Change in Functional Status from Preoperative to One Year Postoperative in Patients Who Have Undergone Elective Open-Heart Surgery: A Repeated-Measures Study

Purpose: Although patient-related factors affect surgical outcomes, preoperative functional status is not measured by any cardiac risk score. Functional status can, however, be objectively measured using validated outcome tools such as the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI). The purpose of this study was to determine 1) if there was a change over time in functional status, as measured by the LLFDI, in patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery, and if so, 2) what specific aspect(s) of functional status changed. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study of one year was conducted on elective cardiac surgery patients (n = 43) using the self-reported LLFDI, which measures Disability Frequency (frequency of participation in social tasks), Disability Limitation (ability to participate in social tasks) and Function Total (ease in performing routine activities). Higher scores indicate increased function and decreased disability. LLFDI scores were compared at three times (preoperative, six-week and one-year postoperative) using repeated measures ANOVA. Post hoc pairwise comparison was conducted for specific interactions. Results: Both Function Total and Disability Frequency significantly changed over time (p = 0.047 and p = 0.013, respectively). Specifically, patients’ function level was significantly higher one-year postoperative compared to preoperative (M difference = +3.48, SE = 1.48, p = 0.026). Likewise, Disability Frequency scores were significantly higher (i.e. more active) at one-year postoperative versus preoperative (M difference= +5.98, SE = 2.19, p = 0.033). Disability Limitation scores were not significantly different between any time points (p > 0.05). Conclusion: By one-year postoperative, patients demonstrated increased ease in their routine physical activities and were more participatory in social life tasks. Individuals who underwent elective cardiac surgery took more than six weeks to detect notable improvement in functional status, which was expected with a sternotomy approach. This study provides support for the use of the LLFDI as an effective tool to capture functional status in the cardiac population. These findings may assist cardiac patients in recovery timeline expectations.

Probability Laws Derived from the Gamma Function

Several densities or probability laws of continuous random variables derive from the Euler Gamma function. These laws form the basis of sampling theory, namely hypothesis testing and estimation. Namely the gamma, beta, and Student law, through the chi-square law and the normal law are all distributions resulting from applications of Euleur functions.

Brain Functional Network Changes in Patients with Poststroke Cognitive Impairment Following Acupuncture Therapy

Background: The mechanisms by which acupuncture affects poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) remain unclear. Objective: To investigate brain functional network (BFN) changes in patients with PSCI after acupuncture therapy. Methods: Twenty-two PSCI patients who underwent acupuncture therapy in our hospital were enrolled as research subjects. Another 14 people matched for age, sex, and education level were included in the normal control (HC) group. All the subjects underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans;the PSCI patients underwent one scan before acupuncture therapy and another after. The network metric difference between PSCI patients and HCs was analyzed via the independent-sample t test, whereas the paired-sample t test was employed to analyze the network metric changes in PSCI patients before vs. after treatment. Results: Small-world network attributes were observed in both groups for sparsities between 0.1 and 0.28. Compared with the HC group, the PSCI group presented significantly lower values for the global topological properties (γ, Cp, and Eloc) of the brain;significantly greater values for the nodal attributes of betweenness centrality in the CUN. L and the HES. R, degree centrality in the SFGdor. L, PCG. L, IPL. L, and HES. R, and nodal local efficiency in the ORBsup. R, ORBsupmed. R, DCG. L, SMG. R, and TPOsup. L;and decreased degree centrality in the MFG. R, IFGoperc. R, and SOG. R. After treatment, PSCI patients presented increased degree centrality in the LING.L, LING.R, and IOG. L and nodal local efficiency in PHG. L, IOG. R, FFG. L, and the HES. L, and decreased betweenness centrality in the PCG. L and CUN. L, degree centrality in the ORBsupmed. R, and nodal local efficiency in ANG. R. Conclusion: Cognitive decline in PSCI patients may be related to BFN disorders;acupuncture therapy may modulate the topological properties of the BFNs of PSCI patients.

