Tag: nevin manimala

bioRxiv. 2023 Sep 26:2023.09.19.558290. doi: 10.1101/2023.09.19.558290. Preprint.

ABSTRACT

Numerous methods exist to analyze functional MRI (fMRI) data, but no software currently exists to enhance the commonly-used FSL statistical analysis software with preprocessing methods from the Human Connectome Project. Here we developed the Connectome Operations For FSL ExEcution (COFFEE) pipeline to integrate Human Connectome preprocessing, including Freesurfer brain extraction and registration, for FSL general linear model analysis of volumetric fMRI data. We tested COFFEE on a real fMRI dataset (N=26) wherein participants performed a precision drawing task during fMRI scanning. COFFEE preprocessing, compared to traditional FSL preprocessing, led to lower inter-individual variability across the brain, more precise brain extraction, and greater detected activation in sensorimotor areas contralateral to movement. The COFFEE pipeline provides a turnkey preprocessing alternative for FSL users with substantial advantages for analysis of task fMRI data. COFFEE software is available online for research use and further testing.

PMID:37781580 | PMC:PMC10541115 | DOI:10.1101/2023.09.19.558290

Equine Vet J. 2023 Oct 1. doi: 10.1111/evj.14011. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prompt diagnosis of passive transfer failure in the neonatal period is important for early treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the diagnostic performance of serum glutaraldehyde coagulation test (GCT) and colostrum BRIX% for failure to transfer passive immunity (FTPI) diagnosis with the results of SNAP foal test and to evaluate the results of serum GCT and colostrum BRIX% measurements in foals with diarrhoea in the 0-1 month period.

STUDY DESIGN: In vitro experiments.

METHODS: Excess serum and colostrum (n: 298) from samples collected from newborn foals and their dams for clinical purposes were used. Foals were classified as FTPI positive (IgG < 8 g/L) or negative (IgG ≥ 8 g/L) using the SNAP foal test. We compared the sensitivity and specificity of serum GCT and colostrum BRIX % for diagnosing FTPI in all foals and in the sub-group of foals which developed diarrhoea within the first month of life was noted. The relationships between the results of the serum GCT and colostrum BRIX% and diarrhoea in foals with and without FTPI were evaluated.

RESULTS: Serum GCT and colostrum BRIX % were statistically significantly different (p < 0.05) between the foals without FTPI and with FTPI classified according to the SNAP test. Using a cut-off value for serum GCT of >10, sensitivity was 100% (95% CI 92.9%-100%) and specificity 100% (98.3%-100%) while with a cut-off value of ≤24, with colostrum BRIX% of ≤24 sensitivity was 92% (80.9%-97.8%), and specificity was 98% (95.3-99.3). In the sub-group of foals without FTPI using a colostrum BRIX% cut-off value of ≤26 the sensitivity for prediction of diarrhoea in the 0-1 month period was only 72.4% (52.8-87.3, p < 0.001) with specificity 54.3% (47.6-61.1) but the test performance was not robust (ROC AUC 0.61).

MAIN LIMITATIONS: The number of repeated measurements in the evaluation of serum GCT, and colostrum BRIX% was low. More clinical problems could be examined.

CONCLUSIONS: The serum GCT, and colostrum BRIX%, both economical and practical to use in the field, gave results comparable with the SNAP foal IgG test. The ability to accurately predict diarrhoea in the first month of life with these tests was limited.

PMID:37778870 | DOI:10.1111/evj.14011

J Environ Sci (China). 2024 Jan;135:728-740. doi: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.08.009. Epub 2022 Aug 14.

