Search

Electricity grids around the world are rapidly changing to accommodate an increasing penetration of renewable generation. Grid ancillary services, such as frequency response, are important tools an electricity system operator has at their disposal for maintaining grid stability. In Great Britain, the electricity system operator recently proposed new frequency response services (dynamic regulation, dynamic moderation, dynamic containment, and static containment) designed for the future needs of the system. Here we analyse the efficacy of these new services using a month-long case study and use the current services as a comparison. We calculate that the total frequency response capacity needed is 450 MW of high response (needed when Δf > 0) and 550 MW of low response (needed when Δf < 0), including 150 MW of dynamic regulation and 150 MW of dynamic moderation to reproduce frequency volatility levels seen currently. We also investigate how the new services perform in a future reduced inertia scenario, developed using National Grid ESO’s Future Energy Scenarios. The inertia in this future scenario is provided by nuclear and demand only and has a median value 5 times smaller than current values. We find that the new services can successfully mitigate against the reduced inertia with a 50 MW addition of capacity to dynamic regulation.

The transition from childhood to adolescence is a sensitive period, triggering changes in health- and weight-related behaviours including eating habits which likely vary between girls and boys. We aimed to characterise the changes in the frequency of consumption of select sugary foods and drinks ('sweet treats') among 4237 Finnish girls and boys during a 2-year follow-up period. Additionally, we examined four subgroups: children whose weight or waist normalised as well as children whose weight or waist circumference increased during follow-up. An FFQ was completed at 11 center dot 1 (sd 0 center dot 9) and again at 13 center dot 4 (sd 1 center dot 1) years of age. A sum variable sweet treat index (STI, range 0-84) captured the weekly consumption frequencies of sweet treats. From baseline to follow-up, the mean STI decreased among girls from 7 center dot 1 (95 % CI 6 center dot 9, 7 center dot 3) to 6 center dot 0 (95 % CI 5 center dot 9, 6 center dot 2) (P < 0 center dot 001) and boys from 8 center dot 5 (95 % CI 8 center dot 3, 8 center dot 8) to 7 center dot 8 (95 % CI 7 center dot 6, 7 center dot 8) (P < 0 center dot 001), although both sexes increased their chocolate/sweets consumption: girls from 1 center dot 3 (95 % CI 1 center dot 3, 1 center dot 4) to 1 center dot 6 (95 % CI 1 center dot 5, 1 center dot 6) (P < 0 center dot 001) and boys from 1 center dot 4 (95 % CI 1 center dot 3, 1 center dot 4) to 1 center dot 6 (95 % CI 1 center dot 6, 1 center dot 7) (P < 0 center dot 001), and boys increased their soft drink consumption from 1 center dot 4 (95 % CI 1 center dot 3, 1 center dot 4) to 1 center dot 5 (95 % CI 1 center dot 4, 1 center dot 5) (P = 0 center dot 020). We found similar decreases in both the weight and waist subgroups. To conclude, the total frequency of consumption of sweet treats decreased during early adolescence. A similar trend across subgroups suggests that the frequency of consumption of sweet treats is unrelated to becoming overweight.

Objective To explore the acupoint selection rules of acupuncture for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) based on complex network. Methods The articles on clinical research of acupuncture for TN published up to March 2019 were searched from the databases, i.e. CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, Web of Science and Science Direct. A prescription database of acupuncture for TN was established. Using complex network, the core acupoints and acupoint selection rules were analyzed for TN treated with acupuncture. Results A total of 304 articles, including 272 acupoint prescriptions were obtained. The complex network constructed for TN treated with acupuncture was in compliance with the small world effect. Using k-core analytic hierarchy process, 36 acupoints were screened, and the total frequency of acupoints is 1175. Regarding the meridian distribution, the points of yangming meridians of hand and foot were predominated, accounting for 50.21% of the overall (590/1175). In terms of acupoint location, the acupoints on the head and face were predominated, accounting for 52.51% (617/1175). For the types of acupoint, the specific acupoints were predominated, accounting for 71.32% (838/1175) and the majority was the intersecting points, accounting for 33.87% (398/1175). Based on community structure partition, the treatment of TN with acupuncture was divided into the treatment for symptoms, etiological treatment, and mind regulation. Besides, the supplementary acupoints based on the involved nerve branches of TN and those based on syndrome differentiation were recommended. Conclusion The core acupoints of acupuncture for TN are Hegŭ (合谷LI4), Xiaguān (下关ST7), Taichōng (太冲LR3), Fēngchi (风池GB20) and Sibai (四白ST2). In clinical treatment, the main therapeutics include the local analgesia for the symptoms and etiological treatment, associated with mind regulation.

We performed a retrospective evaluation of the results of bilateral ureteral reconstruction using a tubularized bladder flap. The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of bilateral Boari surgery to correct ureteral defects. The study included 8 patients who required bilateral ureteral reconstruction. Synchronous operations were performed in 4 patients, other patients (n=4) underwent two-stage operations. The effectiveness of Boari surgery was evaluated retrospectively by analyzing complications and long-term treatment outcomes. The length of the bladder flap on the right varied from 6 to 15 cm and averaged 10.0 ± 3.5 cm, on the left it was from 7 to 13 cm with an average value of 9.3 ± 2.3 cm. The total frequency of intraoperative complications did not exceed 25.0%. Postoperative complications were observed in 5 (62.5%) patients (grade I or II according to Clavien-Dindo). The most common problem was exacerbation of pyelonephritis and leakage of urine from a postoperative wound. Severe dysuria was found in only 2 (25%) patients. A decrease in bladder capacity with persistent hyperactivity was recorded 2 months after surgery in one case. Chronic urinary retention was also observed in one patient. The total number of positive long-term results (good + satisfactory result) was 75%. Two negative results were recorded in patients after synchronous bilateral operations. Boari surgery is an effective and safe method of ureteral reconstruction for defects of both ureters. Two-stage operations have priorities over synchronous bilateral reconstruction due to a higher level of positive long-term results.

Patients on a gluten-free diet are at risk of developing polyhypoavitaminosis and deficiency states, which requires the supplementation of their diet to prevent nutrient deficiencies. The aim of the study: to analyze the dynamics of anthropometric and laboratory parameters, components of the quality of life in children with coeliac disease on the background of a month-long course of administration of hypercaloric mixture for enteric nutrition. Materials and methods: 45 children with coeliac disease aged 2-10 years (mean age 6.3 ± 0.3 years) on a strict gluten-free diet for more than one year. All patients received additional enteric nutrition with a hypercaloric mixture in the volume of 200 ml/day (300 kcal/day) for 1 month as a supplement to the main food ration. Two groups of patients receiving the supplement in 2012-2013 and 2017-2018 were identified. Physical development was assessed under the WHO AnthroPlus programme. The quality of life indicators were assessed using the PedQL 4.0 questionnaire. Results: the total frequency of protein-сalorie deficiency (PCD) before the course of nutritional supplementation was 13 (28.9%) cases, while acute PCD was diagnosed in 6 (13.3%) and chronic PCD in 7 (15.6%) patients. Against the background of the course of nutritious supplementation in children with coeliac disease, there was a significant reduction in weight, height and BMI in both groups. Patients in 2012-2013 initially had a greater gap in weight and height compared to children in 2017-2018. There was an improvement in the sum of the quality of life indicators by 6.3% for children in the first group and by 4.3% for children in the second group against the background of nutritional supplementation. Conclusions: Enrichment of children’s diets with a hypercaloric blend of dietary fiber helps to accelerate the pace of physical development, reduce the number of children with diabetes mellitus, improve hemogram rates and most components of quality of life.

