Impact of inadequate bowel cleansing in sigmoidoscopy screening.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Long-time follow-up of sigmoidoscopy screening trials has shown reduced incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC), but inadequate bowel cleansing may hamper efficacy. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of bowel cleansing quality in sigmoidoscopy screening. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Individuals 50 to 74 years old who had a screening sigmoidoscopy in a population-based Norwegian, randomized trial between 2012 and 2019, were included in this cross-sectional study. The bowel cleansing quality was categorised as excellent, good, partly poor, or poor. The effect of bowel cleansing quality on adenoma detection rate (ADR) and referral to colonoscopy was evaluated by fitting multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS: 35,710 individuals were included. The bowel cleansing at sigmoidoscopy was excellent in 20,934 (58.6%) individuals, good in 6580 (18.4%), partly poor in 7097 (19.9%) and poor in 1099 (3.1%). The corresponding ADRs were 17.0%, 16.6%, 14.5%, and 13.0%. Compared to participants with excellent bowel cleansing, those with poor bowel cleansing had an odds ratio for adenoma detection of 0.66 (95% confidence interval 0.55-0.79). We found substantial differences in the assessment of bowel cleansing quality among endoscopists. CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate bowel cleansing reduces the efficacy of sigmoidoscopy screening, by lowering ADR. A validated rating scale and improved bowel preparation are needed to make sigmoidoscopy an appropriate screening method.Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01538550).

Linear Block Copolymer Synthesis.

Block copolymers form the basis of the most ubiquitous materials such as thermoplastic elastomers, bridge interphases in polymer blends, and are fundamental for the development of high-performance materials. The driving force to further advance these materials is the accessibility of block copolymers, which have a wide variety in composition, functional group content, and precision of their structure. To advance and broaden the application of block copolymers will depend on the nature of combined segmented blocks, guided through the combination of polymerization techniques to reach a high versatility in block copolymer architecture and function. This review provides the most comprehensive overview of techniques to prepare linear block copolymers and is intended to serve as a guideline on how polymerization techniques can work together to result in desired block combinations. As the review will give an account of the relevant procedures and access areas, the sections will include orthogonal approaches or sequentially combined polymerization techniques, which increases the synthetic options for these materials.

Reemergence of Marburgvirus disease: Update on current control and prevention measures and review of the literature.

In 1967, the very first case of the Marburgvirus disease (MVD) was detected in Germany and Serbia sequentially. Since then, MVD has been considered one of the most serious and deadly infectious diseases in the world with a case-fatality rate between 23% and 90% and a substantial number of recorded deaths. Marburgvirus belongs to the family of Filoviridae (filoviruses), which causes severe viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF). Some major risk factors for human infections are close contact with African fruit bats, MVD-infected non-human primates, and MVD-infected individuals. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for MVD, which emphasizes the seriousness of this disease. In July 2022, the World Health Organization reported outbreaks of MVD in Ghana after two suspected VHF cases were detected. This was followed in February and March 2023 with the emergence of the virus in two countries new to the virus: Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania, respectively. In this review, we aim to highlight the characteristics, etiology, epidemiology, and clinical symptoms of MVD, along with the current prevention measures and the possible treatments to control this virus.

Block Copolymers of Polyolefins with Polyacrylates: Analyzing and Improving the Blocking Efficiencies Using MILRad/ATRP Approach.

Despite their industrial ubiquity, polyolefin-polyacrylate block copolymers are challenging to synthesize due to the distinct polymerization pathways necessary for respective blocks. This study utilizes MILRad, metal-organic insertion light-initiated radical polymerization, to synthesize polyolefin-b-poly(methyl acrylate) copolymer by combining palladium-catalyzed insertion-coordination polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Brookhart-type Pd complexes used for the living polymerization of olefins are homolytically cleaved by blue-light irradiation, generating polyolefin-based macroradicals, which are trapped with functional nitroxide derivatives forming ATRP macroinitiators. ATRP in the presence of Cu(0), that is, supplemental activators and reducing agents , is used to polymerize methyl acrylate. An increase in the functionalization efficiency of up to 71% is demonstrated in this study by modifying the light source and optimizing the radical trapping condition. Regardless of the radical trapping efficiency, essentially quantitative chain extension of polyolefin-Br macroinitiator with acrylates is consistently demonstrated, indicating successful second block formation.

