Three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index and choroidal thickness in fellow eyes of acute and chronic primary angle-closure using swept-source optical coherence tomography

AIM:To compare the three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index(CVI)and choroidal thickness between fellow eyes of acute primary angle-closure(F-APAC)and chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma(F-CPACG)and the eyes of normal controls.METHODS:This study included 37 patients with unilateral APAC,37 with asymmetric CPACG without prior treatment,and 36 healthy participants.Using swept-source optical coherence tomography(SS-OCT),the macular and peripapillary choroidal thickness and three-dimensional CVI were measured and compared globally and sectorally.Pearson’s correlation analysis and multivariate regression models were used to evaluate choroidal thickness or CVI with related factors.RESULTS:The mean subfoveal CVIs were 0.35±0.10,0.33±0.09,and 0.29±0.04,and the mean subfoveal choroidal thickness were 315.62±52.92,306.22±59.29,and 262.69±45.55μm in the F-APAC,F-CPACG,and normal groups,respectively.All macular sectors showed significantly higher CVIs and choroidal thickness in the F-APAC and F-CPACG eyes than in the normal eyes(P<0.05),while there were no significant differences between the F-APAC and F-CPACG eyes.In the peripapillary region,the mean overall CVIs were 0.21±0.08,0.20±0.08,and 0.19±0.05,and the mean overall choroidal thickness were 180.45±54.18,174.82±50.67,and 176.18±37.94μm in the F-APAC,F-CPACG,and normal groups,respectively.There were no significant differences between any of the two groups in all peripapillary sectors.Younger age,shorter axial length,and the F-APAC or F-CPACG diagnosis were significantly associated with higher subfoveal CVI and thicker subfoveal choroidal thickness(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The fellow eyes of unilateral APAC or asymmetric CPACG have higher macular CVI and choroidal thickness than those of the normal controls.Neither CVI nor choroidal thickness can distinguish between eyes predisposed to APAC or CPACG.A thicker choroid with a higher vascular volume may play a role in the pathogenesis of primary angle-closure glaucoma.

Predicting Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index for Fada N’Gourma by 2050 Using CMPI-6 Outputs under SSPs Scenarios

Extreme weather events,such as floods and droughts,are expected to rise significantly worldwide as a result of climate change.Investigating future drought patterns is therefore a key approach for elaborating anticipatory water resources management responses to climate change.In this paper,future meteorological drought conditions are investigated based on the SPEI(Standardised Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index).This study makes use of observed and projected data.The simulated data were retrieved from the CMIP6(Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6)over the period 2025-2050,and the Delta change method was adopted to remove the bias in the dataset.Then SPEI at various scales has been estimated under four future scenarios(SSP1-2.6,SSP2-4.5,SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5).The trend analysis of the projected SPEI was performed at p<0.05 using the MMK(Modified Mann-Kendall)test in order to detect the statistically significant trend of the drought against the null hypothesis of no trend.Results show large variability in the magnitude of drought in the past and future.Based on SPEI at 24 months accumulation,the result shows that under SSP1-2.6,the basin will experience a wet period during the first decade(SPEI=0.60),the second decade will be dry(SPEI24=-0.43).The remaining years will be also dry(SPEI=-0.34).Under SSP2-4.5,SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios,the district will experience a wet period during the first two decades with SPEI ranging from 0.38 to 0.59.This wet period will be followed by a dry period under these scenarios ranging from-0.14 to-0.06.Overall,under SSPs scenarios,two main periods characterized by a rainfall recovery spanning from followed by a moderately prolonged drought are identified within the study area.The findings of this study may provide valuable information for developing proactive measures to reduce water insecurity in Fada N’Gourma through effective drought mitigation.