Background: The cause of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is still unknown. Literature has indicated that there is a statistically significant correlation between hyperhomocysteinemia and SSNHL, yet there is lack of study in the relationship concerning total frequency deafness subtype of SSNHL. This study investigated the relationship between plasma concentration of homocysteine (Hcy), serum concentration of folic acid and occurrence and treatment responding in total frequency deafness adult patients, and explored whether targeted early intervention was associated with improved clinical outcome in this subgroup. Methods: A total of 54 consecutive adult patients with diagnosis of sudden total frequency deafness in a single institution was enrolled into the study group. Two control groups were established. Control group 1 was derived from inpatients with normal listening comprehension. Control group 2 included 52 patients with sudden total frequency deafness treated in a parallel hospital. Blood concentration of folic acid and Hcy was investigated. Treatment included Ginkgo biloba extract, dexamethasone, hyperbaric oxygen, folic acid, vitamin B6, and optional vitamin B12. All data was statistically analyzed. Blood level of Hcy and folic acid was compared between study group and control group 1. Results: Although there was no clear evidence for the divergence trend of Hcy and folic acid levels individually, the results showed that the study group had higher blood level of Hcy and lower blood level of folic acid, than control group. In the study group, 24 patients (44.44%) demonstrated treatment effectiveness after the 2-week treatment course. Patients without vertigo had higher effective rate than patients with vertigo (P Conclusions: Effective rate of study group was higher than control group 2 which had no folic acid and vitamin B6/B12 supplement. High blood Hcy and low blood folic acid were closely associated in patients with sudden total frequency deafness. The currently accepted concept of treatment for sudden total frequency deafness is not essentially satisfactory. Testing of plasma Hcy and serum folic acid may provide referential value for its treatment and prognosis evaluation.

The document analysis method mainly refers to the method of collecting, identifying, and collating documents, and forming a scientific understanding of facts through the analysis of the documents. Traditional Chinese medicine understands and classifies the cause of tumors under the guidance of the overall concept. Although modern medicine is the main treatment method for tumors, it still has many shortcomings. With the deepening of TCM’s understanding of tumors, it was discovered that TCM decoctions combined with treatment can increase efficacy and reduce toxicity. The ingredients in them play an important role in improving the body’s immune function and improving the diagnosis and treatment of TCM tumors. Based on this, this article has launched an analysis and research on the status quo of diagnosis and treatment of TCM tumors based on literature analysis methods. In this paper, we systematically searched the related literatures of TCM treatment of tumors, used TCM literature analysis methods, used prescriptions as clues, explored the law of TCM diagnosis and treatment of tumors, and summarized the similarities and differences between ancient and modern diagnosis and treatment of tumors. This article mainly uses the literature analysis method to summarize and analyze the domestic literature on the diagnosis and treatment of TCM tumors, to understand the development trends of Chinese scholars on TCM, and to have a clearer understanding of the status quo and development of TCM diagnosis and treatment of tumors in my country. Problems in the process, and propose corresponding solutions based on the problems found. In this paper, by consulting the literature, we will sort out the tumor’s pathogenic factors, pathogenesis, and the current status of Chinese medicine treatment, and systematically summarize and summarize the modern experimental basic research to provide a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of tumors. The results of literature analysis show that the total frequency of medication is 1021 times, the relative frequency is 1021 88%, indicating that these 8 types of traditional Chinese medicine occupies a dominant position in ancient prescriptions. It can be seen that tonic drugs are the core drugs used in modern Chinese medicine in the treatment of tumors.

Objective: To analyze the features and patterns of acupoint selection in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) by data mining technique. Methods: Relevant clinical studies published before 25 June, 2017 were searched in databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Academic Journal Full-text Database (Wanfang). Results: A total of 122 papers were included, involving 69 points. It was found that the top three points on the frequency list were Zusanli (ST 36), Zhongwan (CV 12) and Weishu (BL 21). The points selected were distributed in 11 meridians, in which the Stomach Meridian of Foot Yangming, Conception Vessel, and Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang ranked the top and accounted for 74.0% of the total frequency. Of the involved specific points, Five Shu-Transmitting points, crossing points and Back-Shu points ranked the top, accounting for 47.1%. The analysis of association pattern has shown that Zusanli (ST 36) and Zhongwan (CV 12) won the highest support rate in the paired groups; Zusanli (ST 36), Weishu (BL 21) and Zhongwan (CV 12) had the highest support rate among the point groups. The Five Shu-Transmitting points and the Lower He-Sea points had the highest support rate among the specific point groups. Conclusion: The data mining results of the studies on acupuncture-moxibustion for CAG are substantially in line with the acupuncture-moxibustion treatment theories in traditional Chinese medicine. The results can reflect the acupoint selection patterns in treatment of CAG and provide reference for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of CAG in clinic.

OBJECTIVE Introduction: We conducted a retrospective assessment of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in patients with iatrogenic ureteral injury, who were treated in a specialized medical center. The aim: The aim of the research was to determine the optimal treatment method for correction of iatrogenic ureteral defects. PATIENTS AND METHODS Materials and methods: The study included 73 patients with iatrogenic ureteral injury. In 70 cases ureteral reconstruction was carried out with the help of Boari bladder flap. The effectiveness of this approach was assessed retrospectively by analysis of the complications and long-term results of the treatment. RESULTS Results: The length of the bladder flap varied from 3 to 21 cm and averaged 9.8 ± 1.4 cm. In 6 (8.2%) cases a successful reconstructive surgery of the ureter up to the level of its upper third was performed. The overall frequency of intraoperative complications did not exceed 12.9%. The total frequency of early postoperative complications was high (75.8%), however, they were not severe and required surgical correction only in one (1.4%) case. The total number of positive long-term results (good + satisfactory) amounted to 91.5%. Nephrectomy was required only in 2 (2.3%) cases. CONCLUSION Conclusions: The Boari bladder flap operation should be considered as the basis of the algorithm for providing medical care to patients with iatrogenic ureteral injury. This type of surgery makes it possible to completely replace the damaged or having doubtful blood supply portion of the ureter even with the defects extending to its upper third. The main advantages of this surgery technique are good blood supply of tubularized bladder flap and a high level of positive long-term results.

The frequency of spontaneous and X-ray-induced (0.25 Gy) in vitro chromosomal aberrations, as well as the level of chromosomal instability as a result of the bystander effect, in the blood lymphocytes of individuals aged from 12 to 102 years has been investigated using GTG staining of human metaphase chromosomes. The average group frequency of spontaneous chromosomal aberrations in adolescents (12–16 years), middle-aged people (33–52 years), and centenarians (90–102 years) was identical (p > 0.05), whereas it was higher in elderly people (60–70 years) due to increase of chromatid type aberrations rate (p 0.05); however, the total frequency of chromosomal aberrations in individuals aged 60–70 years exceeded the value of such indices in other age groups due to the chromosomal type damages (p < 0.05). In nonirradiated blood lymphocytes of adolescents, middle-aged, and elderly individuals cocultivated with lymphocytes irradiated in vitro (0.25 Gy), the induction of the bystander effect was detected. In lymphocytes of centenarians, the development of the bystander effect was not detected.

