Category: Nevin Manimala

Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2023 Apr;29(4):311-316.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of serum and seminal plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels with semen parameters in men and its effect on recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) in their spouses.

METHODS: The study included 103 males subjects undergoing preconception examination in the reproduction center from March 2022 to June 2023. According to whether their spouses had a history of RSA or not, we divided their subjects into an RSA (n = 43) and a non-RSA group (NRSA, n = 60), obtained their serum and seminal plasma Hcy levels and semen parameters, and analyzed their correlation.

RESULTS: The serum Hcy level was significantly correlated with the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) (r = 0.316, P = 0.005), but not with the seminal plasma Hcy level (r = －0.041, P = 0.723) and other semen parameters of the subjects (P > 0.05). There was no significant correlation between seminal plasma Hcy and semen parameters (P > 0.05). The median serum Hcy was significantly higher in the RSA than in the NRSA group (18.39 ［13.02, 42.84］ vs 14.65 ［12.00, 18.20］ μmol/L), with statistically significant difference in the overall distribution of serum Hcy between the two groups (Ｚ=－2.20, P = 0.028), so was the median sperm DFI in the former than in the latter group (25.00% ［12.50%, 37.25%］ vs 13.00% ［11.00%, 18.50%］), with statistically significant difference in the overall sperm DFI distribution between the two groups (Ｚ=－2.74, P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION: The serum Hcy level was positively correlated with sperm DFI, and both serum Hcy and sperm DFI were significantly elevated in men with spousal RSA, which is expected to be used as a clinical screening indicator for males with spousal RSA.

PMID:38598214

Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2023 Apr;29(4):306-310.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the six-sequence-tagged site (STS) with the eight-STS scheme in the detection of Y chromosome microdeletions.

METHODS: Using real-time quantitative PCR, we compared the results of the six-STS (sY84, sY86, sY127, sY134, sY254, sY255) scheme with those of the eight-STS (sY84, sY86, sY127, sY134, sY254, sY255, sY145, sY152) scheme in detecting Y chromosome microdeletions.

RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found in the detection rate of the deletion of the azoospermia factor (AZF) regions between the six-STS and eight-STS methods (9.34% ［575/6177］ vs 8.85% ［542/6122］, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Though the eight-STS scheme increased the detection of AZFd, its detection rate of the AZF region deletion was not significantly different from that of the six-STS method. From the perspectives of experimental operation, economic cost and clinical strategy guidance, the six-STS is better than the eight-STS scheme for the detection of Y chromosome microdeletions.

PMID:38598213

JAMA Psychiatry. 2024 Apr 10. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.0384. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Adolescent media use is thought to influence mental health, but whether it is associated with psychotic experiences (PEs) is unclear.

OBJECTIVE: To examine longitudinal trajectories of adolescent media use and their associations with PEs at 23 years of age.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cohort study included participants from the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (1998-2021): children who were born in Québec, Canada, and followed up annually or biennially from ages 5 months through 23 years. Data were analyzed between January 2023 and January 2024.

EXPOSURES: Participants reported their weekly amount of television viewing, video gaming, computer use, and reading at ages 12, 13, 15, and 17 years.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: Lifetime occurrence of PEs was measured at 23 years of age. Covariables included sociodemographic, genetic, family, and childhood characteristics between ages 5 months and 12 years.

RESULTS: A total of 1226 participants were included in the analyses (713 [58.2%] female, 513 [41.8%] male). For each media type, latent class mixed modeling identified 3 group-based trajectories, with subgroups following trajectories of higher use: television viewing, 128 (10.4%); video gaming, 145 (11.8%); computer use, 353 (28.8%); and reading, 140 (11.4%). Relative to lower video gaming, higher video gaming was preceded by higher levels of mental health and interpersonal problems at age 12 years. Adjusting for these risk factors mitigated the association between higher video gaming and PEs at age 23 years. The curved trajectory of computer use (189 [15.4%] participants), characterized by increasing levels of use until age 15 years followed by a decrease, was associated with higher PEs (estimated difference, +5.3%; 95% CI, +1.5% to +9.3%) relative to lower use (684 [55.8%] participants). This association remained statistically significant after covariable adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study found that longitudinal trajectories of media use during adolescence were modestly associated with PEs at age 23 years, likely reflecting the influence of shared risk factors. Understanding the environmental determinants and psychosocial functions of media use during adolescence may help better integrate digital technologies in the prevention and management of PEs.

PMID:38598210 | DOI:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.0384

Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2024 Apr 10. doi: 10.1007/s00590-024-03927-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of double plate fixation for failed clavicle shaft fracture surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 14 patients who underwent double plate fixation due to plate failure after clavicle shaft fracture surgery from March 2016 to March 2021. The study used 3.5 mm locking compression plates for superior clavicle and anterior reconstruction in all patients. In addition, moldable allograft bone was used to fill the bone defect. Clinical and radiological evaluation was performed immediately, at 2 and 4 weeks, and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively. The visual analog scale (VAS), University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder scale, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores and range of motion of the shoulder were evaluated as clinical results. For radiological evaluation, anteroposterior, caudal, and cephalad views of both clavicles were used. Successful bone union was defined as complete adjoining of the fracture site through callus formation.