Impact of triglyceride-glucose index on the long-term prognosis of advanced gastric cancer patients receiving immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is the fifth most common malignancy and the third leading cause of death worldwide.Despite advancements in immunotherapies,patient prognosis remains poor,necessitating the identification of key prognostic factors to optimize the treatment approaches.Insulin resistance,as indicated by the triglyceride glucose(TyG)index,is increasingly recognized for its impact on cancer progression and immune modulation,and its potential role in GC prognosis is of particular interest.AIM To investigate whether the TyG index,a surrogate marker of insulin resistance,can predict the prognosis of patients with advanced GC receiving immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy.METHODS This retrospective study included 300 patients with advanced GC who received sintilimab combined with chemotherapy.The patients were categorized into two groups according to high or low TyG index,and independent prognostic factors for overall survival(OS)were determined using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis,which led to the development of a nomogram model.RESULTS Of the included patients,136 had a high TyG index and 164 had a low TyG index.The median progression-free survival of the high TyG index group was significantly longer than that of the low TyG index group.Similarly,the median OS of the high TyG index group was significantly longer than that of the low TyG index group.The ob-jective response and disease control rates in the two groups were 18.38%vs 9.15%and 58.82%vs 46.95%,res-pectively.No significant difference was noted in the incidence of adverse reactions at any level between the two groups(P>0.05).In multivariate analysis,the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score,programmed cell death ligand 1 expression,and TyG index acted as independent prognostic factors for OS.Of these factors,the hazard ratio of the TyG index was 0.36(95%confidence interval:0.36-0.55,P<0.001),and the nomogram model re-emphasized its importance as the main predictor of patient prognosis,followed by programmed cell death ligand 1 expression and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score.CONCLUSION The TyG index is a long-term predictor of the efficacy of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy,and patients with a high index have a better prognosis.

Prognostic roles nutritional index in patients with resectable and advanced biliary tract cancers

BACKGROUND Biliary tract cancer(BTC)is a rare,aggressive malignancy with increasing inci-dence and poor prognosis.Identifying preoperative prognostic factors is crucial for effective risk-benefit assessments and patient stratification.The prognostic nutritional index(PNI),which reflects immune-inflammatory and nutritional status,has shown prognostic value in various cancers,but its significance in BTC remains unclear.AIM To assess the prognostic value of the preoperative PNI in BTC patients,with a focus on overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS).METHODS Comprehensive searches were conducted in the PubMed,EMBASE,and Web of Science databases from inception to April 2024.The primary outcomes of interest focused on the associations between the preoperative PNI and the prognosis of BTC patients,specifically OS and disease-free survival(DFS).Statistical analyses were conducted via STATA 17.0 software.RESULTS Seventeen studies encompassing 4645 patients met the inclusion criteria.Meta-analysis revealed that a low PNI was significantly associated with poorer OS[hazard ratio(HR)1.91,95%CI:1.59-2.29;P<0.001]and DFS(HR 1.93,95%CI:1.39-2.67;P<0.001).Subgroup analyses revealed consistent results across BTC subtypes(cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer)and stages(resectable and advanced).Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings,and no significant publication bias was detected.CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that a low preoperative PNI predicts poor OS and DFS in BTC patients,highlighting its potential as a valuable prognostic tool.Further prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and enhance BTC patient management.

Diagnostic implications of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio,platelet-tolymphocyte ratio,and systemic immune-inflammatory index for gastric carcinoma

BACKGROUND The diagnosis of gastric carcinoma(GC)is essential for improving clinical outcomes.However,the biomarkers currently used for GC screening are not ideal.AIM To explore the diagnostic implications of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR),and systemic immune-inflammatory index(SII)for GC.METHODS The baseline data of 133 patients with GC and 134 patients with precancerous gastric conditions admitted between January 2022 and December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.The information on peripheral blood platelet,neutrophil,and lymphocyte counts in each patient was collected,and the NLR,PLR,and SII levels of both groups were calculated.Additionally,multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted,and the diagnostic implications of NLR,PLR,and SII in differentiating patients with precancerous gastric conditions,compared with those with GC,were analyzed through receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.RESULTS The data indicated that NLR,PLR,and SII had abnormally increased levels in the patients with GC.Gender and body mass index were risk factors for the occurrence of GC.ROC data revealed that the areas under the curve of three patients with precancerous gastric conditions,who were differentiated from those with GC,were 0.824,0.787,and 0.842,respectively.CONCLUSION NLR,PLR,and SII are all abnormally expressed in GC and have diagnostic implications,especially when used as joint indicators,in distinguishing patients with precancerous gastric conditions from those with GC.