ABSTRACT

Animal manures have been demonstrated to enhance antibiotic resistance in agricultural soils. However, little is known about the effects of plant-derived fertilizer on soil antibiotic resistome. Herein, metagenomic sequencing was used to investigate the effects of a plant-derived fertilizer processed from sugarcane and beet on soil antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in a soybean field along crop growth stages. ARG profiles in the soils amended by plant-derived fertilizer were compared with those in the soils amended by chicken manure. The abundance and diversity of total ARGs in the soils amended by plant-derived fertilizer were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated at the sprout stage, to a level comparable to that in the manured soils. Whereas, unlike chicken manure mainly introducing manure-borne ARGs to soil, the plant-derived fertilizer was indicated to mainly enrich multidrug resistance genes in soil by nourishing indigenous bacteria. ARGs with abundances in amended soils significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in unamended soils at the sprout stage of soybean were considered as enriched ARGs. Decrease in the abundance of the enriched ARGs was observed in both the amended soils from the sprout to the harvest. Network analysis further identified Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes as the primary bacterial taxa involved in the temporal variation of the enriched ARGs in the soils amended by plant-derived fertilizer, while in manured soils were Firmicutes and Actinobacteria. As revealed by multivariate statistical analyses, variation of the enriched ARGs in the soils amended by plant-derived fertilizer was majorly attributed to the response of co-occurred bacteria to depleting nutrients, which was different from the failed establishment of manure-borne bacteria in the manured soils. Our study provided field-based evidence that plant-derived fertilizer stimulated the intrinsic antibiotic resistome, and proposed attention to the un-perceived risk since some clinically relevant ARGs originate and evolve from natural resistome.

PMID:37778843 | DOI:10.1016/j.jes.2022.08.009

J Environ Sci (China). 2024 Jan;135:630-639. doi: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.09.024. Epub 2022 Sep 28.

ABSTRACT

In the suburbs of Kitakyushu, Japan, the inorganic aerosol mass concentration (IAM) was about 32.7 µg/m³, with the aerosol pH of 3.3. To study the thermodynamics of aerosol when its individual components’ concentration is reduced, sensitive tests were performed using the ISORROPIA II model, in which the seven control species-TNaCl, TNH₄⁺, TSO₄^2-, TNO₃^–, TMg²⁺, TK⁺, and TCa²⁺-were taken into account. IAM and inorganic aerosol pH after reducing TNaCl, TNO₃^–, TMg²⁺, TK⁺, and TCa²⁺ responded linearly (0% ≤ concentration reduction ratio (CRR) ≤ 100%, with the exception of 100% in TNaCl); the nonlinear variations of these two parameters could be observed by controlling TNH₄⁺ and TSO₄^2-. Unexpected aerosol behavior occurred at 100% reduction of TNaCl, which was caused by the sudden increase of NO₃^–, NH₄⁺, and aerosol liquid water content (ALWC); the increase of IAM was also observed after controlling TSO₄^2- (60% ≤ CRR ≤ 100%) and TCa²⁺ (0% ≤ CRR ≤ 100%), which was mainly related to the variation of ALWC driven by the response of CaSO₄. Multiple regression analysis showed that ALWC was statistically and strongly related to the variations of NO₃^–, Cl^–, SO₄^2-, HSO₄^–, HNO₃, and NH₃ (P < 0.05), with regression coefficients of 1.68, 5.23, 1.83, 2.81, 0.34, and 0.57, respectively. The highest coefficient (5.23) was found for Cl^–, revealing that sea salts significantly influenced particle responses. Overall, this study comprehensively investigated aerosol characteristics and inner responses for the reduction of components, which is of great significance for a better understanding of atmospheric chemistry in Kitakyushu, Japan.

PMID:37778834 | DOI:10.1016/j.jes.2022.09.024

J Environ Sci (China). 2024 Jan;135:433-448. doi: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.01.024. Epub 2023 Feb 6.

ABSTRACT

The treatment and disposal of radioactive waste are presently facing great challenges. Spent ion exchange resins have become a focus of attention due to their high production and serious environmental risks. In this paper, a simplified model of cationic exchange resin is proposed, and the degradation processes of cationic resin monomer initiated by hydroxyl radicals (·OH) are clarified by combining statistical molecular fragmentation (SMF) model and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The prediction of active sites indicates that the S-O bonds and the C-S bond of the sulfonic group are more likely to react during the degradation. The meta-position of the sulfonic group on the benzene ring is the most active site, and the benzene ring without the sulfonic group has a certain reactivity. The C11-C14 and C17-C20 bonds, on the carbon skeleton, are the most easily broken. It is also found that dihydroxy addition and elimination reactions play a major role in the process of desulfonation, carbon skeleton cleavage and benzene ring separation. The decomposition mechanisms found through the combination of physical models and chemical calculations, provide theoretical guidance for the treatment of complex polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