Objectives. This study aimed to explore the characteristics and principles of acupoints, which were applied for treating tension-type headache (TTH). Methods. Four databases were searched for the literature studies of treating TTH with acupuncture and moxibustion up to September 1, 2020. Titles, journals, authors, key words, interventions, main acupoints, and outcomes of the included literature studies were extracted and inputted into the self-established Data Excavation Platform of Acupoint Specificity for analysis. Results. In total, 128 papers containing 137 prescriptions, 89 meridian acupoints, and 7 extraordinary acupoints of treating TTH with acupuncture and moxibustion were included. The total frequency of acupoints’ application was 763 times. Fengchi (GB20), Baihui (GV20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) were used most frequently. The acupoints in Yang meridians were utilized more than those in Yin meridians (66.1% vs. 17.8%), and the acupoints in the Gallbladder Meridian of Foot Shaoyang were applied most commonly. 59.9% (457/763) of the applied acupoints were on the head, face, and neck, and 31.7% (242/763) were on the four limbs. Additionally, the proportion of specific acupoints’ application was 78.2% (597/763). Conclusions. The prescription of Fengchi (GB20), Baihui (GV20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) might be relatively reasonable in clinical practices of treating TTH with acupuncture, which should be verified in further studies.

In this work we apply the network physiology paradigm to retrieve information from central and autonomic nervous systems before focal epileptic seizure, represented respectively by electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and R-R intervals (RRI), and investigate on the presence and strength of brain-heart interactions by computing mutual information (MI) measures. Statistical significance of MI values was tested through surrogate time series generated with the random shuffle approach. Our results suggest that the proposed method for aligning signals representing brain and heart activity measured with different sampling rates, is capable of revealing coupling between RRI representing heart system, and aligned averaged power spectrum of brain processes, measured with EEG, resulting in significant MI. For electrodes C3, Fp2, Cz, and T4 in correspondingly α, β, γ, and total frequency bands, we obtain significantly smaller values of MI in the pre-ictal period in comparison with baseline period, as well as general decrease of significant and all estimated MI values before the focal seizure can be observed.

In recent years, with the rapid development of network and data mining, multi-source heterogeneous data related to academics has also shown an exponential growth. As an important research field of academic big data, the objectivity of academic influence evaluation methods and rationality plays an important role in the evaluation of scientific and technological talents, academic groups, and national scientific research strength. Traditional methods are generally measured based on the amount of papers published by scholars and the total frequency of citations. Although these methods are simple to calculate the influence of scholar, they ignore the importance of the cooperative network of scholar and the evolution of academic networks over time. In order to solve the above limitations, this paper constructs a derivation of scholars' paper relationship network and scholars' cooperation network, taking into account the importance of time in the network, from the perspectives of the journal where the scholar publishes papers, the location of the author, and the number of citations of the paper. In this paper, a method is designed to calculate the academic influence of the scholars, making the calculation result more reasonable.

Background: The zoonotic Sarcocystis parasite has an obligatory two-host life cycle that mainly involves herbivorous animals as intermediate hosts and carnivorous animals as definitive hosts. Objectives: Lack of reliable study and published data bout frequency of Sarcocystis in livestock of Hormozgan Province and consumed meat led us to investigate in abattoirs and slaughterhouses of Bandar Abbas, Iran, in 2019 - 2020. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 400 meat samples of three types of animals (cow, sheep, goat) belonging to Hormozgan, Fars, and Kerman provinces were studied from September 2019 to January 2020 using naked eye examination for detection of macroscopic Sarcocystis cysts and pepsin digestion method accompanied by squeezing methods performed to examine striated muscles for microscopic cyst types. Isolated tissues of the esophagus, heart, and diaphragm of 400 slaughtered animals were examined for Sarcocystis. Results: The carcasses of all the animals were investigated to detect Sarcocystis macroscopic cysts, all of which were negative. However, microscopic examination of isolated tissues by pepsin digestion showed a total frequency of 92.25% in these animals. Analysis revealed that cows bred in Hormozgan and goats imported from Kerman are significantly infected and play an important role in the distribution of disease (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These results and obtained data indicated that a large volume of imported meats to Hormozgan is contaminated with this parasite, and more control should be applied over slaughtered livestock. Also, the people of the community who consume these meats should be given proper and complete training.

AIM To investigate the 5-year frequency of additional treatments in relation to the number of reported root filled canals in molar teeth in Sweden. METHODOLOGY The cohort included first and second molars in adult individuals who were registered with a root filling performed in 2009. Treatment codes corresponding to root fillings of teeth with from one up to four root filled canals were identified in the Swedish Social Insurance Agency database. The studied additional treatments were extraction, non-surgical root canal retreatment and endodontic surgery during the subsequent 5 years, identified by corresponding codes for these treatments registered on these specific teeth. Differences in the frequency of additional treatments based on the number of root filled canals were analysed using chi-square test and considered statistically significant at P

Objective: To explore the rule of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of hysteromyoma, and provide theoretical basis for clinical medication and development of new drugs. Methods: In CNKI, with "hysteromyoma" and "traditional Chinese medicine" as the subject words, search the journal papers from January 2009 to July 2019, sort out the prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine recorded in the literature, establish a database, and carry out statistical analysis. Using statistical software tools, such as Excel 2013, SPSS Modeler 14.1, SPSS Statistics 21, the frequency and types of Chinese medicine, association rules and association factors were analyzed. Results: 125 articles were included, involving 183 kinds of traditional Chinese medicine, and the total frequency was 1268.Among the 183 traditional Chinese medicines included, there are 55 kinds of traditional Chinese medicines with frequency ≥ 5, 29 kinds of traditional Chinese medicines with frequency ≥ 10. The first three medicines with the highest frequency are angelica, peach kernel and trigonometry; the most effective drugs are blood activating and stasis removing drugs, Qi regulating drugs, qi invigorating drugs and heat clearing and blood cooling drugs. In the taste of drugs, mainly sweet, bitter and pungent; in the meridian tropism, mainly liver, lung, heart and kidney. Among the association rules, 23 combinations with the highest Association intensity were found, and 8 common factors were extracted by factor analysis. Conclusion: in the clinical treatment of hysteromyoma, the drugs for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis are mainly used, and they are mostly combined with Qi regulating drugs.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the emergence and trajectory of feeding difficulties in young children who are later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHOD: The Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) was administered to a sample of 93 toddlers with an older sibling with ASD -- the high-risk group -- and 62 toddlers with no known familial ASD -- the low-risk group -- as part of a larger infant sibling study. The BPFAS was completed by parents at 15, 18, 24, and 36 months of age. At 36 months, participants underwent a diagnostic assessment and were classified into one of four outcome groups: ASD, Non-Typical Development, High-risk Typically Developing, and Low-risk Typically Developing. The BPFAS was scored for total frequency of feeding difficulties, as well as autism-specific factor scores previously described in the literature. RESULTS: The frequency of feeding difficulties increased significantly more rapidly in the ASD group between 15 and 36 months of age, and by 36 months, they exhibited a significantly higher total frequency score than all other groups. Analysis of the factor scores revealed a similar pattern for the food acceptance and mealtime behavior domains, but no significant differences in the medical/oral motor domain. CONCLUSION: Feeding difficulties develop significantly more rapidly in children with ASD, with longitudinal monitoring revealing the steeper trajectory earlier than can be detected with cross-sectional analysis. Children with ASD are at risk of health and social consequences of poor feeding behavior that may potentially be minimized if addressed early and appropriately.