Association between body mass index and lumbar spine volumetric bone mineral density in diabetic and non-diabetic patients

BACKGROUND The association between body mass index(BMI)and bone mineral density(BMD)has shown inconsistent results,varying by sex and skeletal site.Despite normal or elevated bone mass,individuals with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of hip and vertebral fractures.AIM To assess lumbar spine trabecular volumetric BMD(vBMD)across different BMI categories in individuals with and without diabetes.METHODS This cross-sectional study included 966 men over 50 years old and 1001 postmenopausal women from the Pinggu Metabolic Disease Study.The vBMD of lumbar vertebrae 2 through 4 was measured using quantitative computed tomography.Total adipose tissue,subcutaneous adipose tissue(SAT),visceral adipose tissue(VAT),and lumbar skeletal muscle area were also quantified.RESULTS In men with obesity(P=0.038)and overweight(P=0.032),vBMD was significantly higher in the diabetes group compared to non-diabetic men.After adjusting for age and sex,no significant saturation effect between BMI and BMD was found in participants with diabetes or in women without diabetes.However,a BMI threshold of 22.33 kg/m²indicated a saturation point for vBMD in nondiabetic men.Independent predictors of vBMD in men included age(r=-0.387,P<0.001),BMI(r=0.130,P=0.004),and VAT(r=-0.145,P=0.001).For women,significant predictors were age(r=-0.594,P<0.001),BMI(r=0.157,P=0.004),VAT(r=-0.112,P=0.001),and SAT(r=-0.068,P=0.035).CONCLUSION The relationship between BMI and trabecular vBMD differs in individuals with and without diabetes.Overweight and obese men with diabetes exhibit higher vBMD.

Cross-sectional study of the association between triglyceride glucose-body mass index and obstructive sleep apnea risk

BACKGROUND The triglyceride glucose-body mass index(TyG-BMI)is a novel indicator of insulin resistance(IR).Obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)is a prevalent disorder characterized by recurrent complete or partial collapse of the pharyngeal airway during sleep;however,the relationship between these two conditions remains unexplored.We hypothesized that a higher TyG-BMI is associated with the occurrence of OSA.AIM To assess the association between TyG-BMI and OSA in adults in the United States.METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys spanning from 2005-2008 to 2015-2018.TyGBMI was calculated as Ln[triglyceride(mg/dL)×fasting blood glucose(mg/dL)/2]×BMI.Restricted cubic splines were used to analyze the risk of TyG-BMI and OSA occurrence.To identify potential nonlinear relationships,we combined Cox proportional hazard regression with smooth curve fitting.We also conducted sensitivity and subgroup analyses to verify the robustness of our findings.RESULTS We included 16794 participants in the final analysis.Multivariate regression analysis showed that participants with a higher TyG-BMI had a higher OSA incidence.After adjusting for all covariates,TyG-BMI was positively correlated with the prevalence of OSA(odds ratio:1.28;95%confidence interval:1.17,1.40;P<0.001);no significant nonlinear relationship was observed.Subgroup analysis showed no strong correlation between TyG-BMI and OSA in patients with diabetes.The correlation between TyG-BMI and OSA was influenced by age,sex,smoking status,marital status,hypertensive stratification,and obesity;these subgroups played a moderating role between TyGBMI and OSA.Even after adjusting for all covariates,there was a positive association between TYG-BMI and OSA prevalence.CONCLUSION A higher TyG-BMI index is linked to higher chances of developing OSA.As TyG-BMI is an indicator of IR,managing IR may help reduce the risk of OSA.

A cross-sectional study of the association between dietary inflammatory index and glaucoma prevalence in a US population

AIM:To assess the relationship between dietary inflammatory index(DII)and prevalence of glaucoma among individuals aged 40y and above in the United States.METHODS:Participants were drawn from 2 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES,2005-2008)for a cross-sectional study.DII was calculated from 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire conducted by experienced researchers and data analyzed in R according to the NHANES user guide,“Stratified Multi-stage Probability Sampling”.The relationship between DII and glaucoma was evaluated by multi-factor logistic regression analysis and the existence of a non-linear association examined by restricted cubic spline(RCS)analysis.RESULTS:A total of 5359 subjects were included and the cross-sectional analysis weighted to represent the US population of 109 million.DII was elevated in glaucoma patients(P<0.001)and smoking and alcohol use contributed to significant differences(P<0.001).DII correlated negatively with Healthy Eating Index(HEI)-2015(Spearman rank correlation coefficient,r=-0.49).RCS analysis showed a linear relationship between DII and glaucoma risk(P of non-linear relationship=0.575).CONCLUSION:An increased DII is strongly associated with high risk of glaucoma and diet-induced inflammation should be controlled to delay glaucoma progression.

