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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Is each horse unique and unrepeatable? An explanation through morphometric and statistical analysis of the limb bones

Anat Histol Embryol. 2022 Jun 30. doi: 10.1111/ahe.12832. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Horses went through functional differentiation during their evolutionary and reproductive development, however, some body parts continued to improve their specificity for speed. Regarding this, we evaluated by morphometric analysis the relationship between limb section (LS) differences in the appendicular structures of horses. Two hundred and seven (n = 207) adult horses of different breeds and sex were selected. The limb section was measured by identification of topographic palpable skeleton landmarks with a measurement tape (centimetres). Quantitative variables (limb section) were analysed with PAST Paleontological Statistics Version 3.16. Spearman’s ordinal or non-parametric correlation coefficient was used to study the relationship between the limb section of each variable (p < 0.05), with a low coefficient of variation (<30%). In 45 analysed correlations, 35 were statistically significant and 10 were discarded because p > 0.05. These results show that most variables were correlated with each other. As a result, we can imply that some LS of the horse’s limbs are correlated with each other, positively or negatively and to a different degree. In conclusion, the correlations between LS lengths determine the size and shape of each horse, making individual horses unique and unrepeatable.

PMID:35770509 | DOI:10.1111/ahe.12832

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Elevated serum YKL-40 levels as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in the placenta accreta spectrum

Turk J Obstet Gynecol. 2022 Jun 27;19(2):98-103. doi: 10.4274/tjod.galenos.2022.94884.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is an important problem with increasing cesarean section (CS) rates recently. There is still no serum marker for the diagnosis. We determined whether serum YKL-40 levels can be used in the diagnosis and prognosis of PAS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted with 50 patients with a PAS diagnosis, 27 individuals without PAS, and 33 normal pregnant women. The operations (CS + placental bed suture, CS + excision of the lower segment, CS-hysterectomy) and for individuals who had the excision of the lower segment /CS-hysterectomy, the histopathological diagnoses (accreta, increta, percreta) were recorded. Serum YKL-40 levels were analyzed.

RESULTS: The individuals with PAS possessed significantly greater serum YKL-40 grades (p=0.001). The surgical interventions included 4 CS + excision of the lower segment, 9 CS + placental bed sutures, and 37 CS-hysterectomy. The histopathological outcomes of the individuals who had the excision of the lower segment, CS-hysterectomy and diagnosed 6, 9, and 26 patients with accreta, increta, and percreta, respectively. The accreta, increta, and percreta groups showed statistically significant different serum YKL-40 grades (p=0.001). The receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to discriminate the cut-off serum YKL-40 level as 32.81 ng/mL with a sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 70.37%. The positive and negative predictive values of YKL-40 in the indicator of PAS were 80.5% and 52.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Elevated serum YKL-40 grades were correlated with the diagnosis and severity of PAS. If our findings are corroborated and elaborated by larger patient series, the YKL-40 levels should be used along with ultrasonography to construct a model identical to that used in aneuploidy screening.

PMID:35770494 | DOI:10.4274/tjod.galenos.2022.94884

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Linking the Fasting Blood Glucose Level to Short-Term-Exposed Particulate Constituents and Pollution Sources: Results from a Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study in China

Environ Sci Technol. 2022 Jun 30. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.1c08860. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Ambient PM2.5 (fine particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤ 2.5 μm) is thought to be associated with the development of diabetes, but few studies traced the effects of PM2.5 components and pollution sources on the change in the fasting blood glucose (FBG). In the present study, we assessed the associations of PM2.5 constituents and their sources with the FBG in a general Chinese population aged over 40 years. Exposure to PM2.5 was positively associated with the FBG level, and each interquartile range (IQR) increase in a lag period of 30 days (18.4 μg/m3) showed the strongest association with an elevated FBG of 0.16 mmol/L (95% confidence interval: 0.04, 0.28). Among various constituents, increases in exposed elemental carbon, organic matter, arsenic, and heavy metals such as silver, cadmium, lead, and zinc were associated with higher FBG, whereas barium and chromium were associated with lower FBG levels. The elevated FBG level was closely associated with the PM2.5 from coal combustion, industrial sources, and vehicle emissions, while the association with secondary sources was statistically insignificant. Improving air quality by tracing back to the pollution sources would help to develop well-directed policies to protect human health.