Recent literature has demonstrated that dogs have the potential to detect, and communicate the presence of, various human diseases. However, there is a lack of investigation into whether commonplace training differences within the field could influence a dog's behavior during a biomedical detection task. Here we report on the behavior of four dogs trained to alert to blood plasma samples taken from individuals with ovarian cancer. One hundred trials per dog were selected from routine video recordings collected over a period of 13 months. Videos were coded frame by frame to quantify sample checking, alerting behavior, and durations of alert. Dogs had previously been trained to elicit a final response behavior once they had located the target odor. Two dogs had a “sit” response while the other two had a “stand-stare” response. Alert behavior was categorized as true positive (a correct alert to a cancer sample) or false positive (an incorrect alert to biological and non-biological controls and distractors). Hesitations were also recorded, where the dog either checks the sample twice or, spends a longer duration of time sniffing the sample than a true pass without carrying out their final response. Results show individual variation in the total frequency of false alerts elicited. However, the rate of hesitations appears to be influenced by alert style, with stand-stare dogs carrying out 40 and 32, respectively (total = 72) and sit dogs carrying out 7 and 8, respectively (total = 15). The stand-stare dogs had a non-significant difference in the duration of their true and false positive alerts. In contrast, the sit dogs showed a significant difference (p < 0.001), maintaining their false alerts for, on average, two times the duration of their true alerts. Stand-stare dogs increased the duration of time spent in contact with the port when plasma samples were present, whereas sit dogs spent on average 0.3 s in contact with the port regardless of what sample type it contained. These findings suggest that the type of operant response a biomedical detection dog has been trained may influence their sample checking and response behavior.

Background The current Sydney classification criteria do not consider a range of non-thrombotic clinical manifestations that are frequently observed in association with the presence of aPLs, the so-called extra-criteria manifestations. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analysis our single center Antiphospholipid antibodies associated clinical phenotypes, especially the frequency of extra-criteria manifestations. Methods Data of 731 serum samples from patients of clinical suspected APS in 2018 were enrolled. Data of clinical features, laboratory examination, treatment and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed. Results A total of 200 patients with APLs were positive (27%), 56 males and 144 females, with an average age of 40.13±17.24 years, 115 cases (57.5%) with ACL positive, 167 cases (83.5%) with anti-β2GPI antibodies positive, 69 cases (34.5%) with LA positive, and 20 cases (10%) turned negative after 12 weeks without any specific therapy. 61(30.5%) patients were fulfilled the 2006 revised Sydney classification criteria for APS. One patient was Catastrophic APS. 27(44.3%) patients with primary APS, 34 (55.6%) were secondary APS, including SLE-APS (20), CTD (9), infection (3), malignancies (2). 119 patients with persistent APLs positive, but were not fulfilled the APS criteria because of without thrombosis or fetal loss. 77 (42.8%) patients were asymptomatic, 42 patients with extra-criteria manifestations. The total frequency of extra-criteria manifestations associated with APLs are 40%. The details are shown in table 1. Conclusions The most common extra-criteria manifestations are thrombocytopenia, non-vascular neurological manifestations and valvular heart disease. And they can be the independent clinical feature of APLs without thrombotic events or Pregnancy morbidities.

Contains fulltext : 218692.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) INTRODUCTION: Accelerometry of the upper extremity (UE) potentially provides information on the extent of activities in daily life in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The objective of this study is to evaluate the validity of home measurements of UE accelerometry. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in 16 patients with DMD (aged 7-17 years). Patients were monitored for 1 to 3 days with two accelerometers on the UE and one accelerometer on the wheelchair. RESULTS: The mean intensity of activity and the mean frequency of transfers of arm elevation from low to middle were approximately twofold higher in patients with a Brooke scale score of 1 or 2 than in patients with a Brooke scale score of 3 or 4. Correlations with the Performance of Upper Limb scale score were high for intensity and for the total frequency of arm elevations per hour. DISCUSSION: Intensity, percentage of time in middle orientation, and frequency of transfers of the upper arm correlated well with functional measurements.

Background: Despite growing interest in the (therapeutic) use of intranasal oxytocin administration in children, the potential side-effects of intranasal oxytocin have remained largely unclear to date. The current study is the first double-blind randomized controlled trial to examine side-effects following single administration of oxytocin nasal spray in elementary school-aged children. Methods: One hundred children (8–12 years old) were randomly assigned to receive oxytocin or placebo nasal spray. We assessed side-effects by means of a standardized, drug-specific questionnaire and an open-ended question at two time points: 90 min after nasal spray administration and 24 h after administration. Results: There were no significant associations between nasal spray condition and total frequency of reported side-effects or reports of specific side-effects. Children and their mothers were unable to correctly guess nasal spray allocation, further supporting that the subjective experience of oxytocin versus placebo nasal spray effects was similar. Moreover, the majority of reported side-effects were classified as mild and ceased within 24 h after the procedure, indicating that the nasal sprays were well tolerated. Conclusion: In all, this study is the first randomized controlled trial to provide information on the safety of intranasal oxytocin administration in middle childhood. The current study suggests that single administration of intranasal oxytocin is likely safe in elementary school-aged children.

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the magnitude of pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical laboratory errors in hematology tests. Results A total of 2606 hematology requests were studied. Out of the total, 562 (21.6%) pre-analytic, 14 (0.5%) analytical and 168 (6.4%) post-analytical errors were recorded which contribute a total frequency of 75.5, 1.9 and 22.6%, respectively. The name of the physician requesting the test was not provided on 2215 (85%) of request forms and 1827 (70.1%) of the request forms were unaccompanied with proper clinical details of the patient. Essential information required on the request forms was often missed. Close communication between clinicians and laboratory personnel is the key to improve laboratory quality in general.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency and factors associated with smoking among female university students in Pakistan.METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in 4 cities (Karachi, Hyderabad, Multan and Lahore) of Pakistan. A total of 689 female students from 18 universities (including medical, engineering & social sciences universities) filled the questionnaire through convenient sampling method. Data analysis was done on SPSS 22. Binary logistic regression, with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to determine the factors associated with smoking.RESULTS: Mean age at initiation of smoking was 16.65±2.46 years. Total frequency of smoking was 7.4% (n=51/689). Out of 51 students involved in smoking, 25 (49%) used shisha, 7 (13.7%) used Cigarette and 19 (37%) used both modes of smoking. Students who consider smoking necessary for Social gathering are 5 times more prone to smoke. Strong relationship between advertisement on Social media and smoking was found (p

This study evaluated the effects of a ketogenic diet (KD) based on extra virgin coconut oil (Cocos nucifera L., VCO), on the treatment of epileptic rats. Two sets of experiments were conducted. First, male Wistar rats underwent induction of status epilepticus (SE) with the administration of pilocarpine intraperitoneally 21 animals reached spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) and were randomly allocated to the dietary regimens and video-monitored for 19 days. In the second experiment, 24 animals were randomized immediately after the induction of SE and followed for 67 days. Diets were as follows: Control (AIN-93G; 7% lipid), KetoTAGsoya (KD based on soybean oil; 69.79% lipid), and KetoTAGcoco (KD based on VCO; 69.79% lipid). There were no differences in the latency to the first crisis, total frequency, and duration of the SRS between groups in 2 experiments. The data suggest no effects of KD, with or without VCO, in rats with pilocarpine-induced epilepsy.