A comparison of the applicability of the Shannon-Wiener index,AMBI and M-AMBI indices for assessing benthic habitat health in the Huanghe(Yellow River) Estuary and adjacent areas

From a dataset of macrobenthos obtained from 18 cruises from 2004 to 2013 in the Huanghe（Yellow River）Estuary and its adjacent areas,the composition and characteristics of macrobenthos were analyzed,and the applicability of the Shannon-Wiener Index（H′）,AZTI＇s Marine Biotic Index（AMBI） and multivariate AMBI（MAMBI） for assessing benthic habitat quality was compared.The results showed a total of 203 macrobenthos in the study area.The macrobenthos were dominated by polychaetes,followed by mollusks and crustaceans.The macrobenthic ecological groups were dominated by EGI,EGII and EGIII,which respectively accounted for 31.5%,36.0% and 21.2% of the total.There were significant differences between the evaluation results of the three indices.The ecological quality status（EQS） levels given by the AMBI were greater than those given by the H′ and M-AMBI.The AMBI could not reflect the differences between 11 sites but the H′ and M-AMBI could do.Moreover,the three indices responded well to the variations in salinity（S） and dissolved oxygen（DO） in the waters.The H′ and MAMBI also responded sensitively to the differences in physical parameters,such as water depth and sediment texture.The correlation between M-AMBI and environmental pressure gradient data was the strongest.The MAMBI could effectively distinguish degraded conditions from undegraded but the H′ and AMBI could not.Therefore,the M-AMBI reflected benthic habitat health well in the study areas.However,the objectivity of evaluation results of M-AMBI needs further verification by physical,chemical and biological methods.The thresholds also need further discussion.

The Relationship of Carotid Plaque, Intima Media Thickness (IMT), Resistivity Index (RI) and Pulsatility Index(PI) in Asian-Indian Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke with and without Type2 DM

Aim: To determine the relationship of carotid plaque, intima media thickness (IMT), resistivity index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) and prevalence of different risk factors with acute ischemic stroke and stroke subtypes in both diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. Materials and methods: 80 cases of acute ischemic strokes and 40 healthy controls were included in the study. The plaque, IMT, RI and PI were measured by carotid duplex ultrasound. Results: 31 subjects were Type 2 diabetic, 54 hypertensive while 25 were both diabetic and hypertensive. 23 cases (28.75%) had lacunar stroke (LACI), 32 (40%) stroke involving partial anterior circulation(PACI), 10(12.5%) stroke in posterior circulation (PACI) and 15(18.75%) stroke involving total anterior circulation(TACI) respectively. The mean IMT (0.88 ± 0.19mm), RI(0.76 ± 0.05) and PI(1.71 ± 0.19) of patients and mean IMT (0.6±0.09mm), RI (0.61 ± 0.06) and PI (1.53 ± 0.11) of controls were statistically significant (p-0.000). The mean values of IMT, PI and RI were significantly higher in diabetics (IMT-0.90 ± 0.16 VS 0.64 ± 0.11, p-0.013;PI-1.76 ± 0.20 VS 1.49 ± 0.09, P-0.000 and RI-0.76 ± 0.04 VS 0.59 ± 0.06, P-0.000) and similarly the mean values for IMT, PI and RI in hypertensives as compared to controls (IMT-0.88 ± 0.16 vs 0.65 ± 0.10, P-0.006;PI1.69 ± 0.18 vs 1.49 ± 0.09, P-0.000 and RI 0.76 ± 0.04 vs 0.59 ± 0.06, P-0.000). The mean IMT, PI and RI were increased significantly in smokers compared to controls (IMT-0.93 ± 0.20 vs 0.63 ± 0.06, P-0.000;PI-1.82 ± 0.22 vs 1.49 ± 0.09, P-0.000 and RI-0.77 ± 0.04 vs 0.59 ± 0.06, P-0.000). Type 3 plaque accounted for 27 (56.2%) cases and Type 2 plaque 12 (25%) cases. The total number of plaques in patients as compared to controls were significantly more (P-0.0034) and the mean plaque area was 46 mm2 for cases and 20 mm2 for control (P-0.0001). TACI was the most common type of ischemic stroke seen in DM (60%), HTN (66.6%) and smokers (66.7%). Plaques (73.3%), IMT (0.90 ± 0.12), PI(1.72 ± 0.14) and RI (0.76 ± 0.13) were more commonly associated with TACI subtype. On multivariate analysis using ANOVA, the mean PI was highly significant (0.000) in relation to types of plaque. Summary and Conclusions: IMT, RI, PI and plaque type are useful diagnostic parameters for acute ischemic stroke and its subtypes. They can be used as noninvasive tools for predicting and preventing ischemic stroke in smokers as well as subjects with DM and hypertension.

