A weighted Jackknife approach utilizing linear model based-estimators for clustered data.

Small number of clusters combined with cluster level heterogeneity poses a great challenge for the data analysis. We have published a weighted Jackknife approach to address this issue applying weighted cluster means as the basic estimators. The current study proposes a new version of the weighted delete-one-cluster Jackknife analytic framework, which employs Ordinary Least Squares or Generalized Least Squares estimators as the fundamentals. Algorithms for computing estimated variances of the study estimators have also been derived. Wald test statistics can be further obtained, and the statistical comparison in the outcome means of two conditions is determined using the cluster permutation procedure. The simulation studies show that the proposed framework produces estimates with higher precision and improved power for statistical hypothesis testing compared to other methods.

Metaverse-based social skills training programme for children with autism spectrum disorder to improve social interaction ability: an open-label, single-centre, randomised controlled pilot trial.

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterised by abnormalities in social interactions and restricted and repetitive behaviors. Children with high-functioning ASD (HFASD), lack social communication skills, do not interact with others, and lack peer relationships. We aimed to develop, and evaluate the feasibility of, a metaverse-based programme to enhance the social skills of children with HFASD. Methods: This open-label, single-centre, pilot parallel randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted on boys aged 7-12 years with HFASD. Children were recruited from a treatment centre for children with HFASD in Korea or by self-referral through online community webpages for the parents of children with HFASD. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) by a blinded researcher to receive either four weeks of a metaverse-based social skills training programme or a control group. Randomisation was stratified by age (children aged 7-9 and 10-12 years) using permuted blocks (block size 4). The metaverse-based social skills training programme was delivered via the metaverse platforms (Roblox) and Zoom. Children in the intervention group completed the metaverse-based social skills training programme at home for four weeks. The intervention consisted of four sessions, one session per week, for 60 min each. The control group did not receive any interventions. The primary outcome measure was the median change in the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2) scores from pre-to post-intervention. SRS-2 is an assessment tool used to confirm the effectiveness of social interactions. Higher scores indicate lower social functioning. The trial is registered with CRIS Registration Number; KCT0006859. Findings: Between February 14, 2022, and March 31, 2022, 20 participants were enrolled. Overall, 15 children (median [Interquartile range (IQR)] age, intervention group: 9.0 [8.0-10.0]; control group: 8.5 [8.0-10.0]) participated in the programme. The intervention group included nine participants (60%), and the control group included six participants (40%). The SRS-2 total scores for the intervention group decreased from baseline 96.0 (IQR: 74.0-112.0) to post-intervention 85.0 (IQR: 84.0-103.0). The group median difference in SRS-2 scores between the intervention and control groups was 11.5 (95% CI: 8.5-14.0), with a further reduction in the intervention group. Similar trends were seen for social cognition (group median difference, 95% CI: 2.0, 1.0-4.0), social communication (group median difference, 95% CI: 2.0, 1.0-4.0), and autistic mannerism (group median difference, 95% CI: 4.0, 1.0-5.0). There were no adverse events related to study participation. Interpretation: The findings of this feasibility study suggest that children with HFASD can potentially be familiarised, through metaverse-based programmes, with real-life social situations to improve sociality and reduce emotional and behavioural problems. Such interventions could be delivered at home and possibly be extended to target groups that have difficulty in interacting with peers offline. Funding: The Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation grant, via the Ministry of Science and ICT of the South Korean Government.

A putative exosporium lipoprotein GBAA0190 of Bacillus anthracis as a potential anthrax vaccine candidate.