Concurrent management of lymphedema and breast reconstruction with single-stage omental vascularized lymph node transfer and autologous breast reconstruction: A case series.

INTRODUCTION: The omentum has gained recent popularity in vascularized lymph node transfers (VLNT) as well as its novel use as a free flap for autologous breast reconstruction. The omentum has multiple unique advantages. It can be harvested laparoscopically or in an open fashion when utilized with abdominally-based free flaps. Additionally, it can be split into multiple flaps for simultaneous autologous breast reconstruction with VLNT or for multiple sites of VLNT. We present the safe and advantageous use of the omentum for VLNT with simultaneous autologous breast reconstruction in a series of patients. METHODS: From the years 2019-2022, patients who underwent breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) or muscle sparing tram (MS-TRAM) flaps with concurrent omental VLNT through a mini-laparotomy or breast reconstruction with Omental Fat-Augmented Free Flap (O-FAFF) with concurrent laparoscopic harvesting of omental VLNT were studied. Patient demographics included age, gender, comorbidities, prior radiation or chemotherapy, body mass index, complications, hospital length of stay, and surgical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of seven patients underwent omental VLNT with breast reconstruction for a total of 12 breasts and eight limbs treated. Three of the patients underwent autologous breast reconstruction using omental free flap. The mean age was 52.3 (range 40-75) years and mean body mass index (BMI) was 29.3 (range 23-38) kg/m2 . The flap survival rate was 100%. All the patients had successful reduction of extremity circumference and improvement of symptoms. The range of follow-up was 5 to 19 months, with an average follow-up of 14.6 months. There was only one complication among our 7 patients: a patient with a BMI of 38 developed a post-surgical abdominal wound treated with local wound care. Otherwise, post-operative courses were uneventful, and no further complications were reported. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate here additional evidence to the growing body of literature of the versatility and safety of the omentum to be utilized as an independent tool for surgical treatment of lymphedema as well as its simultaneous use with autologous breast reconstruction.

Financial sanctions and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance: A comparative study of ownership responses in the Chinese context.

This study conducts a comprehensive examination of the relationships between strategic investors, financial sanctions, and ESG performance in non-financial Chinese firms from 2011 to 2022. Using data from ASSET4 and the Global Sanction Database (GSDB), the study reveals that government and foreign investors significantly promote ESG performance, while family investors have a negative impact. Moreover, the findings show distinct responses among government, foreign, and family investors when confronted with financial sanctions. Specifically, both foreign and family investors demonstrate an increased engagement in CSR activities during these periods. Conversely, government investors are linked to a decrease in ESG performance amidst financial sanctions. The results make significant contributions to the fields of ownership literature, agency theory, and sanctions literature. Additionally, they provide practical implications for diverse stakeholders, including investors, managers, and policymakers.

Metabolites from Streptomyces aureus (VTCC43181) and Their Inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis ClpC1 Protein.

Tuberculosis is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The outbreak of multiple drug-resistant tuberculosis has become a major challenge to prevent this disease worldwide. ClpC1 is a Clp ATPase protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, functioning as a chaperon when combined with the Clp complex. ClpC1 has emerged as a new target to discover anti-tuberculosis drugs. This study aimed to explore the ClpC1 inhibitors from actinomycetes, which have been known to provide abundant sources of antibiotics. Two cyclic peptides, including nocardamin (1), halolitoralin A (3), and a lactone pleurone (2), were isolated from the culture of Streptomyces aureus (VTCC43181). The structures of these compounds were determined based on the detailed analysis of their spectral data and comparison with references. This is the first time these compounds have been isolated from S. aureus. Compounds 1-3 were evaluated for their affection of ATPase activity of the recombinant ClpC1 protein. Of these compounds, halolitoralin A (1), a macrocyclic peptide, was effective for the ATPase hydrolysis of the ClpC1 protein.