An Assessment of Heavy-Metal Contamination in Soils within Auto-Mechanic Workshops Using Enrichment and Contamination Factors with Geoaccumulation Indexes

Soil characterization and heavy metals in different layers (0 - 15 cm;15 - 30 cm and 30 - 45 cm depth) of automobile mechanic waste dumps were studied. The soils showed remarkably high levels of all the metals above background concentrations with most (Ni, Cu, Fe, Cr and Cd) decreasing with soil depth. The distribution pattern were in the following order Fe > Cu > Zn > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cd. Across all the sampling locations and profiles, Fe and Cd showed the highest (476.4 μg·g-1) and least (37.5 μg·g-1) mean concentrations respectively. Pollution load index (PLI) and index of geoaccumulation (Igeo) revealed overall high and moderate contamination respectively but the enrichment factors (EFs) for Pb Ni and Cd are severe. The inter-element relationship revealed the identical source of elements in the soils of the studied area. The accuracy of the results has been cheeked using the standard reference material;SRM (PACS-2). The mechanic waste dumps represent potential sources of heavy metal pollution to environment. The elevated levels of heavy metals in these soil profiles constitute a serious threat to both surface and groundwater.

The relationship between body mass index, thickness of subcutaneous fat, and the gluteus muscle as the intramuscular injection site

An intramuscular injection (IMI) is an injection given directly into the central area of a specific muscle. Certain medicines need to be administered by the gluteal route for these to be effective. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of body mass index (BMI), subcutaneous fat, and muscular thickness of the dorsogluteal IMI site among healthy Japanese women. There were 39 healthy female subjects who volunteered and met the criteria. Their ages ranged from 40s to 60s (50.82 ± 6.04). With the data collected using the B-mode ultrasound images of the dorsogluteal site, it was found that the distance from the epidermis to the under-fascia (DEUF) of the gluteus maximus was dissimilar between the subject’s right and left buttocks. It was found that the distance from the epidermis to the iliac bone (DEI) was significantly more on the right than on the left buttocks. In the case of an adult Japanese woman with a BMI of 21 or more, the DEUF of the gluteus medius was found to be about 30 mm, and the DEI was approximately 50 mm or more. Based on these findings, it is recommended that a needle length of 38 mm (1.5 inches) can be safely used to administer IMIs to the gluteus medius muscle to effectively and efficiently deliver medications through the IMI route.

A Note on General Third Geometric-arithmetic Index of Special Chemical Molecular Structures

In theoretical chemistry, the geometric-arithmetic indices were introduced to measure the stability of alkanes and the strain energy of cycloalkanes. In this note, we report the general third geometric-arithmetic index of unilateral polyomino chain and unilateral hexagonal chain. Also, the third geometric-arithmetic index of these chemical structures are presented.