BACKGROUND: Bacillus ancthracis causes cutaneous, pulmonary, or gastrointestinal forms of anthrax. B. anthracis is a pathogenic bacterium that is potentially to be used in bioterrorism because it can be produced in the form of spores. Currently, protective antigen (PA)-based vaccines are being used for the prevention of anthrax, but it is necessary to develop more safe and effective vaccines due to their prolonged immunization schedules and adverse reactions. METHODS: We selected the lipoprotein GBAA0190, a potent inducer of host immune response, present in anthrax spores as a novel potential vaccine candidate. Then, we evaluated its immune-stimulating activity in the bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis. Protective efficacy of GBAA0190 was evaluated in the guinea pig (GP) model. RESULTS: The recombinant GBAA0190 (r0190) protein induced the expression of various inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) in the BMDMs. These immune responses were mediated through toll-like receptor 1/2 via activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways. We demonstrated that not only immunization of r0190 alone, but also combined immunization with r0190 and recombinant PA showed significant protective efficacy against B. anthracis spore challenges in the GP model. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that r0190 may be a potential target for anthrax vaccine.

Effect of interferential current therapy on forward head posture.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of interferential current therapy on the shoulder muscles of subjects with forward head posture. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty volunteers (15 forward head posture, 15 control) participated in this study. Interferential current therapy treatment was conducted for 10 min, three times per week, for 3 weeks on both the upper trapezius and levator scapulae. Subjects were measured anterior both acromion distance and posterior both acromial distance using a ruler, and the forward head posture angle using an electronic application. [Results] Both groups showed significant increases in anterior acromial distance, and decreases in posterior acromial distance and forward head posture angle. [Conclusion] Subjects were concluded that electrical therapy could improve structural alignment; therefore, the implementation of interferential current therapy is expected to be effective for the treatment of forward head posture.

Characteristics of granular cold-water-soluble potato starch treated with alcohol and alkali.

The characteristics of cold-water-soluble potato starch (CWSS) produced using alcoholic-alkaline treatment were determined using scanning electron microscopy, rapid visco analysis (RVA), X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G″), and gel images. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a damaged crystalline structure when CWSS was suspended in ethanol. The RVA analysis of native starch showed a peak value of viscosity at high temperatures, whereas the viscosity of CWSS did not show such a peak. The DSC diagram of native starch showed a gelatinization peak temperature; however, no such peak was observed for CWSS. Cold-water solubility tremendously increased in CWSS owing to the loss of crystallinity. The values of G' and G″ in CWSS decreased with increasing temperature; the opposite was observed for normal potato starch. These results indicate that alcoholic-alkaline treatment affects the starch structure and produces totally different physicochemical properties from native starch; this makes CWSS feasible for use in a variety of food materials.

Funisitis is more common in cervical insufficiency than in preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the frequency of histologic chorioamnionitis and funisitis among women experiencing preterm labor, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and cervical insufficiency. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included singleton pregnant women who delivered at ≤36 weeks of gestation. The patients with preterm birth were subdivided into preterm labor (n=117), preterm PROM (n=153), and cervical insufficiency (n=20). All placentas were examined for pathology, according to the criteria of Salafia with minor modification. Frequencies of histologic chorioamnionitis and funisitis were evaluated according to the causes of preterm birth. RESULTS: 1) Histologic chorioamnionitis was diagnosed in 48.7% (57/117) of cases with preterm labor, 47.4% (73/153) with preterm PROM, and 75.0% (15/20) with cervical insufficiency. Funisitis was detected in 11.1% (13/117) of cases with preterm labor, 15.7% (24/153) with preterm PROM, and 40.0% (8/20) with cervical insufficiency. 2) Frequency of histologic chorioamnionitis was higher in cases with cervical insufficiency compared to preterm PROM. Frequency of funisitis was higher in cases with cervical insufficiency compared to both preterm labor and preterm PROM (P<0.05). The difference in frequency of funisitis remained significant after adjustment for gestational age at delivery and cervical dilatation at diagnosis. 3) Frequency of grade 2 funisitis was higher in cases with cervical insufficiency (35.0%, 7/20) compared to both preterm labor (6.8%, 8/117) and preterm PROM (9.8%, 15/153) (P=0.001). And the difference remained significant after adjustment for gestational age at delivery and cervical dilatation at diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The highest frequency of funisitis was observed in cervical insufficiency among cases with spontaneous preterm birth.