Treatment of Rat Lymphedema by Propeller Lymphatic Tissue Flap Combined with Nanofibrillar Collagen Scaffolds.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to evaluate a new propeller vascularized lymphatic tissue flap (pVLNT) combined with aligned nanofibrillar collagen scaffolds (CS) (BioBridge) in reducing lymphedema in the rat lymphedema model. METHODS: Unilateral left hindlimb lymphedema was created in 15 female Sprague-Dawley rats following inguinal and popliteal lymph nodes (LN) resection and radiation. An inguinal pVLNT was elevated from the contralateral groin and transferred through a skin tunnel to the affected groin. Four collagen threads were attached to the flap and inserted in the hindlimb at the subcutaneous level in a fan shape. The three study groups consisted of group A (control), group B (pVLNT), and group C (pVLNT + CS). Volumetric analysis of both hindlimbs was performed using micro-computed tomography imaging before the surgery (at initial time point) and then at 1 and 4 months, postoperatively, and the relative volume difference (excess volume) was measured for each animal. Lymphatic drainage was assessed by indocyanine green (ICG) fluoroscopy for number and morphology of new collectors and the time required for ICG to move from injection point to the midline. RESULTS: Four months after the induction of lymphedema, an increased relative volume difference remained in group A (5.32 ± 4.74%), while there was a significant relative volume reduction in group B (-13.39 ± 8.55%) and an even greater reduction in group C (-14.56 ± 5.04%). ICG fluoroscopy proved the functional restoration of lymphatic vessels and viability of pVLNT in both B and C groups. Notably, only group C demonstrated statistically significant improvements in lymphatic pattern/morphology and in the number of lymphatic collectors as compared with the control group A. CONCLUSION: The pedicle lymphatic tissue flap combined with SC is an effective procedure for the treatment of lymphedema in rats. It can be easily translated into treatment of humans' lower and upper limb lymphedema and further clinical studies are warranted.

Citizen scientists' engagement in flood risk-related data collection: a case study in Bui River Basin, Vietnam.

Time constraints, financial limitations, and inadequate tools restrict the flood data collection in undeveloped countries, especially in the Asian and African regions. Engaging citizens in data collection and contribution has the potential to overcome these challenges. This research demonstrates the applicability of citizen science for gathering flood risk-related data on residential flooding, land use information, and flood damage to paddy fields for the Bui River Basin in Vietnam. Locals living in or around flood-affected areas participated in data collection campaigns as citizen scientists using self-investigation or investigation with a data collection app, a web form, and paper forms. We developed a community-based rainfall monitoring network in the study area using low-cost rain gauges to draw locals' attention to the citizen science program. Fifty-nine participants contributed 594 completed questionnaires and measurements for four investigated subjects in the first year of implementation. Five citizen scientists were active participants and contributed more than 50 completed questionnaires or measurements, while nearly 50% of citizen scientists participated only one time. We compared the flood risk-related data obtained from citizen scientists with other independent data sources and found that the agreement between the two datasets on flooding points, land use classification, and the flood damage rate to paddy fields was acceptable (overall agreement above 73%). Rainfall monitoring activities encouraged the participants to proactively update data on flood events and land use situations during the data collection campaign. The study's outcomes demonstrate that citizen science can help to fill the gap in flood data in data-scarce areas.

Deciphering the Olefin Isomerization-Polymerization Paradox of Palladium(II) Diimine Catalysts: Discovery of Simultaneous and Independent Pathways of Olefin Isomerization and Living Polymerization.