Birthing ball on promoting cervical ripening and its influence on the labor process and the neonatal blood gas index

BACKGROUND Term pregnancy-induced labor refers to the use of artificial methods to induce uterine contractions and terminate pregnancy after 37 wk.It is a common method to prevent overdue pregnancy and to deal with high-risk pregnancies.In addition,it can alleviate maternal complications and cause the fetus to leave the adverse intrauterine environment early,which is beneficial to the outcome of pregnancy.AIM To explore the effect of a birthing ball on labor by inducing cervical ripening and its influence on labor and the neonatal blood gas index.METHODS Twenty-two women who were scheduled to undergo labor induction and delivery in the obstetrics department of our hospital were randomly divided into two groups:the delivery ball group(childbirth ball combined with COOK balloon induction)and the conventional group(COOK balloon induction alone).The cervical Bishop score before and after intervention,duration of labor at each stage,mode of delivery,neonatal umbilical venous blood pH,oxygen partial pressure(PO_(2)),carbon dioxide partial pressure(PCO_(2)),and the 1-min Apgar score were recorded.RESULTS After the intervention,the cervical Bishop score of the delivery ball group(7.84±1.52)was significantly higher than that of the conventional group(7.32±1.29)(P<0.05),and the cervical Bishop scores of the two groups after intervention were significantly higher than those before intervention(P<0.05).After the intervention,the first stage of labor(510.9±98.7 min),the second stage of labor(43.0±8.5 min),and the total duration of labor(560.0±120.9 min)in the delivery ball group were lower than those in the routine group,with a first stage of labor of 602.1±133.2 min,a second stage of labor of 48.4±9.1 min,and a total duration of labor of 656.8±148.5 min(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the time of the third stage of labor between the two groups(P>0.05).There was no significant difference in the pH,PO_(2),and PCO_(2) values of newborns between the delivery ball group and the conventional group(P>0.05).The 1-min Apgar score of the delivery ball group was higher than that of the conventional group(9.10±0.38 points vs 8.94±0.31 points,P<0.05).The natural delivery rate of the delivery ball group was higher than that of the conventional group(91.00%vs 78.00%,P<0.05).CONCLUSION The use of a birthing ball combined with a COOK balloon for inducing labor has a better effect on promoting cervical ripening,shortening the time of labor,and improving the Apgar score of newborns.

Evaluating Raw and Treated Water Quality of Tigris River within Baghdad by Index Analysis

A water quality index (WQI) is a single value indicator of the water quality determined through sum-marizing multiple parameters of water test results into simple terms for management and decission makers. In this paper, thirteen parameters were considered. On the basis of these data, raw and treated drinking water from Tigris River within Baghdad were analyzed. Cluster analysis conducted on the WQI data in this area was applied to detect the fluctuation of water quality. In this study, WQI showed that Tigris water never reached “Excellent” levels nor fallen to “Unsuitable” condition, except in occasional untreated water samples. Effects of various sources of pollution were evident and the needs for intensive studies on WQI became evident.

Determinates of Regain in Body Mass Index among Malnourished Aids Patients on Therapeutic Food in Amhara National Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Although its utilization is greatly disputed, ready-to-use therapeutic food has been started as clinical nutrition care and treatment for malnourished adult AIDS patients since 2011 in Amhara National Regional State. However, factors determining the intended outcome (weight gain) have not been properly investigated. The main objective of the study was to assess improvement in body mass index and to identify its determinant factors. A retrospective cohort study design was conducted. Cluster sampling was employed to select health facilities in which the service was provided in the region. Of the 44 health facilities, nine were selected using lottery method, and all patients receiving the care in these health institutions were included in the study. Using tailored structured checklist, data were collected, organized and cleaned. Using paired T-test existence of difference between the mean of body mass index at admission and at 3rd visit was measured. Finally analysis of association between some selected independent variables with the outcome variable was done using logistic regression model at 95% CI and p 2). Paired T-test revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between mean of body mass index at admission and at the 3rd visit. Good ready-to-use therapeutic food treatment adherence (AOR 11.145;95% CI 6.556, 18.946), moderate acute malnutrition at admission (AOR 6.71;95% CI 2.618, 17.195), good ART adherence (AOR 2.136;95% CI, 1.269, 3.595) and being male (AOR 1.73;95% CI 1.052, 2.850) have a statistically significant contribution for body mass index improvement. The study identifies factors that determine gain in body mass index among AIDS patients on ready-to-use therapeutic food. However, although the study revealed a statistically significant difference between body mass index during enrolment, and after three months, we disagreed with the right and left utilization of imported food because of lack of sustainability, and aid dependency. We rather recommend interventions that encourage households to produce food with similar outcomes from locally available food staff.