Feeding problems are associated with the consumption of a limited amount or restricted variety of foods and often occur in children with gastrointestinal diseases. The majority of studies to date do not use valid and reliable measurements to detect feeding problems. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess behavioral and skill-based feeding problems in young children with gastrointestinal diseases by using a well-established parent-reported feeding measure and identify demographic, anthropometric, and environmental factors associated with maladaptive feeding behaviors in this pediatric population. Parents completed the Greek version of the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) and self-reported questionnaires assessing mealtime environment and parental feeding practices. It was found that 18.6% of the sample had abnormal Total Frequency Score (TFS) (frequency of problematic feeding behaviors) and 39.5% had abnormal Total Problem Score (TPS) (number of behaviors perceived as problematic by parents). Younger children, with lower body mass index, lower birth weight, and only children were more likely to have feeding problems. The study showed that parent-reported feeding problems are increased in young children with gastrointestinal diseases and are associated with specific aspects of mealtime environment and parental feeding practices.

SUMMARY. The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency by which plastic surgery-related terms have been included in the lyrics of Western music hits from the 1970s to the present day as a proxy for estimating the cultural impact of plastic surgery. A list of the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 songs from 1968 to 2019 and the Billboard Year-End Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs from 1970 to 2019 was obtained for a combined total of 8550 songs. Lyrics for each song were extracted via a web-scraping system, and a database of plastic surgery-related terms was developed by our team. Each term was then queried amongst the compiled lyrics data sets, and the total frequency of plastic surgery-related terms per year and per decade was determined. Each term was also examined in its context of usage to validate its relevance to plastic surgery and determine its connotation through sentiment analysis. The frequency of plastic surgery-related terms referenced in the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 and Billboard Year-End Hot R&B/Hip-Hop charts has increased 15-fold from the 1970s (n = 1 song) to 2010s (n = 15 songs). The terms most often mentioned included “doctor,” “silicone,” “plastic,” “surgery,” “nip-tuck,” and “lipo.” Artists who most frequently used plastic surgery-related terms were Kanye West, 2 Chainz, and Nicki Minaj. The current study is the first to evaluate trends in plastic surgery references in music formally. In turn, this study helps further our understanding of the interplay between plastic surgery and popular culture.

BACKGROUND: Revision of infected knee arthroplasties is associated with high failure rates (30-40%). An understanding of the microbiology is important to optimize treatment and outcome. We describe microbiological diagnostic practice and diagnosis in revision of infected knee arthroplasties.METHODS: One hundred and two partial revisions (open debridement and exchange of tibial insert) and 213 two-stage procedures performed due to infection in 275 patients from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2013 were included and analysed by linkage to data from a nationwide registry on microbiological test results.RESULTS: 78 (24.8%) revisions were culture negative, 192 (60.9%) showed monomicrobial growth and 43 (14.3%) polymicrobial growth. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent isolate in mono-culture in 70 (22.2%) revisions and in polymicrobial culture in 15 revisions with a total frequency of 27.0%. Only one case (1.4%) of methicillin-resistance was registered. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were frequent, sole pathogen in 65 revisions and in polymicrobial cultures in 28 revisions with a total frequency of 29.5%. A pre-operative knee aspiration was performed in 50% and preoperative blood cultures were performed in 22% of cases. In 73% of the preoperative knee-aspirations bacteriological findings were fully or partially in accordance with intraoperative cultures. In 54% of the later re-revisions due to infection (treatment-failures) the cultured species differed from or was not detected at index revision surgery.CONCLUSIONS: The 25% culture negative cases in combination with only 50% preoperative knee aspirations and prevailing high failure rates confirm the need for improvement of diagnostic practice and treatment of infected knee arthroplasties.

Over the past two decades, there has been surge of interest in research on teacher cognition in L2 education. Although a variety of issues concerning teacher cognition have been investigated, this line of inquiry has not addressed the question of how L2 teachers' cognitive development can be supported. To address this gap, the present study aims to investigate how novice L2 teachers' pedagogical knowledge base might grow as a result of expert mentoring initiatives. To this end, four novice and four experienced teachers participated in the study. The four novice teachers received a mentoring program consisting of Video-Recorded Performance Analysis, Expert-Teacher Observation and Critical Friendship initiatives offered by the experienced teachers. Sample classroom performances of novice teachers before and after the mentoring program were video-recorded; the teachers were then interviewed regarding the thought units underlying their instructional moves using stimulated recall technique. Audio-recorded recollections of their performances were then transcribed and the underlying thought units were identified and categorized. Comparisons of the pedagogical thought units underlying their performance before and after the mentoring program revealed significant differences in both the total frequency with which they produced/expressed pedagogical thought units and the relative dominance of pedagogical thought categories.

Purpose: In order to enhance the goal of premedical education, we developed new clinical educational course of surgery for first-grade premedical students. Methods: In 2015, from September 4th to December 18th, the educational performance records of firstgrade premedical students were evaluated, who attended the new, optional major class Introduction to surgery for future doctors. The non-compliance score was calculated as the sum of the total frequency of absences, number of late arrivals to class, and failure to submit the pre-lecture homework. This score was correlated with students’ educational performance records. The premedical students’ feed-back about this new class was summarized. Results: Among 79 first-grade premedical students at Yonsei University College of Medicine, 43 premedical students (54.4%) chose to attend the new class. Premedical students’ individual noncompliance scores were inversely and significantly correlated to written test performance (R2=0.237, p=0.001). In survey analysis, the mean score for premedical students’ course satisfaction was 8.6. They strongly suggested this new educational course should be continued for first-grade premedical students with a mean rating of 9.1. Premedical students were very impressed and satisfied by laparoscopic surgical simulation and visiting the operating room, with ratings of 9.7 and 9.3, respectively. Conclusion: This class is the first movement to introduce the surgery to the premedical students in Yonsei University. In spite of their scanty medical knowledge, this clinical class can provide positive influence on educational motivation as premedical students. Further modification of this class is mandatory based on what we learned from this educational experience.

Background Genetic factors are candidates for about 30% of male infertility with sperm production-related abnormalities. Y chromosome microdeletions are responsible for around 10% of male infertility. These microdeletions generally occur in azoospermia factor on the Yq. That is often associated with the quantitative reduction of sperm. Objective The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the frequency of Yq microdeletions among idiopathic azoospermic, oligoasthenozoospermic, and oligospermic men in Shohada infertility center, Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province. Materials and methods A total of 81 idiopathic azoospermic, oligoasthenozoospermic, and oligospermic infertile men were selected as cases and 81 fertile men assigned to control group. For molecular investigations, 13 sequence-tagged site markers were chosen from azoospermia factor (AZF) region for detection of Y chromosome microdeletions and amplified by two separate multiplex-polymerase chain reaction. The relationship between the AZF microdeletions and incidence of male infertility in the family, consanguineous parents, smoking, and the levels of reproductive hormones among infertile men were investigated. Results The total frequency of the microdeletions was 6.17% (2 cases in azoospermic, 3 cases in oligoasthenozoospermic subgroups, and none in the oligospermic participants and the control group). Most deletions (3.7%) were seen in the AZFb followed by the AZFc (2.46%) and none in AZFa. No significant association was seen between the microdeletions and clinical characteristics. Conclusion Although the frequency of Yq chromosome microdeletions in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province is lower than the mean frequency of Iran, the frequency is comparable to those reported by some studies in Iran.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the roles of frequency and consistency of self-weighing in promoting weight-loss maintenance. METHODS Participants were 74 adults who completed a 3-month internet-based weight-loss program followed by a 9-month no-intervention maintenance period. Frequency of self-weighing was defined as the number of days that participants self-weighed during the maintenance period via a study-provided smart scale. Consistency was defined as the number of weeks that participants self-weighed at a certain frequency, with multiple minimum thresholds examined. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to assess associations among frequency, consistency, and weight change during the maintenance period. RESULTS Greater consistency was significantly associated with less weight regain when defined as the number of weeks that participants self-weighed on ≥6 d/wk or 7 d/wk (P values

