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Objectives: The determinants of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for higher-grade meningiomas have not been clearly established and to summarize the long-term clinical outcome for patients with grade 2 or 3 meningioma and assess the PFS and OS factors. Materials and Methods: The study included all individuals, who had undergone surgical removal of cerebral meningiomas between 2005 and 2020 and whose histological results suggested a World Health Organization (WHO) grade 2 or grade 3 diseases. Kaplan-Meier curves are plotted to examine tumor control and OS after the follow-up. The reverse Wald logistic regression and Mantel-Cox test were used in multivariate analysis for tumor recurrence and mortality. Results: There were 94 individuals enrolled with 82 having WHO grade 2 tumors and 12 having WHO grade 3 lesions. Gross total resection of the tumor was present in 73 patients (78%), and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) was administered to 43 (45.7%) individuals. During the course of the study, 17 patients died. The WHO grade of the tumor, the extent of resection, and the absence of bone involvement were all independent predictors of better survival in a multivariate analysis. Furthermore, whereas adjuvant RT after surgery enhanced survival, it was not statistically significant (hazard ratios [95% confidence interval CI] = 1.91 [0.15-23.52] [P = 0.61]). Conclusion: The degree of tumor excision is the strongest predictor of PFS and OS. In the event of a recurrence, rather than opting for upfront radiation, a second surgery with the goal of maximum safe resection should be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Our study analyzed 138,151 radical cystectomy patient encounters to determine which patient and facility characteristics are associated with discharge home and discharge to continued rehabilitation facilities. We used multivariate logistic regression to statistically analyze these datapoints while controlling for other variables. We found that older age, single/widowed marital status, female gender, increased Charlson Comorbidity Index, Medicaid, and Medicare insurance and open surgery are associated with Continued Rehabilitation Facility (CRF) discharge. Objective: To assess predictors of discharge disposition—either home or to a CRF—after undergoing RC for bladder cancer in the United States. Methods: In this retrospective, cohort study, patients were divided into two cohorts: those discharged home and those discharged to CRF. We examined patient, surgical, and hospital characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to control for selected variables. All statistical tests were two-sided. Patients were derived from the Premier Healthcare Database. International classification of disease (ICD)-9 (<2014), ICD-10 (≥2015), and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were used to identify patient diagnoses and encounters. The population consisted of 138,151 patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2019. Results: Of 138,151 patients, 24,922 (18.0%) were admitted to CRFs. Multivariate analysis revealed that older age, single/widowed marital status, female gender, increased Charlson Comorbidity Index, Medicaid, and Medicare insurance are associated with CRF discharge. Rural hospital location, self-pay status, increased annual surgeon case, and robotic surgical approach are associated with home discharge. Conclusions: Several specific patient, surgical, and facility characteristics were identified that may significantly impact discharge disposition after RC for bladder cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The exact cause of bleeding in non-aneurysmal sub-arachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is yet to be established. The present study intends to evaluate the morphological variants of deep cerebral venous drainage, especially basal veins of Rosenthal (BVR), and to correlate if such a venous anomaly is associated with increased incidence of non-aneurysmal SAH. Methods: A prospective analysis of all the patients of age more than 12 years with spontaneous non-aneurysmal SAH and undergone 4-vessel DSA for the diagnosis of the source of bleeding was included in the study (n = 59). The anatomy of the basal venous distribution was evaluated and was divided into 3 different types, namely normal (Type A), normal variant (Type B), and primitive (Type C), based on DSA findings. The follow-up of these cases was noted. The three groups were compared with one another. Results: The median age of presentation was 51 years with slight male predominance (52%). Primitive venous drainage was associated with a poorer grade at presentation (p = 0.002), more severe bleed (p = 0.001), vasospasm (p = 0.045), and a poorer outcome at 6 months (p = 0.019). Hydrocephalous and vasospasm were seen in patients with primitive venous drainage. On multivariate regression analysis for poorer outcome, it was observed that a worse grade at presentation, extensive bleed, primitive venous drainage