Evaluation of the Pharmacological Potential of Strychnos camptoneura Trunk Bark Hydroethanol Extract on Reproductive Functions in Male Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus) Exposed to Cypermethrin

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological potential of the hydroethanol extract of Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark on reproductive functions in male guinea pigs exposed to cypermethrin. The results showed that administration of the hydroethanolic extract (100 and 250 mg/kg) of Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark after exposure of the animals to cypermethrin induced a highly significant (p Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark produced a highly significant (p Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark may have protective effects against cypermethrin-induced male infertility due to its androgenic, spermatogenic and antiradical properties.

A Set of Almost Automorphic Functions and Applications

For a set S of real numbers, we introduce the concept of S-almost automorphic functions valued in a Banach space. It generalizes in particular the space of Z-almost automorphic functions. Considering the space of S-almost automorphic functions, we give sufficient conditions of the existence and uniqueness of almost automorphic solutions of a differential equation with a piecewise constant argument of generalized type. This is done using the Banach fixed point theorem.

Evaluation of Generalized Error Function via Fast-Converging Power Series

A generalized form of the error function, Gp(x)=pΓ(1/p)∫0xe−tpdt, which is directly associated with the gamma function, is evaluated for arbitrary real values of p>1and 0x≤+∞by employing a fast-converging power series expansion developed in resolving the so-called Grandi’s paradox. Comparisons with accurate tabulated values for well-known cases such as the error function are presented using the expansions truncated at various orders.

Effect of Shortening Day Length on Immune Function in Siberian Hamsters

In order to understand the effect of gradual changes in photoperiod on immune function, adult female Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) were randomly divided into the control group (12L:12D, Con, n = 11) and the shortening day length group (SD, n = 11), in which day length was reduced from 12:12 h to 8:16 h light-dark cycle at the pace of half an hour every week. Meanwhile the winter immunoenhancement hypothesis, which holds that animals’ immune function would be enhanced in winter or winter-like conditions, was tested. Gradual shortening day length had no effect on body mass and body composition including wet carcass mass, the subcutaneous, retroperitoneal, mesenteric and total body fat masses in Siberian hamsters. The masses of liver and small intestine with contents were higher in the SD group than in the Con group, however other organ masses such as brain, heart, kidney and so on did not differ between the two groups. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) response after 24 h of PHA injection was enhanced by the shortening photoperiod, which supported the winter immunoenhancement hypothesis. The masses of spleen and thymus, white blood cells, bacteria killing capacity indicative of innate immunity were not affected, which did not support this hypothesis. In summary, gradually decrease in day length increased cellular immunity, but had no effect on other immunological parameters in Siberian hamsters.

Approximating the Radial Distribution Function of the Electron in a Hydrogen Atom by a Normal Distribution Suggests That Magnetic Confinement Fusion Would Be Less Energy Efficient than Inertial Confinement Fusion

Since the position of the electron in a hydrogen atom cannot be determined, the region in which it resides is said to be determined stochastically and forms an electron cloud. The probability density function of the single electron in 1s orbit is expressed as φ2, a function of distance from the nucleus. However, the probability of existence of the electron is expressed as a radial distribution function at an arbitrary distance from the nucleus, so it is estimated as the probability of the entire spherical shape of that radius. In this study, it has been found that the electron existence probability approximates the radial distribution function by assuming that the probability of existence of the electron being in the vicinity of the nucleus follows a normal distribution for arbitrary x-, y-, and z-axis directions. This implies that the probability of existence of the electron, which has been known only from the distance information, would follow a normal distribution independently in the three directions. When the electrons’ motion is extremely restricted in a certain direction by the magnetic field of both tokamak and helical fusion reactors, the probability of existence of the electron increases with proximity to the nucleus, and as a result, it is less likely to be liberated from the nucleus. Therefore, more and more energy is required to free the nucleus from the electron in order to generate plasma.