PMID:35770491 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.1c08860

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Effect of Beer Consumption on Methylation and Redox Metabolism

Physiol Res. 2022 Jun 30. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

To investigate the influence of beer consumption on levels of homocysteine (HCY), vitamin B6, B12, folic acid (FA), dimethylglycine (DMG), betaine (BET) and other selected markers. One hundred and sixteen male volunteers were enrolled in the study. A one-month period of alcohol abstinence was followed by a one month when participants drank 830 mL of alcoholic beer every day. After that phase, one month of alcohol abstinence followed. At the beginning and after every phase blood samples were taken and analysed. Ninety-three participants completed the study. After the phase of alcohol consumption, uric acid (UA) (p<0.0001), antioxidative capacity (AOC) (p=0.02), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (0.025), glutathione reductase (GRH) (0.0001), total cholesterol (p<0.0001), HDL-cholesterol (p<0.0001), Apolipoprotein-AI (ApoAI) (p<0.0001), LDL-cholesterol (p<0.039) and Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) (p<0.009) increased, while vitamin B12 (p=0.0001) and fibrinogen (p<0.0001) decreased. Other tested parameters (DMG, BET, vitamin B6 and FA) did not show any significant changes. UA changes and changes in AOC were statistically significantly correlated (r=0.52, p<0.0001). HCY, DMG and BET levels did not show any statistically significant changes after beer consumption, whereas some markers of redox metabolism increased (UA, AOC, SOD and GRH). A statistically significant correlation denotes the dependence of UA and AOC changes in connection with beer consumption.

PMID:35770471

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Does “no-touch” technique hysteroscopy increase the risk of infection?

Turk J Obstet Gynecol. 2022 Jun 27;19(2):145-151. doi: 10.4274/tjod.galenos.2022.04272.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Today, thanks to its many advantages, hysteroscopy with a vaginoscopic approach (no-touch) is increasingly being used more in outpatient diagnoses and treatments. However, there are concerns that the “no-touch” technique increases ascending genital tract infections since a speculum is not inserted, and disinfection of the cervix cannot achieve.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2011 and 2017, 302 patients who underwent office hysteroscopy with the vaginoscopic approach (group 1) and 254 patients who underwent hysteroscopy with the standard method under anesthesia in the operating room (group 2) were compared in terms of early complications (within two weeks postoperatively). The primary outcome was early postoperative infection, and the secondary outcome was other early complications, such as bleeding and rupture.

RESULTS: In this study, the success rate of hysteroscopy with the vaginoscopic approach was 96.4%. According to the visual analog scale scoring system, 88.7% of the patients described mild-to-moderate pain. When group 1 and 2 were compared in terms of postoperative infection (3% and 2.4%, respectively) and other early complication rates (0% and 0.8%, respectively), no statistically significant difference was found (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopy with a vaginoscopic approach continues to be the gold standard method that is safe and well-tolerated by patients.

PMID:35770455 | DOI:10.4274/tjod.galenos.2022.04272

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

DNA fragmentation of equine cumulus cells from Cumulus-Oocyte complexes submitted to vitrification and its relationship to the developmental competence of the oocyte

Reprod Domest Anim. 2022 Jun 30. doi: 10.1111/rda.14197. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of vitrification on the DNA fragmentation rate of equine cumulus cells and to assess its relationship to oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) after vitrification. Cumulus cells (CC) from 14 mares were recovered from COCs, previously submitted to vitrification (VIT) and IVM. The DNA fragmentation rate of the cumulus cells (CC-DF) was assessed using a chromatin dispersion test. CC-DF rates between vitrified and control COCs were statistically compared by Student´s t-test. The rates of CC-DF from control COCs were lower than in vitrified COCs. The percentage of CC-DF was not significantly different (P > 0.05) between groups of COCs able to reach metaphase II (MII >0) and those in which oocyte maturation was not achieved (MII = 0) . In conclusion, vitrification has a deleterious effect on the DNA fragmentation of equine cumulus cells; however, this parameter cannot be used as a predictor for IVM success after COCs vitrification.

PMID:35770452 | DOI:10.1111/rda.14197

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Obesity Fact Sheet in Korea, 2021: Trends in Obesity Prevalence and Obesity-Related Comorbidity Incidence Stratified by Age from 2009 to 2019

J Obes Metab Syndr. 2022 Jun 30;31(2):169-177. doi: 10.7570/jomes22024.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The global public health burden of obesity has increased with socio-economic development. The Korean Society for the Study of Obesity released the 2021 Obesity Fact Sheet to address trends in obesity prevalence and comorbid conditions by different age groups.

METHODS: Individuals ≥20 years old who underwent a health checkup provided by the Korean National Health Insurance Service between 2009 and 2019 were included. The prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity was standardized by age and sex based on the 2010 population and housing census. The incidence of obesity-related comorbidities was tracked from 2009 to 2019, and the incidence per 1,000 person-years was calculated using Poisson regression adjusted for age and sex.

RESULTS: Obesity and abdominal obesity prevalence has increased for the entire population over the past 11 years. Obesity prevalence has risen rapidly in individuals in their 20s and 80s compared with other age groups. Additionally, class III obesity prevalence in both men and women has significantly increased by nearly threefold. The relative risk of developing type 2 diabetes, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and cancers in people with obesity or abdominal obesity is greater than in people without obesity or abdominal obesity. The relative risk was higher in young and middle-aged individuals than in the older population.