This work elucidates a long-standing unexplained paradox commonly observed within the polymerization of α-olefin using palladium (Pd)(II)-diimine catalysts, in which isomerization and living polymerization of α-olefins are both observed. With a classical mechanistic understanding of these complexes, this behavior is often dismissed and interpreted as experimental error. Herein, we present a comprehensive mechanistic investigation into this phenomenon that supports the existence of a novel mechanistic pathway for Pd(II)-diimine complexes. Part one of the mechanistic study lays the foundation of the proposed mechanism, in which neutral Pd(II)-diimine complexes were found to exhibit a moderate to good catalytic activity for olefin isomerization of α-olefins despite the established notion that catalyst activation is required. Extensive experimental and computational studies reveal the possibility of a partial dissociation of the diimine ligand, which frees up one coordination site and enables coordination-insertion. This finding is significant as the coexistence of two reactive coordination sites at the palladium center becomes a valid proposal for the activated cationic Pd(II)-diimine complexes. In part two, we examined and validated the simultaneously observed α-olefin isomerization and living polymerization using the cationic Pd(II)-diimine catalyst, which supports the presence of two independent reaction pathways of isomerization and polymerization, respectively. Moreover, the addition of a strong Lewis acid, such as AlCl3, accelerates the ligand dissociation and the consequential isomerization as it weakens the palladium-nitrogen bond through competitive binding. In part three, Lewis acid-triggered olefin isomerization-polymerization is employed to prepare living olefinic block copolymers and further synthesize novel polyolefin-polar block copolymers with unique architectures, distinct levels of branching, crystallinity, and polar functionality in a one-pot manner.

Seasonal dynamics of the wild rodent faecal virome.

Viral discovery studies in wild animals often rely on cross-sectional surveys at a single time point. As a result, our understanding of the temporal stability of wild animal viromes remains poorly resolved. While studies of single host-virus systems indicate that host and environmental factors influence seasonal virus transmission dynamics, comparable insights for whole viral communities in multiple hosts are lacking. Utilizing noninvasive faecal samples from a long-term wild rodent study, we characterized viral communities of three common European rodent species (Apodemus sylvaticus, A. flavicollis and Myodes glareolus) living in temperate woodland over a single year. Our findings indicate that a substantial fraction of the rodent virome is seasonally transient and associated with vertebrate or bacteria hosts. Further analyses of one of the most common virus families, Picornaviridae, show pronounced temporal changes in viral richness and evenness, which were associated with concurrent and up to ~3-month lags in host density, ambient temperature, rainfall and humidity, suggesting complex feedbacks from the host and environmental factors on virus transmission and shedding in seasonal habitats. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of understanding the seasonal dynamics of wild animal viromes in order to better predict and mitigate zoonotic risks.

A Novel Fat-Augmented Omentum-Based Construct for Unilateral and Bilateral Free-Flap Breast Reconstruction in Underweight and Normal Weight Women Receiving Nipple or Skin-Sparing Mastectomies.

BACKGROUND: Autologous tissue has proven advantages, however it is often not an option for women of low or normal body mass index (BMI). Omentum has been used sparingly, typically as a pedicled flap to correct breast deformities, but is considered suboptimal for full breast reconstruction. We developed a new construct, the omental fat-augmented free flap (O-FAFF) as an alternative for breast reconstruction. METHODS: O-FAFF involves laparoscopic omentum harvesting, creation of an acellular dermal matrix shell for its encasement, and lipoinjection to augment volume. The gastroepiploic vessels are microsurgically anastomosed to internal mammary vessels. Tissue and O-FAFF construct weights as well as outcomes are reported. RESULTS: Thirty-four consecutive women (50 breasts) received O-FAFF breast reconstruction after 18 unilateral and 16 bilateral mastectomies (10 non-nipple-sparing, 40 nipple-sparing). Thirty-seven were immediate and 13 were revisions of previous breast reconstructions. Patient mean age was 48.2 (range 23-73) years and mean BMI was 22.3 (range 17.6-32.4) kg/m2. Mean follow-up was 14.8 (range 3-33) months. The median weight of the omentum was 161.7 g (range 81-852, interquartile range [IQR] 102) and the mean ratio of fat to omentum weight was 0.73 (range 0.22-1.38) and 1.97 (range 0.24-3.8) for unilateral and bilateral cases, respectively. Postoperative pain scores and oral morphine equivalent consumption were more favorable for the O-FAFF group compared with controls (p < 0.001). Follow-up breast MRI demonstrated intact perfusion and no fat necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The O-FAFF is ideally suited for women of lower BMI and could dramatically increase the number of women who are candidates for autologous breast reconstruction.