PMID:37778817 | DOI:10.1016/j.jes.2023.01.024

J Sleep Res. 2023 Oct 1:e14063. doi: 10.1111/jsr.14063. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Few studies have examined racial/ethnic differences in rates and correlates of insomnia among veterans. This study compared rates of insomnia and interest in sleep treatment among veterans of diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds. Consistent with the 3P model, we tested racial discrimination as a predictor of insomnia, with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and romantic partners as perpetuating and protective moderators of this association, respectively. A total of 325 veterans (N = 236 veterans of colour; 12% Asian, 36% Black, 14% Hispanic/Latine) completed questionnaires online from remote locations. Descriptive statistics were used to compare patterns across racial/ethnic groups. Linear regression was used to test moderators of the association between racial discrimination and insomnia severity. Overall, 68% of participants screened positive for insomnia: 90% of Asian; 79% of Hispanic/Latine; 65% of Black; and 58% of White participants. Of those, 74% reported interest in sleep treatment, and 76% of those with partners reported interest in including their partner in treatment. Racial discrimination and post-traumatic stress disorder were correlated with more severe insomnia, while romantic partners were correlated with less severe insomnia. Only post-traumatic stress disorder moderated the association between racial discrimination and insomnia severity. Rates of insomnia were highest among Asian and Hispanic/Latine participants, yet these groups were among the least likely to express interest in sleep treatment. Racial discrimination may exacerbate insomnia symptoms among veterans, but only among those who do not already have disturbed sleep in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder. Romantic partners may serve as a protective factor in insomnia, but do not seem to mitigate the impact of racial discrimination.

PMID:37778753 | DOI:10.1111/jsr.14063

Toxicon. 2023 Sep 29:107304. doi: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107304. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The most common snake in Israel, responsible for most snakebites is Vipera palaestinae (VP). Envenomation signs and symptoms vary from local manifestations to systemic reactions that may end with death. Antivenom treatment, given to high-risk patients, reduces complications and mortality but carries risks. As of now, there is no standardized protocol for adults bitten by VP based on objective clinical and laboratory findings. We conducted A retrospective analysis of 159 patients admitted to two large tertiary care institutions in the center (Hadassah University Medical Center) and south (Soroka University Medical Center) of Israel with Vipera palaestinae bites during 1990-2017. Epidemiological and clinical data were extracted, and the patients were divided into two groups based on hospitalization time (over or under 48 h). 159 patients were included in this study. The average hospitalization time was 66.1 h, with 49.7% of patients admitted over 48 h. The main factors that statistically correlated with a longer hospitalization time were: Male gender, lower extremity bite, platelets lower than 150 K at presentation, leukocyte count of over 10 K at presentation and elevated D-Dimer levels. This study provides factors which are associated with a severe VP envenomation. These clinical or laboratory findings (along with accompanying clinical symptoms) are associated with a higher risk of a prolonged hospitalization with more complications and may require a more intensive treatment and monitoring.

PMID:37778739 | DOI:10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107304

J Subst Use Addict Treat. 2023 Sep 29:209176. doi: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209176. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Buprenorphine is highly effective for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD), and, in recent years, the rates of patients maintained on buprenorphine requiring critical care have been steadily increasing. Currently, no unified guidance exists for buprenorphine management during critical illness. Likewise, we do not know if patients maintained on buprenorphine for OUD are prescribed medications for OUD (MOUD) following hospital discharge or if buprenorphine management influences mu opioid agonist dispensing.

METHODS: In our cohort of adults over the age of 18 with OUD, receiving buprenorphine formulations in the 3 months preceding their ICU admission, we sought to investigate the relationship between receipt of MOUD and non-MOUD opioid prescribing up to 12 months following hospital discharge. This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study approved by the MaineHealth institutional review board. The study analyzed differences in prescription rates between discharge and subsequent time points using chi square or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate. We performed analyses using SPSS Statistical Software version 28 (IBM SPSS Inc., Armonk, NY) with significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: We identified a statistically significant increase in MOUD prescribing 3 months posthospital discharge in patients who received MOUD at time of discharge (87.9 % vs 40 % p = 0.002.) The study found a significant increase in nonbuprenorphine opioid prescribing in patients who did not receive an MOUD prescription at time of discharge (24.2 % vs 70 % p = 0.007). This trend persisted at the 6-month and 12-month time points; however, it did not reach statistical significance. Additionally, the study identified a significant reduction in the incidence of non-MOUD opioid dispensing in patients prescribed MOUD at each time point measured (p = 0.007, p < 0.001. p < 0.001 and p = 0.008 at discharge, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: These findings support continuing buprenorphine dispensing following hospital discharge.