Development of a Functional Food Snack Product Utilizing Underexplored and Underutilized Ingredients: Spirulina Microalgae and Bilberry

Spirulina, a protein-rich cyanobacterium, and Bilberry, a dark berry, have the potential to be used as functional food ingredients in the food industry. These two underexplored and underutilized ingredients were used to develop an adolescent-friendly functional snack food product in the light of food industry trends. Stages of product development, shelf life/physiochemical analysis (texture, pH, color, and water activity) and sensory evaluation were utilized in developing a functional snack mini muffin containing Spirulina and Bilberry. Aqueous (AQ) and 80% ethanol (ET) extracts of mini muffin formulations (chocolate, 1% Spirulina (S) + 4% Bilberry (B), 2% Spirulina (S) + 8% Bilberry (B)) were prepared using a standard protocol. Antioxidant potential was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP) assays. Utilizing a 5-point hedonic scale (1—Dislike very much, 2—Dislike a little, 3—Neither like nor dislike, 4—Like a little, 5—Like very much), 3 mini muffin formulations (chocolate, 1% S + 4% B, 2% S +8% B), were tested among consumer panelists, with 1% S + 4% B being the most acceptable based on taste, texture, color, aroma, appearance, etc. Texture (post-peak (N) of the mini muffin did not vary between chocolate and 1 S% + 4% B formulations;however, 2% S + 8% B was 1.09 times higher compared to its counterparts. pH, color, and water activity remained constant over the 9-day shelf-life period. The Spirulina and Bilberry muffins developed exhibited antioxidant activities (highest in 2% S + 8% B), and were accepted by the sensory panelists for color, taste, mouthfeel, and aroma (panelists preferred 1% S + 4% B).

Functional Capacity of Patients with Venous Thromboembolic Disease Six to Twelve Months after Treatment

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is among the leading causes of hospital-related disability-adjusted life years lost. We aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of functional capacity impairment six to twelve months after an acute VTE event. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between January and April 2021 in two referral hospitals of Yaoundé, including consenting adult patients admitted to these hospitals six to twelve months ago for VTE. We excluded dead patients and those with any comorbidity or symptoms limiting physical activity. The functional outcome was assessed with the six-minute walk test. Functional capacity impairment was defined as walking distance lower than the expected value. Results: We included 27 cases in this study with a mean age of 53.2 ± 14.4 years. The prevalence of functional capacity impairment was 29.6% (95% CI: 14.8 - 48.1). Factors associated with poor functional outcome were obesity (OR: 59.5;95% CI: 4.6 - 767.2;p - 207.4;p = 0.017), massive PE (OR: 30;95% CI: 2.5 - 354;p = 0.004), and poor adherence to treatment (OR: 30.3;95% CI: 2.5 - 333.3;p = 0.004). Conclusion: Functional capacity impairment is common in the medium-term after VTE and factors associated with this poor outcome are obesity, the severity of the VTE, and poor adherence to treatment.

Implementation of the Integrated Green’s Function Method for 3D Poisson’s Equation in a Large Aspect Ratio Computational Domain

The solution of Poisson’s Equation plays an important role in many areas, including modeling high-intensity and high-brightness beams in particle accelerators. For the computational domain with a large aspect ratio, the integrated Green’s function method has been adopted to solve the 3D Poisson equation subject to open boundary conditions. In this paper, we report on the efficient implementation of this method, which can save more than a factor of 50 computing time compared with the direct brute force implementation and its improvement under certain extreme conditions.

A General Analytic Approximation Technique for the Modified Bessel Functions with Fractional Order Iv (x), Applied to I1/6(x) and I1/7(x)

A general technique to obtain simple analytic approximations for the first kind of modified Bessel functions. The general procedure is shown, and the parameter determination is explained through the applications to this particular case I1/6(x)and I1/7(x). In this way, it shows how to apply the technique to any particular orderν, in order to obtain an approximation valid for any positive value of the variable x. In the present method power series and asymptotic expansion are simultaneously used. The technique is an extension of the multipoint quasirational approximation method, MPQA. The main idea is to look for a bridge function between the power and asymptotic expansion of the I1/6(x), and similar procedure for I1/7(x). To perform this, rational functions are combined with hyperbolic ones and fractional powers. The number of parameters to be determined for each case is four. The maximum relative errors are 0.0049 for ν=1/6, and 0.0047 for ν=7. However, these relative errors decrease outside of the small region of the variables, wherein the maximum relative errors are reached. There is a clear advantage of this procedure compared with any other ones.