are independent predictors of an adverse outcome. Conclusion: The presence of primitive venous drainage has a linear relationship with the development of non-aneurysmal SAH with multi-cisternal hemorrhage, worse grade at presentation, and unfavorable outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aims at discriminating cotton and woolen textile fibers from dye using UV-Vis spectroscopy and chemometrics methods. For extraction of the dye from fibers, seven solvent systems have been used, and different extraction conditions have also been tested. Two different approaches, i.e., a visual comparison of peaks and chemometric analysis, have been proposed to differentiate between the textile fibers. The comparison of peaks obtained through UV-Vis spectra provides the discrimination power of 83.6% for cotton fibers and 94.3% for the woolen fibers. However, the incorporation of chemometrics has further improved the discrimination power to 100% for cotton and 98.1% for woolen fibers. The discrimination of 100% is achieved with nonsignificant values of the Welch's t-test, which illustrates that all samples are discriminated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we characterized and discriminated 24 different kinds of writing/printing papers that may or may not have similar compositions by using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). All paper samples were obtained from the local market in and around Chandigarh (Northwest India). Large differences were observed in the estimation of the kinetic parameters of cellulose and hemicellulose. The calculated percentage weight loss and activation energy for Reaction I and II was further used to determine the thermal stability of each sample. Although few differences were observed on visual examination of the samples, significant differences were obtained on the basis of their kinetic parameters. Multivariate analysis was further applied to the results and considerable enhancement of the results was observed. The current study provides 99.28% discrimination among all the possible pairs of paper samples. The technique is cost-effective, involves no sample preparation, consumes less time and provides reproducible results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multivariate analysis methods have recently gained high popularity within the field of forensic sciences because of their high accuracy and precision. The accurate and unbiased results are the preliminary need for a forensic investigation. The aim of the present work is to examine the marker pen inks which are widely used in various places like documentation in parcels, for photograph attestation, and also as a study material in the classroom. This research is focused on the three important aspects; first is to characterize the marker inks, second, to discriminate permanent marker and whiteboard marker inks using destructive (extracting of ink samples from paper substrate) and nondestructive (without ink extraction) techniques of ultraviolet-visible absorbance combined with peak identification examination as well as chemometric methods, and the third is to build a classification model for permanent and whiteboard marker inks. It is concluded that the chemometric method, that is, principal component analysis provides better discrimination power as compared to visual examination. However, destructive and nondestructive approaches give almost similar discriminating power. The classification model developed using linear discriminant analysis provides 87.5% of correct classification of marker ink samples. The method can further be used to formulate a statistical model for the determination of class/group of the other forensic exhibits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, fifty seven blue ballpoint pen ink samples were characterized by Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy(ATR–FTIR) and discriminated on the basis of high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and ATR–FTIR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate analysis which otherwise seems to be alike and hence, undifferentiated. The approach of ATR–FTIR has proven out to be an effective tool for characterization of complex ink formulation and hence, ink’s systematic discrimination with the help of multivariate analysis. The overall discrimination for blue ballpoint pen ink with non–destructiveanalysis of ATR–FTIR come out to be 99.69%, which is highly significant in comparison to both visual inspection of the spectra (DP = 97.93%) and destructive HPTLC chromatography (DP = 93.80%). The similar methodology can be applied in the real case work of forensic laboratories to check whether two entries of ink on a sheet of questioned document have a common origin or not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shape classification of the 40-Hz waveforms obtained by the recently launched AltiKa satellite has been attempted in the paper. Since retracking algorithms suitable for altimeter return echoes based on Brown model are not applicable for the echoes from coastal ocean, specific