This data incorporates 2016 testing volumes ordered by family physicians and performed at Calgary Laboratory Services (CLS), the sole supplier of clinical laboratory services for the catchment area of the City of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. For each test, the mean number of tests ordered per patient was calculated over ordering Calgary physicians, along with arithmetic coefficients of variation (CV's). The latter parameter is reflective of variance in ordering practice among family physicians practicing in Calgary and is proposed as a benchmark measure for laboratory utilization in our accompanying research article [1]. The data table encompasses 358 tests ordered by at least 3 family physicians at a minimum total frequency of 100 within the 2016 study period and is presented in ascending order of rank in CV. Keywords: Clinical laboratory tests, Utilization, Variance, Laboratory medicine, Family medicine

BACKGROUND: Repetitive traumatic brain injury (RTBI) has gained much attention in this decade, especially in contact sports athletes and military personals. This injury is correlated with early neurodegenerative changes that are marked with the increased of tau protein. Turmeric extract (TE) is a well-known anti-inflammation and antioxidant that decreases tau protein expression in neurodegenerative disease. AIM: This study aimed to prove the effect of TE on tau protein level after RTBI. METHODS: Forty Sprague Dawley mice were divided into four groups, i.e. negative sham control group, the control group, and two treatment groups. A weight drop model was used by applying a 40-gram mass that was dropped from a 1-meter height onto the vertex of the head, with a total frequency of 12 times, divided into 4 days (day 0, 1, 3, and 7; 3 traumas on each day). TE was given to all treatment groups with 500 mg/kg BW doses once daily. The first treatment group had TE for seven days along the trauma. The second treatment group had pretreatment TE extract, given from seven days before first trauma and continued along the trauma protocol days. Tau protein level was measured on brain and serum using ELISA method. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction of tau protein level in both treatment groups compared to trauma group, either in serum or brain, but we also found significant differences regarding brain tau level between the treatment and pretreatment group. CONCLUSION: This study might provide evidence of with the role of pretreatment TE in RTBI.

The determinants of the intake of high-fat products are not well recognized, but fat preference may be one of them. The aim of this study was thus to determine whether intake of different types of high-fat food is associated with fat preference in people with normal and increased body weight. Participants aged 20-40 years [n = 421] were enrolled in Poznań, Poland in 2016-2018. Fat preference was measured using the Fat Preference Questionnaire. Self-reported preference for fat taste (TASTE) and fat restraint (DIFF) scores were calculated. The frequency of consuming high-fat food was measured with an application for mobile devices using ecological momentary assessment. TASTE was positively associated with calorie intake and total frequency of eating high-fat food in both the normal weight and the overweight/obese groups. Overweight and obese people had lower DIFF (p 0.001) than normal weight people. DIFF was negatively associated with total calorie intake and total intake of high-fat food, but only in normal weight people (β = -0.16, p 0.01 and β = -0.26, p 0.001, respectively). DIFF was negatively associated with the frequency of eating sweet (β = -0.33, p 0.000) and meat high-fat food (β = -0.25, p 0.001) in the normal weight group. The frequency of consumption of high-fat food and calorie intake are positively associated with self-reported preference for fat taste. In normal weight subjects fat restraint is negatively associated with calorie intake and total frequency of high-fat food intake, as well as with intake of different types of fatty food. Fat preference measures are thus associated with high-fat food intake, but these associations differ by body weight status.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) play an important role in the treatment of several hematological malignancies, such as immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mediates the effects of GCs. Five isoforms of GR mRNA were described: GRα, GRβ, GRγ, GRP, and GRA. GR levels are regulated by alternative splicing of GR mRNA. Several studies demonstrated that a lower GR expression was associated with poor GC response.This study investigated the expression of GR isoforms and the relationship between GC resistance in ITP.This study determined GRα/β/γ/P mRNA and GRα/β protein expression levels using SYBR Green Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively, in 49 newly diagnosed ITP patients and 31 controls.The expression of GR isoform mRNA in ITP and controls showed the following trend: GRα GRP GRγ GRβ. The expression of GRα, β mRNA and the total frequency of the four GR isoforms in ITP was significantly higher than in controls (P 0.05). The expression of GRα mRNA and protein in the GC-resistant group was significantly lower than that in the GC-sensitive group and controls (P 0.05). GRβ could not be detected at the protein level in our experimental conditions.GRα and GRP were the main GR isoforms responsible for the effects of GC, and GRα and GRP exhibited synergistic effects. The down-regulation of GRα levels may play an important role in GC resistance in ITP. The effects of GCs in ITP were not associated with changes in GRβ and GRγ.

Introduction The aim of this study was to assess the total frequency of self-treated hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients using regimens including basal insulin analogs, and to describe the psychological impact and behavioral response to these events from the perspective of patients and prescribers (i.e., hospital specialists and primary care physicians). Methods The global attitude of patients and physicians 2 (GAPP2) survey was an online multinational, cross-sectional survey of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with basal insulin analogs, with or without bolus insulin. Prescribers directly involved in the care of these patients were also surveyed. Here, we report the results of the second wave of the GAPP2 survey, in which the primary variable of interest was self-treated hypoglycemia. Results A total of 855 patients and 1003 prescribers, from 7 countries, completed the survey. Overall, 28% of patients had experienced self-treated hypoglycemia during the previous 30 days, with two-thirds of events occurring during the day and one-third of events occurring nocturnally. Prescribers reported discussing events with 55% of patients over this period. Patients worried about self-treated hypoglycemia in a range of situations, and prescribers under-estimated this worry. Many patients who had experienced self-treated hypoglycemia in the last 30 days reported missing (19%), mistiming (7%), or reducing (7%) their basal insulin dose as a result. Conclusion Self-treated hypoglycemia was relatively common in patients using basal insulin analogs, with or without bolus insulin. Whilst the frequency of hypoglycemia was greater during the daytime than at night, patients worried more about nocturnal events and this level of worry was under-estimated by physicians. Additional advice and support may be needed for both patients and prescribers, to reduce the frequency and impact of self-treated hypoglycemia. Funding Novo Nordisk.