Fermi Arc Reconstruction in Synthetic Photonic Lattice.

The chiral surface states of Weyl semimetals have an open Fermi surface called a Fermi arc. At the interface between two Weyl semimetals, these Fermi arcs are predicted to hybridize and alter their connectivity. In this Letter, we numerically study a one-dimensional (1D) dielectric trilayer grating where the relative displacements between adjacent layers play the role of two synthetic momenta. The lattice emulates 3D crystals without time-reversal symmetry, including Weyl semimetal, nodal line semimetal, and Chern insulator. Besides showing the phase transition between Weyl semimetal and Chern insulator at telecom wavelength, this system allows us to observe the Fermi arc reconstruction between two Weyl semimetals, confirming the theoretical predictions.

Acetylsalicylic Acid Is Not Associated With Improved Clinical Outcomes After Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Microvascular thrombosis with resultant flap loss remains a devastating complication in autologous breast reconstruction. While acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) for prevention of microvascular thrombosis is commonly administered postoperatively, clinical evidence supporting this practice remains insufficient. Here, we investigate the association of postoperative ASA administration with differences in clinical outcomes following microsurgical breast reconstruction. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database was queried to identify patients who had undergone microsurgical breast reconstruction. Patients were categorized based on whether they had received postoperative ASA for 30 d (Group 1) or had not received ASA (Group 2). Patient demographics, reconstructive outcomes, complications, and transfusion requirements were retrieved. RESULTS: One hundred thirty six patients with a mean age of 49.5 y and a mean body mass index of 28.5 kg/m2 who had undergone a total of 216 microsurgical breast reconstructions were included. No significant differences were noted with regard to patient demographics with the exceptions of increased rates of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and delayed reconstruction in Group 1. There were no significant differences in the rates of postoperative complications including breast hematoma, mastectomy skin flap necrosis, partial flap necrosis, seroma, and deep venous thrombosis between patients who did or did not receive ASA postoperatively. Similarly, no difference was noted regarding postoperative blood transfusion rates (Group 1: 9.9% versus Group 2: 9.1%; P = 0.78). Finally, patients in Group 1 had significantly longer hospital stays (Q1 = 4, median = 4.5, Q3 = 5). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative ASA administration is not associated with improved postoperative clinical outcomes. The use of ASA routinely after autologous breast reconstruction does not appear to be a necessity in practice.

Predicting Concentration- and Ionic-Strength-Dependent Air-Water Interfacial Partitioning Parameters of PFASs Using Quantitative Structure-Property Relationships (QSPRs).

Air-water interfacial retention of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is increasingly recognized as an important environmental process. Herein, column transport experiments were used to measure air-water interfacial partitioning values for several perfluoroalkyl ethers and for PFASs derived from aqueous film-forming foam, while batch experiments were used to determine equilibrium Kia data for compounds exhibiting evidence of rate-limited partitioning. Experimental results suggest a Freundlich isotherm best describes PFAS air-water partitioning at environmentally relevant concentrations (101-106 ng/L). A multiparameter regression analysis for Kia prediction was performed for the 15 PFASs for which equilibrium Kia values were determined, assessing 246 possible combinations of 8 physicochemical and system properties. Quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPRs) based on three to four parameters provided predictions of high accuracy without model overparameterization. Two QSPRs (R2 values of 0.92 and 0.83) were developed using an assumed average Freundlich n value of 0.65 and validated across a range of relevant concentrations for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), and hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (i.e., GenX). A mass action model was further modified to account for the changing ionic strength on PFAS air-water interfacial sorption. The final result was two distinct QSPRs for estimating PFAS air-water interfacial partitioning across a range of aqueous concentrations and ionic strengths.