algorithms are to be devised for such echoes. In the coastal ocean, waveforms display a wide variety of shapes due to varying coastline geometry, and topography. Hence, a proper classification strategy is required for classifying the waveforms into various categories so that suitable retracker could be applied to each category for retrieving the oceanic parameters. The algorithm consists of three steps: feature selection, linear discriminant analysis, and Bayesian classifier. The classification algorithm has been applied to the waveforms in the close proximity of Gujarat coast. Independent validation has been done near the eastern coast of India. Confusion matrices obtained for both the coasts are quite encouraging. Individual examples of classification have been provided for the purpose of illustration. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the effect of preinjury depressive symptoms on outcomes 3 mos after complicated and uncomplicated cases of mild traumatic brain injury. DESIGN: Preinjury depressive symptoms, experienced in the 30 days before injury, as measured by retrospective self-report, were assessed within the first 2 wks after injury. The outcome measures assessed at 3 mos after injury included affective/behavioral, cognitive, and physical problems and health-related quality-of-life. RESULTS: There were 177 patients who completed both the baseline and 3-mo follow-up interviews. The sample was categorized by severity of depressive symptoms in the month before injury as normal, mild, or moderate-severe. Compared with those reporting no preinjury depressive symptoms, persons reporting moderate-severe depressive symptoms had significantly worse outcomes on the Affective and Behavioral and the Cognitive subscales of the Head Injury-Family Interview Problem Checklist and on the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey Mental Component Summary score. The group reporting mild preinjury depressive symptoms scored worse on a measure of cognitive symptoms compared with those with no preinjury depressive symptoms. There was no interaction between preinjury depressive symptoms and severity of the mild traumatic brain injury (complicated or uncomplicated) for any of the outcomes. CONCLUSION: Moderate to severe depressive symptoms in the month before injury seems to be a possible risk factor for poor affective/behavioral, cognitive, and mental health-related quality-of-life outcomes at 3 mos after mild traumatic brain injury. Clinicians and researchers should consider the impact of preinjury depression on the recovery process to provide at-risk patients adequate treatment soon after injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A core collection of germplasm is a representative set of accessions capturing the complete genetic diversity of the entire collection with minimum repetitiveness. In the present study, in order to develop a core set from an entire collection of 740 accessions of Andigena potato ( Solanum tuberosum Group Andigena), data were recorded on 21 morphological descriptors during 2009-2010 autumn crops at Jalandhar, Punjab, India. To select accessions for the core set, the conventional hierarchical cluster analysis and PowerCore, which apply the advanced M strategy of heuristic search, were used. In hierarchical cluster analysis, three sampling strategies within clusters were followed, that is, selections based on random numbers, selections based on maximum principal component analysis (PCA) score and random selections from distinct groups formed in a cluster based on Euclidean distances. Comparison of the range, mean, variance, variance difference, variable rate, coincidence rate and Shannon-Weaver diversity index ( H′) of the core sets made by different sampling methods showed that in the use of hierarchical cluster analysis, the core set can be best sampled based on the PCA scores. However, comparison of hierarchical cluster analysis and heuristic search (PowerCore) showed that heuristic search had an edge over the hierarchical cluster analysis as the former covered more diversity, and the coverage was 100% for as many as 19 descriptors in the core set. Besides covering the maximum allelic diversity of the entire collection, the core set of 78 accessions made by the PowerCore also preferentially included accessions possessing desired agronomic characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ziziphus rootstocks and budded trees showed strikingly different responses to salinity stress. • Principal component analysis discerned rootstock- and salinity-specific effects in data. • Multidimensional scaling revealed that elevated Na+ triggered malondialdehyde-induced oxidative stress. • Correlation network analysis suggested that MDA and Cl− were the key traits regulating the salt stress response. • Leaf K +had a greater role in salt stress adaptation in budded trees than in rootstock plants. This study aimed at delineating the eco-physiological responses to salinity stress of three Ziziphus rootstocks [ Z. rotundifolia (ZR), Z. spina-christi (ZS), Z. mauritiana cv. Tikadi (ZMT)] and Indian jujube cv. 