Breathing Intolerance Index in COPD and Obesity: A Comparative Observational Study

Background: The breathing intolerance index, BIT, a noninvasive derivation of the tension-time index of respiratory muscles, has been recently used to evaluate patients with respect to their need for noninvasive ventilation. Comparing the BIT index in different disorders with mild to moderate respiratory impairment, such as COPD and obesity, would be useful in determining differences in threshold for respiratory muscle fatigue amongst cohorts. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare control of ventilation and BIT in individuals with obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and control subjects free of cardiorespiratory disorders. Because change in posture can alter respiratory load and control of ventilation, variables were assessed in two postures. Methods: We assessed 142 subjects consisting of 81 with obesity, 42 with COPD, and 19 non-smoking healthy adults. All subjects underwent evaluation of pulmonary function, control of ventilation and BIT index [(Ti/Ttot) × (Vt/FVC)] in seated and supine postures. Findings: BIT index was significantly greater in seated posture in all 3 cohorts due primarily to an increase in Vt in this position. BIT index was similar in value amongst cohorts in both postures, but tended to be higher in patients with obesity and COPD. Conclusion: While BIT index is higher in seated posture, and tends to be higher in patients with obesity and COPD as compared to control subjects, discrimination between cohorts is not found in our study because of small inter-group variations of respiratory function amongst cohorts. Thus, in clinically stable patients whose vital capacities are mild to moderately reduced, the BIT index alone cannot be recommended as a predictive guide for initiating assisted ventilation for respiratory failure. Nevertheless, because it is easy to perform, and is comfortably tolerated by patients, its potential usefulness may be in periodic measurements to monitor its increase as respiratory reserve declines.

Relationship between glutathione and malonaldehyde levels in erythrocytes and the deformation index of erythrocyte in patients at various periods following acute cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND： Glutathione, as an in vivo free radical scavenger, plays an important role in the anti-oxidation defense mechanism in patients with acute cerebral infarction. OBJECTIVE： To observe the relationship between the levels of glutathione （GSH） and malonaldehyde （MDA）, the metabolite of lipid peroxidation, in erythrocyte and deformation index of erythrocyte in patients at various periods following acute cerebral infarction. DESIGN： Controlled observation.SETTING： Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease of Qingdao Medical College. PARTICIPANTS： We chose 98 inpatients with acute cerebral infarction from Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from January to December 2000 , serving as cerebral infarction group, including 50 male and 48 female, with mean age of （62±7）years. There were 23 cases found on the 1^st day after onset; 25 cases on the 3^rd day after onset; 25 cases on the 7^th day after onset; 25 cases on the 14th days after onset, and they were all confirmed by craniocerebral CT or MRI. Another 30 homeochronous inpatients with neurosis, cervical syndrome, lumbar intervertebral disc herniation and motor neuron disease were chosen as control group, including 20 male and 10 female, with mean age of （52±8）years . There was no significant difference in age and gender distribution between two groups （P 〉 0.05）. Patients in the two groups were informed of detected index.METHODS：①Ulnar venous blood was chosen from the patients who were fasted on the 1^st, 3^rd,7^th and 14^th days after onset. Deformation index of erythrocyte was measured with BL88-CKX laser diffraction erythrocyte deformeter and photographing was performed. GSH level in erythrocyte was measured with DTNB assay introduced by Beu-tler. MDA level in erythrocyte was measured with modified thiobarbituric acid colorimetric method.②At each sample collecting , according to the criteria accepted by the Fourth National Conference of Cerebrovascular Disease, intergrant of neurologic impairment 〈 15 points was regarded as mild （n=46）, 15 to 30 points as moderate （n=40）and, 〉 30 points as severe （n=12）. ③ t test was used to compare data between two groups , and linear correlation analysis was used in relationship analysis among indexes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ：① Comparison of erythrocyte GSH and MDA levels and deformation index of erythrocyte at various periods between patients with acute cerebral infarction and controls. ②Correlation of erythrocyte GSH level with erythrocyte MDA level and with deformation index of erythrocyte in patients with cerebral infarction . ③ Relationship between erythrocyte GSH level and severity of disease in patients with acute cerebral infarction. RESULTS： Totally 98 patients with acute cerebral infarction and 30 controls all entered the stage of result analysis. ① Erythrocyte GSH level and deformation index of erythrocyte were lower on the 1^st, 3^rd, 7^th and 14^th days after onset in cerebral infarction group than in control group （P 〈 0.05-0.01）, and erythrocyte MDA level was significantly higher in cerebral infarction group than in control group （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. The three indexes changed most significantly on day 3 after onset in patients, and began to recover or decrease on day 7 after onset and inclined to be normal on day 14 after onset. ② Erythrocyte GSH level was significantly negatively correlated with erythrocyte MDA level in patients with acute cerebral infarction on the 1^st, 3^rd, 7^th and 14^th days after onset （r=-0.534, -0.713, -0.645, -0.656, respectively, P 〈 0.05-0.01 ） ,and significantly positively correlated with erythrocyte deformation index （t-=0.502, 0.560, 0.455, 0.504, respectively, P 〈 0.05）. ③Erythrocyte GSH level was significantly lower in moderate or severe patients with acute cerebral infarction than in mild patients[（0.215±0.088）,（0.192±0.102）, （0.281±0.090） g/L, P〈 0.05]. CONCLUSION：①Erythrocyte GSH and MDA levels and deformation index of erythrocyte change significantly on the 3^rd day following acute cerebral infarction. Index detection results gradually tended to be normal on from the 7^th day to 14^th days day after onset. ② Change of erythrocyte GSH level can reflect the severity of disease of patients with acute cerebral infarction.③Decrease of erythrocyte GSH level in patients with acute cerebral infarction is one of reasons that result in the decrease of deformation ability of erythrocyte.