Leaching of Perfluoroalkyl Acids during Unsaturated Zone Flushing at a Field Site Impacted with Aqueous Film Forming Foam.

While several studies have focused on perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) leaching from soils, field studies evaluating the relationship between PFAA mass removal and porewater concentrations as the PFAA source becomes depleted are lacking. Herein, in situ water flushing was performed at a site historically impacted with AFFF to accelerate the leaching of PFAAs from unsaturated soils in a highly characterized field test cell. Porous cup suction lysimeters were used to assess the changes in PFAA porewater concentrations as a function of PFAA mass removal from the unsaturated soils, where flushing was intermittently paused to determine ambient PFAA porewater concentrations. Results showed that the fractional decreases in PFAA porewater concentrations during flushing exceeded the fractional decrease in PFAA mass removal from the soil. PFOS porewater concentrations decrease by 76% (with negligible rebound) compared to only a 7.4% decrease in overall PFOS mass removed from the unsaturated zone. Overall, the results observed herein suggest that, when considering soil impacts to groundwater, less stringent soil cleanup criteria than those that consider an equivalent relationship between mass removal and mass discharge may be appropriate. In addition, remedial approaches that remove only a modest fraction of the PFAA soil mass may be protective of underlying groundwater, particularly for perfluorinated sulfonates with at least six carbons.

Vaccine acceptance, determinants, and attitudes toward vaccine among people experiencing homelessness: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has caused millions of deaths globally, with vulnerable populations such as people experiencing homelessness (PEH) at higher risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to identify the prevalence and key factors contributing to vaccine acceptance experienced by PEH. METHODS: The protocol of this study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023391659). We included studies that reported relevant information about vaccine acceptance or vaccine hesitant/refusal among PEH. Eight databases were systematically searched in January 2023. Meta-analysis was conducted for the prevalence of vaccine acceptance, vaccine uptake, and factors associated with vaccine acceptance. Attitudes toward vaccines were combined into bar charts. RESULT: A total of 29 papers were included in this systematic review and 19 papers were included for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among PEH was 66% (95%CI: 58%-73%). Our meta-regression showed vaccine acceptance was significantly increased over time. Moreover, subgroup meta-analysis showed that PEH were more likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine after June 2021 (78%, 95%CI: 65%-86%) compared with earlier period (56%, 95%CI: 54%-59%). Subgroup meta-analysis also revealed that women and participants without underlying medical condition (chronic diseases) were significantly less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine, compared to men and those with medical conditions, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study emphasizes the need for targeted public health interventions aimed at increasing vaccine acceptance among PEH, especially at the early stage of the pandemic, among females, those without underlying medical conditions, being Black (in Canada and the USA), and young people. These interventions should address the common concerns of vaccine safety, adverse effects, effectiveness, and distrust in health care systems. In addition to offering vaccinations in different areas convenient to them, education programs could be established to increase vaccine acceptance among PEH.

Changes in QT Interval in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: Pre-Dialysis, One Hour after Initiation of Dialysis, and Post-Dialysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dialysis on change of QT interval in pre-dialysis, 1 h after dialysis initiation, and post-dialysis period in patients on maintenance dialysis (MHD). METHODS: An observational prospective study was conducted, including 61 patients, on thrice-weekly MHD ≥3 months, and without acute diseases, at the Nephrology-Dialysis Department of a tertiary hospital in Vietnam. The exclusive criteria were atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, branch block, prolonged QT recorded in medical history, and taking antiarrhythmic drugs lengthening QT interval before entering the study. Twelve-lead electrocardiographs and blood chemistries were done simultaneously before, 1 h after initiation, and after the dialysis session. RESULTS: The proportion of patients with prolonged QT interval increased significantly from 44.3% in pre-dialysis to 77% 1 h after dialysis initiation and 86.9% in post-dialysis session. Immediately after dialysis, the QT and QTc intervals on all 12 leads were significantly longer. Post-dialysis levels of potassium, chloride, magnesium, and urea decreased significantly from 3.97 (0.7), 98.6 (4.7), 1.04 (0.2), and 21.4 (6.1) to 2.78 (0.4), 96.6 (2.5), 0.87 (0.2), and 6.33 (2.8) mmol/L, respectively, whereas the calcium increased significantly from 2.19 (0.2) to 2.57 (0.2) mmol/L. There were significant differences in the potassium level at the dialysis initiation and its speed of reduction between the group without and with prolonged QT interval. CONCLUSIONS: There was an increased risk of prolonged QT interval in MHD patients regardless of the absence of the previous abnormal QT interval. Notably, this risk increased rapidly 1 h after the initiation of dialysis.