Advancements in Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness

Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness, defined in 2017, is a chronic functional vestibular disorder. Which is characterized by persistent dizziness, unsteadiness, and/or non-spinning vertigo. However, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. In recent years, FMRI studies have provided key insights into the pathogenesis of PPPD. This review summarized functional imaging studies of persistent postural dizziness and its predecessors in recent years and found changes in the activity and functional connectivity of important areas of visual processing, multisensory vestibular and spatial cognition in patients with PPPD. In addition, factors such as stimulation mode, personality traits, mental comorbidities and external vestibular lesions have important effects on brain functional activities and connectivity patterns, and further stratified studies on these factors are needed in the future to further clarify and draw exact conclusions on the pathological mechanism of PPPD.

Spherical Functions on Fuzzy Lie Group

Let G be a locally compact Lie group and its Lie algebra. We consider a fuzzy analogue of G, denoted by called a fuzzy Lie group. Spherical functions on are constructed and a version of the existence result of the Helgason-spherical function on G is then established on .

Effect of VOJTA Therapy on Gross Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Objective: To investigate the effect of VOJTA therapy on gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: The 86 children with cerebral palsy were all from the First People’s Hospital of Jingzhou City from January 2023-December 2023, and were divided into the control group and the study group with 43 cases according to the principle of voluntariness. Results: In terms of total effective rate of treatment, the gross motor function scale-88 (GMFM-88) was used to evaluate the effective rate before and after treatment, and the effective rate of the study group was higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant, and the scores of gross motor items of GMFM-88 were better than those of the control group after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P 0.05). Conclusion: The application of VOJTA therapy in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy can not only promote the rehabilitation of gross motor function, but also help to improve the treatment effect, and the earlier the treatment, the better.

The Effect of Tuberculosis Infection on Pancreatic Beta-Cell Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate how individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus’ pancreatic β-cell function index and insulin resistance index are affected by tuberculosis infection. Methods: The study group consisted of 89 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis infection who were admitted to Jingzhou Chest Hospital between March 2019 and March 2021. Gender and duration of diabetes were matching conditions. The control group was made up of 89 patients with type 2 diabetes who were admitted to Jingzhou Central Hospital’s endocrinology department during the same period. The two patient groups provided general information such as gender, age, length of diabetes, and blood biochemical indexes such as glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting glucose (FPG), and fasting C-peptide (FC-P). The HOMA calculator was used to calculate the HOMA-β and the HOMA-IR, and intergroup comparisons and correlation analyses were carried out. Results: Regarding gender, age, disease duration, FC-P, and HbA1c, the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, BMI, FPG, HOMA-β, and HOMA-IR showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). In comparison to the control group, the study group’s HOMA-β was lower and its HOMA-IR was greater. According to Spearman’s correlation analysis, HOMA-β had a negative association (P th FPG, HbA1c, and the length of the disease, and a positive correlation with BMI and FC-P. A positive correlation was found between HOMA-IR and BMI, FPG, and FC-P (P < 0.01), as well as a correlation with the length of the disease (P > 0.05) and HbA1c. Conclusions: In type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with tuberculosis infection, the patients had higher FPG levels and lower FC-P levels, the secretory function of pancreatic β-cells was more severely impaired, and insulin resistance was more obvious.

Functional Outcomes of Adult Tibia Shaft Fractures Treated with Solid Intramedullary Nails versus Hollow Nails: A Systematic Review

Introduction: The management of fractures of the tibia shaft is an important aspect of orthopaedic care, and the selection of the surgical method for fixation can substantially impact patient outcomes. The current review aims to compare the outcomes of adult tibia fractures treated with solid nails to those treated with hollow nails. Methods: A search on Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Library, using three keywords (Outcome, Tibia shaft fractures, Nail) was conducted in April 2023. Results were compiled and two independent reviewers screened and selected eligible articles After removing duplicates, titles and abstracts were read to exclude ineligible studies. Full-text articles of the remaining papers were read to select eligible studies which were further critically appraised to ascertain their methodological quality. The data extracted from the selected papers were synthesized using a combination of pooling of results, tests of statistical difference (t-test and chi-square) and narrative synthesis methods. Results: A total of 2295 articles were obtained from the databases and citation searching. A total of 9 papers were identified as eligible and included in the review. Findings revealed that there is no statistical difference in the outcomes of tibia fractures treated with either solid or hollow nail groups such as duration of surgery (p = 0.541), rate of delayed and non-union (p = 0.342), and rate of surgical site infections (p = 0.395). Conclusion: Intramedullary nailing of tibia shaft fractures with either solid or hollow nails have similar functional outcomes.

