm (95% LoA, -1.814 to 1.786 mm)) in the measurement of mean ASD. Regression analyses showed a statistically significant association between each pair of values (P < 0.001 for all). There was a significant quadratic association between mean GSD and CRL (R2 = 56%), mean GSD and ASD (R2 = 60%) and GSD/ASD ratio and CRL (R2 = 68%), and a significant cubic association between mean ASD and CRL (R2 = 90%). The regression equations were used to quantify the values of ASD and GSD/ASD ratios for a range of CRL values and gestational ages. Our study has produced comprehensive reference intervals for amniotic sac size in early pregnancy, which could be used in routine clinical practice. © 2024 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.