Prevalence and risk factors of prehypertension/hypertension among freshman students from the Vietnam National University: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Prehypertension (PHT) and hypertension (HTN) in young adults are essential risk factors for other cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in later years of life. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the burden and risk factors of PHT/HTN for Vietnamese youth. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of PHT/HTN and risk factors among university students in Hanoi, Vietnam. METHODS: This study was designed as a cross-sectional investigation with 840 students (394 males and 446 females) randomly sampled from freshmen of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU). Socio-demographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle data were collected using questionnaire forms and physical measurements. HTN was defined as blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140/90 mmHg and/or current treatment with antihypertensive medications. PHT was defined as a systolic BP from 120 to 139 mmHg and/or a diastolic BP from 80 to 89 mmHg. Body mass index (BMI) was classified according to the WHO diagnostic criteria for Asian adults: normal weight (BMI 18.5-22.9 kg/m2), underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 23-24.9 kg/m2), and obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). Bivariable and multivariable log-binomial regression analyses were conducted to explore the association of PHT/HTN with different risk factors. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension was 33.5% [95% CI: 30.3-36.8%] (54.1% in men and 15.3% in women) and 1.4% [95% CI: 0.7-2.5%] (2.5% in men and 0.5% in women), respectively. Regarding CVD major risk factors, 119 (14.2%) were identified as overweight/obese, 461 (54.9%) were physical inactivity, 29.4% of men and 8.1% of women reported consuming alcohol. The multivariable analysis indicated the male sex (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 3.07; 95% CI: 2.32-4.06), alcohol consumption (aPR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.03-1.59) and obesity (aPR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.08-1.68) as the independent risk factors for PHT/HTN. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed the high burden of prehypertension and hypertension among university freshmen in VNU. Male sex, alcohol consumption, and obesity were identified as important risk factors for PHT/HTN. Our study suggests an early screening program for PHT/HTN and campaigns to promote a healthy lifestyle for young adults in Vietnam.

Analysis of Microalgal Density Estimation by Using LASSO and Image Texture Features.

Monitoring and estimating the density of microalgae in a closed cultivation system is a critical task in culturing algae since it allows growers to optimally control both nutrients and cultivating conditions. Among the estimation techniques proposed so far, image-based methods, which are less invasive, nondestructive, and more biosecure, are practically preferred. Nevertheless, the premise behind most of those approaches is simply averaging the pixel values of images as inputs of a regression model to predict density values, which may not provide rich information of the microalgae presenting in the images. In this work, we propose to exploit more advanced texture features extracted from captured images, including confidence intervals of means of pixel values, powers of spatial frequencies presenting in images, and entropies accounting for pixel distribution. These diverse features can provide more information of microalgae, which can lead to more accurate estimation results. More importantly, we propose to use the texture features as inputs of a data-driven model based on L1 regularization, called least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), where their coefficients are optimized in a manner that prioritizes more informative features. The LASSO model was then employed to efficiently estimate the density of microalgae presenting in a new image. The proposed approach was validated in real-world experiments monitoring the Chlorella vulgaris microalgae strain, where the obtained results demonstrate its outperformance compared with other methods. More specifically, the average error in the estimation obtained by the proposed approach is 1.54, whereas those obtained by the Gaussian process and gray-scale-based methods are 2.16 and 3.68, respectively.