RESULTS: Successful bone union was achieved in all patients, and the mean time to bone union was 16.7 ± 1.2 weeks (range, 12-24 weeks). Statistically significant improvement in forward flexion and external and internal rotation was observed from 135.5° ± 6.3, 45.2° ± 5.3, and 13° ± 2.3 preoperatively to 157.0° ± 9.3, 68.7° ± 6.3, and 9.8° ± 3.1 at the final follow-up, respectively. The VAS score improved from an average of 6.2 ± 2.8 preoperatively to 1.3 ± 0.7 at the final follow-up, which was statistically significant (P = 0.018). In addition, the ASES score significantly increased from a mean of 52.1 ± 6.3 points preoperatively to 83.6 ± 7.8 points at the final follow-up (P = 0.001). The average UCLA shoulder score was 16.7 ± 1.4 and 31.4 ± 2.2 points preoperatively and at the final follow-up, respectively, which was statistically significant (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Double plate fixation has shown good results after failed open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for clavicle shaft fractures. Therefore, in complicated situations after ORIF, double plate fixation is considered a surgical treatment option.

PMID:38598169 | DOI:10.1007/s00590-024-03927-5

Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2024 Apr 10. doi: 10.1007/s40368-024-00892-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the applicability of modified US Public Health Service (USPHS) and FDI criteria for evaluating glass ionomer cement (GIC) restorations in primary posterior teeth through digital image analysis.

METHODS: This comparative analytic study was conducted at the Children’s Dental Clinic RSKGM FKG UI, involving 40 GIC restorations on lower first primary molars in children aged 4-9 years. After cleaning, the restorations were assessed clinically using modified USPHS and FDI criteria before taking digital images, then the collected images were re-evaluated using both sets of criteria, and the clinical assessment results were compared to the digital image assessment results.

RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the clinical evaluation of GIC restorations in primary teeth and their corresponding digital photographs when using the modified USPHS criteria, and although the use of FDI criteria yielded different results, these differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: The assessment of GIC restorations through digital images aligns more closely with clinical assessments using the FDI criteria compared to the modified USPHS criteria.

PMID:38598166 | DOI:10.1007/s40368-024-00892-9

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2024 Apr 10. doi: 10.1007/s11356-024-33205-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In this work, we present the water quality assessment of an urban river, the San Luis River, located in San Luis Province, Argentina. The San Luis River flows through two developing cities; hence, urban anthropic activities affect its water quality. The river was sampled spatially and temporally, evaluating ten physicochemical variables on each water sample. These data were used to calculate a Simplified Index of Water Quality in order to estimate river water quality and infer possible contamination sources. Data were statistically analyzed with the opensource software R, 4.1.0 version. Principal component analysis, cluster analysis, correlation matrices, and heatmap analysis were performed. Results indicated that water quality decreases in areas where anthropogenic activities take place. Robust inferential statistical analysis was performed, employing an alternative of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), MANOVA.wide function. The most statistically relevant physicochemical variables associated with water quality decrease were used to develop a multiple linear regression model to estimate organic matter, reducing the variables necessary for continuous monitoring of the river and, hence, reducing costs. Given the limited information available in the region about the characteristics and recovery of this specific river category, the model developed is of vital importance since it can quickly detect anthropic alterations and contribute to the environmental management of the rivers. This model was also used to estimate organic matter at sites located in other similar rivers, obtaining satisfactory results.

PMID:38598159 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-024-33205-0

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2024 Apr 10. doi: 10.1007/s11356-024-33202-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This paper examines sustainable development, which employs an integrated approach to tackle environmental, social, and economic challenges. It provides a theoretical underpinning by examining sustainable development’s inception, fundamental tenets, and conceptual structures. This study highlights the interdependence of social equity, economic prosperity, and environmental conservation, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach. Quantitative methodology is utilized in this study, and the dependent variable is sustainable development. Financial risk, green growth, technological innovation, renewable energy, financial inclusion, and soft infrastructure are all independent variables. The analysis is predicated on secondary data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and World Development Indicators databases spanning 2004 to 2019. An entropy-weighted method used for the green growth index is a metric that enhances the precision of variable indicators. Cointegration, correlation, VIF, cross-sectional dependency, and stationarity tests are among the diagnostic tests that inform the selection of methods for the panel data set. It is determined that fully modified ordinary least squares is the suitable technique. The findings suggest statistically significant positive correlations among greenhouse gases, financial inclusion, and soft infrastructure. Conversely, significant negative correlations exist between financial risk, green growth, renewable energy, and technological innovation. An estimated 55% long-run variance is present. The study’s key finding is that financial risk has an adverse effect on sustainable development, while an impactful relationship where increased green growth is linked to decreased GHG emissions. This association is notably significant. Results show that renewable energy has a negative coefficient and significant negative impact on greenhouse gases, showing an active relation to enhancing sustainable development. In contrast, financial inclusion has a significant positive effect on sustainable development. The implications imply that providing incentives to institutions engaged in alternative energy, precisely renewable sources, could positively impact the environment. Government policies and funding regulations oriented toward sustainable development are indispensable for environmental sustainability. Government policies and incentives are pivotal in advancing an environmentally conscious and sustainable future. This study’s contribution lies in elucidating the positive correlation between government interventions and promoting renewable energy adoption, thereby paving the way for a greener tomorrow.