Game Theory Based Model for Predictive Analytics Using Distributed Position Function

This paper presents a game theory-based method for predicting the outcomes of negotiation and group decision-making problems. We propose an extension to the BDM model to address problems where actors’ positions are distributed over a position spectrum. We generalize the concept of position in the model to incorporate continuous positions for the actors, enabling them to have more flexibility in defining their targets. We explore different possible functions to study the role of the position function and discuss appropriate distance measures for computing the distance between the positions of actors. To validate the proposed extension, we demonstrate the trustworthiness of our model’s performance and interpretation by replicating the results based on data used in earlier studies.

Simulation of Haloxylon Ammodendron Stand Basic Diameter Structure Based on Fuzzy Distribution Function

Based on the investigation data of 12 Haloxylon ammodendron plots in the south edge of Gurbantunggut Desert, Fuzzy distribution was introduced into the study of Haloxylon ammodendron base diameter structure fitting according to the consistency between the characteristics of Fuzzy distribution function and the distribution series of cumulative percentage of stand base diameter, and the fitting precision and effect of Fuzzy distribution function were discussed. The root mean square error RMSE and determination coefficient R2 values showed that Fuzzy-Γ1, Fuzzy-Γ2, Fuzzy-Γ3, Fuzzy-Γ4 had good fitting performance, among which Fuzzy-Γ1 had relatively high fitting precision, and its parameters were closely related to stand age and density, Fuzzy-Γ2 distribution function was the second, and Fuzzy-Γ4 distribution function had the worst fitting effect. By introducing a parameter c from the similarity of four distribution function formulas, a generalized Fuzzy distribution function Fuzzy-Γ5 is obtained. This function shows the highest fitting accuracy. Most of the values of parameter c are near 1 or 2, which shows that the diameter distribution is mainly approximate to Fuzzy-Γ1 and Fuzzy-Γ2.

Biochemical Liver Functions and Molecular Identification of Fasciola hepatica from Experimentally Infected Rat Model

The current study was performed to evaluate the liver function status as well as molecular characterization of the recovered worms in rats experimentally infected with F. hepatica. Sixteen male Wister rats aged 30 days were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 8). The first group was infected orally with 15 viable encysted metacercaria of F. hepatica per animal. The other group was kept non-infected (control group). At zero time (before infection), the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th and 14th weeks post-infection (WPI), blood and serum samples were collected via puncture of retro-orbital plexus of veins from each rat. Serum enzyme level (AST and ALT) and total protein were measured, and the serum protein profile was carried out using agarose gel electrophoresis. During the period of the experiment, serum ALT and AST activities and serum total globulins significantly increased while serum total proteins and albumin markedly decreased in the infected group. On the 14th WPI, the data of the electropherogram showed that globulin fractions (α1-, β- and γ-globulin) levels were significantly increased while α2-globulin was markedly decreased in the infected group. The molecular analysis confirmed the amplification of the ITS1, ITS2 and NDI genes of F. hepatica recovered from the infected liver of rats with amplicon sizes of 630, 510 and 560 bp, respectively. Sequencing of the amplified ITS gene resulted in the determination of 3 strains (PP108836, PP108837, and PP108838). Also, analysis of the ITS2 gene resulted in obtaining 3 isolates under the accession numbers (PP109065, PP109066, and PP109067). In conclusion, fasciolosis in the rat model is suitable for routine experimental infections and caused a pronounced liver dysfunction with discharging of the Fasciola eggs in the faeces and the development of adult stages in the bile ducts. Furthermore, molecular techniques are a sensitive tool for the identification and characterisation of the Fasciola parasite.