PMID:37778703 | DOI:10.1016/j.josat.2023.209176

Am J Pharm Educ. 2023 Sep 29:100596. doi: 10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.100596. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to understand pharmacy programs’ policies and processes of sharing APPE assessment information among preceptors and to determine the types of grading scales currently being used nationally.

METHODS: A 14-question survey was utilized to collect information on Experiential Education policies and practices regarding APPE evaluations and assessment data sharing. The survey was administered electronically to Experiential Education administrators at accredited schools of pharmacy nationally and gathered information on approach to APPE assessment, information sharing with future preceptors and open-ended responses on how struggling student learners are supported. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative responses, while qualitative open-ended comments were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 95 responses were included in the analysis (67.9% response rate). The majority of programs (83.2%) reported not sharing student performance assessments with future preceptors. Themes that emerged from the analysis of open-ended comments included concerns about bias and privacy violations, and the benefits of sharing evaluations for preceptor preparation and longitudinal student growth. The grading approach varied, with 53.7% of programs using traditional tiered letter grades and 45.3% using a pass/fail grading system.

CONCLUSION: Most pharmacy programs do not share APPE assessment information with future preceptors due to concerns about bias and protecting student privacy. However, programs may be looking for alternative processes that address the need to facilitate student growth and to support struggling learners. Examples shared may provide stimulus and insight for Experiential Education Offices to engage in programmatic discussions about the approach to assessment sharing practices.

PMID:37778701 | DOI:10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.100596

Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM. 2023 Sep 29:101171. doi: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101171. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, also referred to as morning sickness, affects over 70% of all pregnancies. Symptoms range from mild to severe and in some cases can be debilitating, resulting in a reduced quality of life. Moreover, prenatal cannabis use prevalence has doubled in the United States, while cannabis potency, measured by concentration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiniol, has increased from 10% in 2009 to 14% in 2019. State-level recreational legalization of cannabis may contribute to the liberalization of its use as well as a reduced risk perception. Further, the relatively recent discovery of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome may contribute to the mischaracterization of morning sickness in individuals who use cannabis during pregnancy. Though cannabis has well-documented antiemetic properties, there is insufficient research on the topic. Therefore, it is essential to establish a tangible understanding of the association between nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and prenatal cannabis use.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the degree to which nausea and vomiting of pregnancy might be associated with prenatal cannabis use in a sample of pregnant people in Michigan, a state where recreational cannabis use became legal in December 2018.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study of participants from the Michigan Archive for Research on Child Health, a population-based pregnancy cohort recruited using a probability-based sampling approach. Participants were recruited from 22 prenatal clinics located throughout Michigan’s lower peninsula. Cross-sectional analyses were performed for data available between October 2017 and January 2022.

RESULTS: Among this sample of Michigan pregnant people, 14% (95% CI: 11-16%) reported cannabis use. Participants who experienced increasing morning sickness severity had higher odds of using cannabis (OR_adjusted= 1.2; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.2). When the sample was restricted to first trimester morning sickness and cannabis use, results remained statistically robust. When the direction of the association was reversed, we detected an increase in morning sickness severity among participants who used cannabis during pregnancy (ß_adjusted= 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1, 0.2). Lastly, we investigated the association between pre-pregnancy cannabis use and first trimester morning sickness. Findings suggest an increase in morning sickness severity among people who used cannabis in the three months prior to pregnancy compared to those who did not (ß_adjusted= 0.1; 95% CI: 0.003, 0.2) CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study indicate a link between nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and prenatal cannabis use. This study also revealed that using cannabis in the three months prior to pregnancy is associated with first trimester morning sickness severity. The strengths of our study contribute to the scant epidemiological evidence in this area of research. More fine-grained, time-specific data on nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and prenatal cannabis use are necessary to draw inferences about cause-effect relationships. Our study might provide a basis to discourage cannabis use during pregnancy until more evidence is compiled.

PMID:37778699 | DOI:10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101171