Skin diseases, one type of diseases that is still very dominant occuring and becoming one public health problem in Indonesia, are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasite infestations or allergic reactions. They can be treated with various ways including topical, systemic and or intralesional routes. This study aimed to determine the drug use profile of patients with skin disease at Dermatology and Venereology Polyclinic in Anutapura General Hospital Palu using prospective method and data were descriptively presented. The results showed that from 98 patients, there was 53.06% male; 55.10% aged 41-65 years; and 27.55% housewifes and it was found that 100% of them had clinical manifestation of rash in which the most diagnosis of skin disease was Psoriasis vulgaris as much as 13.26%. Patients receiving 4-6 amount of drug variation were 68.37% that based on total frequency of the type of drugs used (381), the most class of therapy was topical corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (23.10%), such as desoximetasone (18.11%); while based on frequency of the drug dosage forms (213), tablet was the most dominant one (43.19%). This results were in accordance with the Standards of Medical Care of Anutapura General Hospital Palu

Link-16 is a representative TDL operated by US air force and NATO and supports structure of Multi-net. Under Multi-net, military operation can be conducted effectively since terminal nodes in Link-16 hop over total frequency band simultaneously. As air traffic is rapidly increasing, new aeronautical system is introduced or existing system should be expanded to accommodate increasing air traffic and frequency band assigned for operating this system is scarce. It is scheduled to implement frequency remapping to solve frequency scarcity. With limited frequency band for operating Link-16, as frequency remapping is implemented, degradation of Multi-net performance can happen since multiple access interference in Link-16 is increasing so it is difficult to conduct multiple military operations. Thus, Group-based frequency hopping scheme is proposed to solve this problem. We verified the performance of the proposed scheme is improved.

Dental caries and wear are important conditions to record in archaeological collections. The aim of the present paper is to determine the frequency and distribution of dental caries and dental wear in a mediaeval Byzantine paediatric population in Yenikapı, Constantinople, Istanbul. The present research was carried out on the skeletal remains of 1 infant and 28 children with a total of 180 teeth (113 primary and 67 permanent teeth). The frequency of ante-mortem tooth loss in the sample was 1%. The total frequency of carious lesions in the sample was 2.2%. The frequency of dental wear was rather low (3.3%) exhibiting presence of dentin clusters mostly. The present study evaluated an archaeological collection with low dental wear and low dental caries prevalence indicating a fishing community.

The purpose of the present field study was to explore diving patterns and heart rate of elderly Korean women divers (haenyeo) while breath-hold diving in cold seawater. We hypothesized that the decreasing rate in heart rate of elderly haenyeos during breath-hold diving was greater and total diving time was shorter than those of young haenyeos from previous studies. Nine haenyeos participated in a field study [68 ± 10 yr in age, ranged from 56 to 83 yr] at a seawater temperature of 10 to 13 °C. Average total diving time including surface swimming time between dives was 253 ± 73 min (155–341 min). Total frequency of dives was 97 ± 28 times and they dived 23 ± 8 times per hour. All haenyeos showed diving bradycardia with a decreased rate of 20 ± 8% at the bottom time (101 ± 20 bpm) when compared to surface swimming time (125 ± 16 bpm) in the sea. Older haenyeos among the nine elderly haenyeos had shorter diving time, less diving frequencies, and lower heart rate at work (p

This is a descriptive, longitudinal study, with a convenience sample of an applied nature, developed from February to December of 2018, and aiming of verify whether a specific training, a series of varied and short-term practice conditions, influence the behavior of manual reach and skill retention in preterm infants with low birth weight. Six infants of both genders participated, randomly divided into: experimental group, which received specific training; and control group, which received only social interaction. 180 ranges of both groups were analyzed. Although without statistically significant difference, but with clinical relevance, the results showed that specific training promoted an improvement in the total frequency of the reach (d = 0.88, 95% CI), and, in distal adjustments of reach (oblique and semi-open hand), in the experimental group in relation to the control group. In the kinematic parameters of range, the results showed a more organized range, indicating that something was learned and/or changed in the period immediately after training, however, learning retention was not verified. Thus, it is believed that more prolonged training is necessary to obtain learning retention. This is a descriptive, longitudinal study, with a convenience sample of an applied nature, developed from February to December of 2018, and aiming of verify whether a specific training, a series of varied and short-term practice conditions, influence the behavior of manual reach and skill retention in preterm infants with low birth weight. Six infants of both genders participated, randomly divided into: experimental group, which received specific training; and control group, which received only social interaction. 180 ranges of both groups were analyzed. Although without statistically significant difference, but with clinical relevance, the results showed that specific training promoted an improvement in the total frequency of the reach (d = 0.88, 95% CI), and, in distal adjustments of reach (oblique and semi-open hand), in the experimental group in relation to the control group. In the kinematic parameters of range, the results showed a more organized range, indicating that something was learned and/or changed in the period immediately after training, however, learning retention was not verified. Thus, it is believed that more prolonged training is necessary to obtain learning retention.

Introduction: The aim of this study is Frequency of ectasia among patients with coronary atherosclerosis. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, which retrospectively had evaluated a percentage of total frequency ectasia among patients with coronary atherosclerosis by angiography Dual a source & 64 CT SLICE between 2007-20012 in Imag Center of Imam Khomeini Hospital and shahid Rajai Hospital. Results: Totally 2770 patients were enrolled in the study. The frequency of ectasia among all patients was 42 [1.5%]. The frequency of stenosis in patients with LAD ectasia was 36.8% [7 out of 19] while the frequency of LAD stenosis in other patients was 59.5% [1637 out of 2751] [P=0.045]. Distribution of stenosis in ecstatic LCx and RCA was not statistically different with patients without non ecstatic LCx and RCA. [P=0.47 and 0.45 respectively]. In patients with ectasia, the frequency of stenosis was 71.4 while it was 64.4% in patients without ectasia [P=0.35]. Discussion: Furthermore, detection and investigation of Ectasia in patients with stenosis will lead to more accurate determination of the treatment plan and the purpose of this study is finging a new assess prevalence of morphological changes Ectasia by CT angiography and coronary sclerosing Prevalence this group of patients.

Few have clarified what exercise frequencies and patterns (e.g. alone or with others) are effective for preventing depression in older adults. We examined the relationship between total frequency and/or pattern of exercise and the risk of depression after two years in older Japanese adults. We used a sub-sample of the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) performed in 2011 and 2013. The sample for analysis was 1,422 adults aged 65 years or older without depression and low physical strength in 2011. All variables were assessed with a questionnaire including the geriatric depression screening scale (GDS-15). Binomial logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationships between exercise in 2011 and depression in 2013 (0 = non-depression, 1 = depression). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for later depression was 0.52 (95% confidence intervals: 0.33–0.81) for exercise two or more times a week compared to non-exercisers. The OR for exercisers who exercise with others even a little (Ewo) was 0.53 (0.34–0.84) compared to non-exercisers. Among combinations of frequency and pattern, the OR for Ewo who exercise two or more times a week was 0.40 (0.24–0.68) compared to non-exercisers. Exercising at least twice a week and/or with others may be useful in preventing depression in older adults.

A calculation method on pollutant emission inventory is established based on the standard LTO cycle of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) by analyzing the factors influencing aircraft engine emissions at civil aviation airports. For a certain airport in China, the emissions of HC, CO, NOx and SO2per hour for a whole day from the aircraft engines are calculated, and the variations of various pollutant emissions with time are analyzed based on the air traffic data, the civil aviation fleet composition, the flight detailed take-off and landing information at the airport, and ICAO engine emission data bank. It’s found that the variations of the pollutant emissions with time are different, in which, the emissions of HC and CO are significantly influenced by the frequency of flight arrival at airport, however, the emission of NOx is influenced by the frequency of flight departure from airport greatly, and the emission of SO2is influenced by the total frequency of flight arrival at and departure from airport comprehensively. For solving the problem of local high-emission time, some solutions are suggested, such as equipping aircrafts with low-emission engines or optimizing the flight schedule.