Using Narrow Line-Width Laser to Measure the Thickness and Refractive Index of the Film

We demonstrate applications of a novel setup which is used for measuring the relative phase difference between S and P polarization at an oblique incidence point in optically denser medium by analyzing the relative frequency shift of adjacent axial modes of S and P resonances of a monolithic folded Fabry-Perot cavity (MFC). The relative phase difference at a reflection point A in an optically denser medium is inferred to be around -167.4° for a confocal cavity and -201.1° for a parallel cavity. Given the n1, n3, φ1, φ3, λ, and Δ, the elliptic formula tan(ψ)exp(iΔ) = Rp/Rs is used to find a solution for thickness d and refractive index n2 of the thin film coated on point A, where Rs and Rp are total refractive index of s and p component of light related to two unknown values. Since it is hard to deduce an analytical solution for thickness and refractive index of the film, we firstly used exhaustion method to find the set of solution about thickness and refractive index when assumed there is no light absorption by the film and then Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to find a set of solution of thickness and complex refractive index which accounts the light absorption by the film.

Evaluation of retinal and choroidal thickness changes in overweight and obese adults without ocular symptoms by swept-source optical coherence tomography

AIM:To evaluate the relationship of overweight and obesity with retinal and choroidal thickness in adults without ocular symptoms by swept-source optical coherence tomography(SS-OCT).METHODS:According to the body mass index(BMI)results,the adults enrolled in the cross-sectional study were divided into the normal group(18.50≤BMI<25.00 kg/m^(2)),the overweight group(25.00≤BMI<30.00 kg/m^(2)),and the obesity group(BMI≥30.00 kg/m^(2)).The one-way ANOVA and the Chi-square test were used for comparisons.Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationships between the measured variables.RESULTS:This research covered the left eyes of 3 groups of 434 age-and sex-matched subjects each:normal,overweight,and obesity.The mean BMI was 22.20±1.67,26.82±1.38,and 32.21±2.35 kg/m^(2) in normal,overweight and obesity groups,respectively.The choroid was significantly thinner in both the overweight and obesity groups compared to the normal group(P<0.05 for all),while the retinal thickness of the three groups did not differ significantly.Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that BMI was significantly negatively correlated with choroidal thickness,but no significant correlation was observed between BMI and retinal thickness.CONCLUSION:Choroidal thickness is decreased in people with overweight or obesity.Research on changes in choroidal thickness contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms of certain ocular disorders in overweight and obese adults.