PMID:38598156 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-024-33202-3

World J Urol. 2024 Apr 10;42(1):229. doi: 10.1007/s00345-024-04903-8.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To present a new protocol using antibiotic irrigation during lithotripsy in retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) to provide sterility of the renal collecting system.

METHODS: This prospective study included 102 patients who underwent RIRS between January 2022 and August 2023. The patients were examined in two groups as those who received antibiotic irrigation (n:51) and standard irrigation (n:51). In the antibiotic irrigation group, 80 mg of gentamicin was dissolved in normal saline in a 3 L irrigation pouch to obtain a 26.7 mg/L concentration. In the standard irrigation group, normal saline was used. Preoperative information, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), ASA score, stone side, volume, and density, and the Seoul National University Renal Stone Complexity (S-ReSC) score. The groups were compared with respect to postoperative fever (> 38 °C), urinary tract infection (UTI), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), infectious complications such as sepsis, and stone-free rate.

RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups with respect to age, sex, BMI, ASA score, stone side, volume and density, and S-ReSC score (p > 0.05 for all). Statistically significant differences were determined between the groups with respect to postoperative fever (p = 0.05), SIRS (p = 0.05), and hospital length of stay (p = 0.05). Sepsis was observed in one patient in the standard irrigation group and in none of the antibiotic irrigation group.

CONCLUSION: The reliability, efficacy, and utility of antibiotic irrigation during lithotripsy in RIRS were presented in this study as a new protocol for sterilization of the renal collecting system which will be able to reduce infectious complications.

PMID:38598136 | DOI:10.1007/s00345-024-04903-8

Bull Math Biol. 2024 Apr 10;86(5):54. doi: 10.1007/s11538-024-01281-5.

ABSTRACT

The development of mathematical models for studying newly emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases has gained momentum due to global events. The gyrodactylid-fish system, like many host-parasite systems, serves as a valuable resource for ecological, evolutionary, and epidemiological investigations owing to its ease of experimental manipulation and long-term monitoring. Although this system has an existing individual-based model, it falls short in capturing information about species-specific microhabitat preferences and other biological details for different Gyrodactylus strains across diverse fish populations. This current study introduces a new individual-based stochastic simulation model that uses a hybrid $\tau$ -leaping algorithm to incorporate this essential data, enhancing our understanding of the complexity of the gyrodactylid-fish system. We compare the infection dynamics of three gyrodactylid strains across three host populations. A modified sequential-type approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) method, based on sequential Monte Carlo and sequential importance sampling, is developed. Additionally, we establish two penalised local-linear regression methods (based on L1 and L2 regularisations) for ABC post-processing analysis to fit our model using existing empirical data. With the support of experimental data and the fitted mathematical model, we address open biological questions for the first time and propose directions for future studies on the gyrodactylid-fish system. The adaptability of the mathematical model extends beyond the gyrodactylid-fish system to other host-parasite systems. Furthermore, the modified ABC methodologies provide efficient calibration for other multi-parameter models characterised by a large set of correlated or independent summary statistics.

PMID:38598133 | DOI:10.1007/s11538-024-01281-5

Clin Chem. 2024 Apr 10:hvae043. doi: 10.1093/clinchem/hvae043. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) and glycoproteinosis are 2 groups of heterogenous lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) caused by defective degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and glycoproteins, respectively. Oligosaccharides and glycoamino acids have been recognized as biomarkers for MPS and glycoproteinosis. Given that both groups of LSDs have overlapping clinical features, a multiplexed assay capable of unambiguous subtyping is desired for accurate diagnosis, and potentially for severity stratification and treatment monitoring.

METHODS: Urinary oligosaccharides were derivatized with 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazoline-5-one (PMP) and analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) together with the underivatized glycoamino acids. Novel biomarkers were identified with a semi-targeted approach with precursor mass scanning, the fragmentation pattern (if applicable), and the biochemical basis of the condition.

RESULTS: A UPLC-MS/MS analysis with improved chromatographic separation was developed. Novel biomarkers for MPS-IIIA, IIIB, IIIC, and VII were identified and validated. A total of 28 oligosaccharides, 2 glycoamino acids, and 2 ratios were selected as key diagnostic biomarkers. Validation studies including linearity, lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ), and precision were carried out with the assay performance meeting the required criteria. Age-specific reference ranges were collected. In the 76 untreated patients, unambiguous diagnosis was achieved with 100% sensitivity and specificity. Additionally, the levels of disease-specific biomarkers were substantially reduced in the treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS: A multiplexed UPLC-MS/MS assay for urinary oligosaccharides and glycoamino acids measurement was developed and validated. The assay is suitable for the accurate diagnosis and subtyping of MPS and glycoproteinosis, and potentially for severity stratification and monitoring response to treatment.

PMID:38597162 | DOI:10.1093/clinchem/hvae043