CONCLUSION: The findings based on the 2021 Obesity Fact Sheet suggest the need to better understand obesity characteristics according to age and sex and to establish individualized treatment strategies.

PMID:35770450 | DOI:10.7570/jomes22024

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Ovarian follicular dynamics, hormonal profiles and ovulation time in Mithun cows (Bos frontalis)

Reprod Domest Anim. 2022 Jun 30. doi: 10.1111/rda.14196. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to evaluate follicular dynamics and concentrations of estradiol-17β (E2), progesterone (P4), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) during the estrous cycle, and to determine ovulation time in Mithun cows. Ovaries of experimental cows (n=7) were examined daily by transrectal-ultrasonography for three consecutive estrous cycles (n=21). The characteristics of follicular waves, dominant follicle, largest subordinate follicle and corpus luteum, and ovulation time were evaluated. The plasma samples were analyzed throughout the interovulatory interval to determine the differences in the hormonal profiles (E2, P4, FSH and LH) between different follicular wave cycles. Out of eighteen estrous cycles analyzed, three-wave follicular cycles were maximum (n=12: 66.66%) followed by two (n=4: 22.22%) and four waves (n=2: 11.11%). The two and three waves were statistically compared, and no significant (p>0.05) differences were observed in day of wave emergence, number of follicles (≥3 mm) recruited, maximum diameter of the ovulatory dominant follicle, growth rates of ovulatory and anovulatory dominant follicles and maximum diameter of corpus luteum. The diameter of dominant follicles was significantly (p<0.05) greater than subordinate follicles in both ovulatory and anovulatory waves. No significant differences were observed in peak concentrations of estradiol-17β and follicle stimulating hormone between ovulatory and anovulatory waves in all wave cycles. A preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge was observed a day before ovulation in all wave cycles. Progesterone concentrations were lower than 0.5ng/mL during estrus and increased sharply to the maximum levels of ≥3.8ng/mL in all wave cycles. Ovulation time (mean±SEM), irrespective of follicular waves was 10.5±0.64 h after the end of estrus. It was concluded that Mithun cows have a preponderance of three follicular waves with little difference between the two- and three- follicular waves and ovulation occurred 10.5 h after the end of estrus.

PMID:35770446 | DOI:10.1111/rda.14196

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Changes in the Street Prices of Prescription Opioids During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Psychiatr Serv. 2022 Jun 30:appips202100689. doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.202100689. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed changes in prescription opioid street prices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: Crowdsourced prescription opioid street prices were obtained from the Researched Abuse, Diversion and Addiction-Related Surveillance System StreetRx Program. Percentage changes in street price per milligram of different opioids between April and December 2020 compared with the same months in 2019 were calculated by using linear regression.

RESULTS: Street prices of high-potency drugs hydromorphone and oxycodone increased 23% and 12% per milligram, respectively. Prices of low-potency drugs hydrocodone and morphine increased 9% and 12% per milligram, respectively. Changes in prices of medications for opioid use disorder were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: Decreased access to opioid analgesics during the pandemic combined with contributors to opioid demand may have led to increases in street prices of prescription opioids. Measures taken to increase access to medications for opioid use disorder were not associated with changes in those drugs’ street prices.

PMID:35770425 | DOI:10.1176/appi.ps.202100689

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Commonly occurring adversities in families as risk factors for developing psychosocial and psychiatric morbidities: evidence from general practice

BJPsych Open. 2022 Jun 30;8(4):e123. doi: 10.1192/bjo.2022.511.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Childhood adversity may lead to mental and somatic complications throughout life. General practitioners are equipped to identify and manage adverse events in households. The relationship between adversities and psychiatric symptoms has not been studied in primary care.

AIMS: We investigated the relationship of common adversities in families with respect to subsequent development of psychosocial and psychiatric problems in young children.

METHOD: We analysed data from seven general practices, including participants between 0 and 9 years of age. Adversity was defined as having a household member who was diagnosed with cancer, psychiatric disease or social problems. We compared these patients with controls matched for gender, age and general practice. The primary outcome was any new episode defined with a psychological and psychiatric label. Secondarily, the encounter rates at the general practices after adversity were analysed.

RESULTS: Participants in both groups were followed for an average of 12 years, whereby patients with an adversity were more likely to develop psychiatric morbidities compared with matched references (odds ratio 1.38, 95% CI 1.12-1.68, P = 0.002), also revealing higher encounter rates at general practices. We found no statistically significant association between adversities in the family and increased psychosocial symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS: The short- and long-term consequences of exposure to negative events in childhood are of great public health importance. Our data suggest screening more proactively for consequences of commonly occurring adversities in families, as they are a risk factor for subsequent psychiatric symptoms. Enhanced consultation frequency at general practitioners following adversities should be differentiated in more detail.

PMID:35770375 | DOI:10.1192/bjo.2022.511