'Gola' budded on them. The repressive effects of saline irrigation (EC iw ∼6.0 dS m−1) on vegetative growth compared to the best available water (∼ 3.0 dS m−1) irrigated controls were more pronounced in ZMT and ZS than in ZR, reflecting strong rootstock-specific responses to salt stress (p <0.001). Likewise, salt-stressed 'Gola' scions on different rootstocks showed varying reductions in trunk and canopy growth. While leaf relative water content decreased, malondialdehyde (MDA) increased in both rootstocks and budded trees receiving 6.0 dS m−1 water (p <0.001). However, ZR/ZS seedlings and 'Gola' scions on them were relatively less affected by MDA-induced oxidative stress. Despite a significant salt-induced increase, leaf proline levels seemed to be rather low to elicit salt stress response in both rootstocks and budded trees. ZR plants, with or without 'Gola' scions, were more efficient in Na+ and Cl− exclusion than both ZS and ZMT. In contrast to rootstock plants in which excess Na+ had a major growth limiting effect, MDA and Na+were equally deleterious to canopy expansion while Cl− alone to trunk growth in the budded trees. Principal Component Analysis clearly explained rootstock- and salinity-specific effects in data. Multidimensional scaling revealed that elevated Na+ was the key trigger to MDA accumulation in rootstock and budded tree leaves. Based on network analysis, MDA and Cl- were found to be the key traits underpinning salt stress response in rootstock plants, and Cl−, MDA and K+ in the budded trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exact reason of nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is an enigma. The aim of this study is to identify if type III deep cerebral venous drainage is exclusively prevalent in patients with nonaneurysmal SAH and to enumerate the predictors of poorer outcome in these patients. All patients of age >18 years, presented at our centre with spontaneous SAH on noncontrast computed tomography head and were divided into 2 groups, aneurysmal and nonaneurysmal SAH after 4-vessel DSA. Based on the deep venous drainage pattern on both sides, basal venous drainage was found and classified into 3 types: type I, type II, and type III. The 3 groups were pitted against one another. Regression analysis were performed to predict the occurrence of nonaneurysmal–SAH with different types of basal vein. There were 100 nonaneurysmal SAH cases and 103 aneurysmal SAH cases. The mean age of presentation was 47.8 ± 13.55 years with slight male predominance (52%). The patients with type III venous drainage have 2 times more risk of developing nonaneurysmal SAH (95% confidence interval = 1.21–4.31) as compared to those with aneurysmal SAH. On multivariate analysis, type III basal venous drainage, worse Hunt and Hess grade at presentation, extensive bleeding were predictors of an adverse outcome. The presence of type III venous distribution is associated with a 2-fold increase in the probability of having nonaneurysmal SAH, as well as a 3-fold increase in the risk of developing poorer neurological sequelae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We construct wavelets and derive a density condition of MRA in a higher-dimensional Sobolev space. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for orthonormality of wavelets in Hs(Rd). We construct nonseparable orthonormal wavelets in a higher-dimensional Sobolev space by using multivariate box spline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • 1st study for Kohl samples characterization and discrimination through ATR-FTIR and Chemometric. • Kohl depicts presence of paraffin compounds, talc, mica, and silica compounds, aromatic compounds, etc. • The effects of heating is observed in the form of shifting and extinction of spectral peaks. • This study provides the maximum discrimination by multivariate and t-statistics altogether. Abstract In the present study, 33 Kohl samples were purchased from the local market of the north-western region of India and analyzed by using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate methods. All Kohl samples were characterized by a spectroscopic method and discriminated by chemometric tools. The chemical composition of the Kohl samples confirmed the presence of various organic compounds like hydroxyl group, aliphatic compounds, paraffin compounds, talc, mica, and silica compounds, aromatic compounds and −CH group. The effect of heating on the Kohl sample was also determined by FTIR technique. The discriminating power (DP) was calculated by both visual inspection and multivariate methods. The multivariate methods combined with t-statistics delivered a higher value of discriminating power i.e. 100% which was an improvement on the 99.43% discrimination power of visual comparison method. The developed method has been validated by analyzing five duplicate samples and predicted them to their respective brands significantly. This has been the first study on Kohl discrimination through FTIR and multivariate method. It could help in the forensic examination