This study aimed to determine the specific correlation between indoor air temperature and agitation of nursing home residents with dementia. Agitated behaviors of 21 residents, living in 1 nursing home, were assessed for a 10-month period using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI). The CMAI Total Frequency scores were found to increase significantly when indoor average temperatures deviated from 22.6°C. In addition, cumulative exposure to temperatures higher than 26°C and lower than 20°C was linearly correlated with CMAI Total Frequency scores. Results showed that agitated behaviors not only affected the person manifesting them but were found to be disruptive for other residents and the delivery of care. Agitation can, therefore, be potentially reduced by limiting the range of indoor air temperature variations, and aged care providers should ensure that a thermally comfortable environment is provided in nursing homes to enhance comfort and well-being of all occupants.

The changes introduced by the Internet to travel agencies (TAs) and tour operators have been investigated for the last 15 years. Researchers have focused mainly on disintermediation and re-intermediation processes fostered by the Web and on their implications for the organization of agencies and sales management. However, the hypothesis that Internet diffusion may have a negative impact on the consistency of the travel agency sector still needs to be proven. Moving on from an analysis of the Italian situation, this study first attempts to reconstruct the ongoing trends at industry level in other European countries. It then explores the relationship between online travel purchases and TAs' total frequency. The evidence gathered shows a significant degree of correlation between the two variables, suggesting that the growth of the online travel market can effectively prove to be a reduction of existing TAs.

The aim of the study was to investigate the associations between bicycling and carotid arterial stiffness, independent of objectively measured moderate-and-vigorous physical activity. This cross-sectional study included 375 adolescents (age 15.7 ± 0.4 years) from the Danish site of the European Youth Heart Study. Total frequency of bicycle usage was assessed by self-report, and carotid arterial stiffness was assessed using B-mode ultrasound. After adjusting for pubertal status, body height, and objectively measured physical activity and other personal lifestyle and demographic factors, boys using their bicycle every day of the week displayed a higher carotid arterial compliance {standard beta 0.47 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07-0.87]} and distension [standard beta 0.38 (95% CI -0.04 to 0.81)]. Boys using their bicycle every day of the week furthermore displayed a lower Young's elastic modulus [standard beta -0.48 (95% CI -0.91 to -0.06)]. Similar trends were observed when investigating the association between commuter bicycling and carotid arterial stiffness. These associations were not observed in girls. Our observations suggest that increasing bicycling in adolescence may be beneficial to carotid arterial health among boys.

Objectives: The current study tries to assess the causative factors of dysphagia and omit them to find the exact contribution of TEE for this symptom among patients who suffer from elective open cardiac surgery in different age ranges in both sexes. Methods: In this observational study, 100 patients between 30-80 years of age with ASA 40% who were candidate for elective open cardiac surgery in a referral hospital in Tehran in 2011 were recruited. The patients were divided into two groups based on TEE performance; patients who needed to perform TEE based on medical indication were considered the case group and the other patients who did not have indication for TEE, formed the control group. Results: Total frequency of dysphagia was 13% in all patients disregarding TEE performance while 6 (12%) and 7 (14%) of controls and cases showed this symptom respectively. Odynophagia was the other symptom to be assessed for its frequency in this study and showed 13% total frequency considering all participants disregarding the groups. This symptom was reported exactly similar to dysphagia which was 6 (12%) in controls and 7 (14%) in cases. The participants’ gender was not effective on the distribution of dysphagia where 6 (11.3%) females and 7 (14.9%) males were involved with no significant difference. Conclusions: Intraoperative trans-esophageal echocardiography during cardiac surgeries has greater usefulness than complications and is worth using in this case as well.

Although exercising with others may have extra health benefits compared to exercising alone, few studies have examined the differences. We sought to examine whether the association of regular exercise to subjective health status differs according to whether people exercise alone and/or with others, adjusting for frequency of exercise. The study was based on the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) Cohort Study data. Participants were 21,684 subjects aged 65 or older. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for poor self-rated health were significantly lower for people who exercised compared to non-exercisers. In analyses restricted to regular exercisers the ORs for poor health were 0.69 (95% confidence intervals: 0.60–0.79) for individuals exercising alone more often than with others, 0.74 (0.64–0.84) for people who were equally likely to exercise alone as with others, 0.57 (0.43–0.75) for individuals exercising with others more frequently than alone, and 0.79 (0.64–0.97) for individuals only exercising with others compared to individuals only exercising alone. Although exercising alone and exercising with others both seem to have health benefits, increased frequency of exercise with others has important health benefits regardless of the total frequency of exercise.

Zonisamide is one of the first antiepileptic drugs of new generation with a wide spectrum of action. It is successfully used in treatment of epilepsy for 30 years. The study aims at analyzing the results of the multicenter Russian trial on the efficacy and tolerability of zonisamide and retention in monotherapy.The analysis included 92 patients with focal epilepsy, aged 18-78 years, from 20 epileptology centers in different regions of Russia. The patients were treated with zonisamide in initial and subsequent treatment.The efficacy (the reduction of seizure frequency by50%) was achieved in 81 (91%) out of 89 patients (95% CI 83.6-95.7%). Fifty-two patients received zonisamide for more than one year. The efficacy was achieved in 50 (96.2%) (95% CI 88.2-99.2%), including 39 (79.6%) patients with remission out of 49 patients with assessment of seizure free periods (95% CI was 66.8-89% for the frequency of remissions). The adverse effects were recorded in 27 (29.3%) patients. Seven (7.6%) patients were withdrawn due to these effects. The maximal duration of observation period was 50 month. Mean time of retention in treatment was 42.4 month (95% CI 38.7-46.2 month). The total frequency of retention in treatment was 82.1% (95% CI 73.1-91%) during the whole observation period.Введение. Зонисамид (ЗНС) - один из первых противоэпилептических препаратов (ПЭП) новой генерации, обладающий широким спектром действия, с 30-летней историей успешного применения в клинической практике. Цель исследования. Анализ результатов многоцентрового российского исследования эффективности, переносимости и удержания больных на монотерапии ЗНС. Материал и методы. Анализировали данные обследования 92 пациентов из 20 эпилептологических центров различных регионов РФ в возрасте 18-78 лет с установленным диагнозом 'фокальная эпилепсия', которые принимали ЗНС в инициальной или последующей монотерапии. Результаты и заключение. Эффективность (снижение частоты приступов более чем на 50%) было достигнуто у 81 (91%) из 89 пациентов с известным исходом терапии (95% ДИ 83,6-95,7%). ЗНС более года принимали 52 пациента, среди них лечение было эффективно у 50 (96,2%) (95% ДИ 88,2-99,2%), в том числе ремиссия была констатирована у 39 (79,6%) из 49, у которых была оценена длительность периода свободы от приступов (95% ДИ 66,8-89%). У 27 (29,3%) из 92 больных на фоне приема ЗНС отмечались нежелательные явления (НЯ), у 7 (7,6%) пациентов НЯ стали причиной отмены препарата. Максимальный период наблюдения составил 50 мес, среднее время приема препарата - 42,4 мес (95% ДИ 38,7-46,2 мес). Итоговая частота удержания на терапии за весь период наблюдения достигла 82,1% (95% ДИ 73,1-91%).