to link the criminals where Kohl stains have been transferred from the victim to the perpetrator and vice-versa during the struggle in sexual assault cases or other forensic cases where the Kohl could be encountered as evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Thin films of various polymers are currently used for wrapping various food products and illicit drugs worldwide. In thin films, polyvinyl chloride is the third most widely used polymer after the polyethylene and polypropylene. These films usually contain harmful plasticizers such as adipates, phthalates, and citrates along with other additives. Plasticizers adversely affect the human health and therefore, their migration in foodstuff must be monitored carefully. By considering all these facts, this study summarizes the utilities of non-destructive ATR-FTIR spectroscopy in the identification of base polymer as well as plasticizers in various cling films and application of multivariate analysis in the identification and classification of the cling films to their respective groups. In the present research, a considerable transfer of plasticizers from the wrapping material is observed. A spectral library is developed for all 22 cling film samples for further comparison of the unknown sample. The obtained results are promising, especially for classification purposes. The multivariate method significantly provides 100% of cross-validation classification along with 99.13% discrimination. In this study, we have developed a method to compare or link a cling film which somebody uses and found that there is a transfer of plasticizers and other additives into the food and if the manufacturing company disown that this specific cling film does not belong to our company. In such type of cases, this method could link the suspected cling film to their manufacturers with precision and accurateness. The chronic effect of plasticizers on human health can also be linked to the type of cling film the accused was using consistently. Graphical Abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Migration of plasticizers/additives are observed in Group II and Group III cling film samples. • Chemometric method combined with FTIR provides 100% leave-one-out cross validation in the classification. • PCA analysis is able to discriminate 99.13% total samples. • This study offers a method to link a suspected cling film with its manufacturer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study offers a rapid and non-destructive approach for wood identification utilizing Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) analytical technique with chemometric methods. This will estimate the source of origin of unknown wood samples or matching of two or more than two wood samples, for its applications in the wood and forensic science. The discrimination of wood samples is achieved by using multivariate statistical analysis including Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and principal component analysis (PCA). The linear discrimination analysis (LDA) is also used for classifying the unknown wood samples into the respective class of wood sample. The presented methodology provides a proof-of-concept, fast, non-destructive, discrimination and classification of wood samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The outcome associated with the treatment of poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is rather discouraging. Even then, some patients may survive; however, the long-term outcomes and the patterns of recovery of these survivors have not received much attention in the literature. Methods A total of 85 patients (mean age 53.3 years, male/female = 34:51, 98 aneurysms) with post resuscitation Hunt and Hess grades 4 and 5 subarachnoid hemorrhage were studied. Modified Rankin Scale score was used to determine the functional outcome. Different factors were analyzed with uni- and multivariate models for their effect on the functional outcomes after surgery. Results A total of 23 patients died in the 30-day perioperative period, whereas 8 patients died at follow-up ( n = 31, 36.5%). Nearly 35% and 51% of the survivors obtained favorable short- and long-term functional outcomes, respectively. The presence of a space-occupying hematoma ( P = 0.014) and the functional status at discharge significantly affected the long-term functionality ( P = 0.004) in our patients. The functional improvement was steady with time (the probability of good outcome at about 2 months of discharge was around 65%, about 55% at 1 year, and 40% at 2 years and then achieved a plateau). Marked improvement occurred in 11% survivors even after 18 months. Conclusions If operated at the earliest opportunity after admission, meaningful survival may be provided to a significant number of patients with poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage. The recovery process in the survivors is a dynamic process and considering the late improvements in some, it is advisable be follow them beyond the conventional end points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]