Innervation in women with uterine myoma and adenomyosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if neurofilament (NF) is expressed in the endometrium and the lesions of myomas and adenomyosis, and to determine their correlation. METHODS: Histologic sections were prepared from hysterectomies performed on women with adenomyosis (n=21), uterine myoma (n=31), and carcinoma in situ of the uterine cervix. Full-thickness uterine paraffin blocks, which included the endometrium and myometrium histologic sections, were stained immunohistochemically using the antibodies for monoclonal mouse antihuman NF protein. RESULTS: NF-positive cells were found in the endometrium and myometrium in 11 women with myoma and in 7 with adenomyosis, but not in patients with carcinoma in situ of uterine cervix, although the difference was statistically not significant. There was no significant difference between the existence of NF-positive cells and menstrual pain or phases. The NF-positive nerve fibers were in direct contact with the lesions in nine cases (29.0%) of myoma and in five cases (23.8%) of adenomyosis. It was analyzed if there was a statistical significance between the existence of NF positive cells in the endometrium and the expression of NF-positive cells in the uterine myoma/adenomyosis lesions. When NF-positive cell were detected in the myoma lesions, the incidence of NF-positive nerve cells in the eutopic endometrium was significantly high. When NF-positive cell were detected in the basal layer, the incidence of NF-positive nerve cells in the myoma lesions and adenomyosis lesions was significantly high. CONCLUSION: We assume that NF-positive cells in the endometrium and the myoma and adenomyosis lesions might play a role in pathogenesis. Therefore, more studies may be needed on the mechanisms of nerve fiber growth in estrogen-dependent diseases.

An Approach for Measuring the Sorptive Behavior of Odorants Using a Multifunction Thermal Desorber Unit: Preliminary Tests on Reduced Sulfur Compounds.

In this study, the sorptive behavior of reduced sulfur compounds (RSC) was investigated using a combination of thermal desorber (TD) unit and gas chromatography (GC). To examine the sorptive properties of RSC on textile materials, two types of experiments were conducted under experimental conditions favorable for sorptive processes. In all the experiments, gaseous standards of hydrogen sulfide, methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide were supplied to initiate the adsorption processes on textile pieces. The textile pieces were then forced to release those adsorbed RSC under a fixed condition. It was found that the extent of adsorption, if evaluated quantitatively, occurred at approximately 1/1000 to 1/100 of the level of RSC standards supplied originally to induce adsorption. It also indicated that RSC adsorption was affected very sensitively by the initial exposure durations to induce RSC adsorption with an exponential decrease in relative recovery (RR) values with increasing exposure time. The relative sorptive patterns, when compared between different RSCs, were affected most sensitively by such factors as molecular weight and/or physical contact conditions.

The loss patterns of reduced sulfur compounds in contact with different tubing materials.

To collect or transfer samples of airborne pollutants, tubings made of various materials are used. To analyze the reactive loss patterns of reduced sulfur compounds (RSC) in the use of tubing fittings, a series of laboratory experiments were conducted so that the concentration changes were induced by the physical contact between gas samples and tubing walls. For the purpose of this study, a total of five tubing materials were investigated in reference to silcosteel (S1) tubing: stainless steel (S2), silicone (S3), PTFE Teflon (T1), tygon (T2), and copper (C). This comparative experiment was made using gaseous standards containing equimolar concentrations of four RSCs (H(2)S, CH(3)SH, DMS, and DMDS). The loss patterns of RSC were then evaluated and compared in terms of their calibration slope values across different tubing materials. The results of this comparative analysis indicated that except for a few cases, a fairly good compatibility was seen consistently among different tubing types and different RSCs. The results generally showed that the magnitude of calibration slope values obtained from different tubing materials tend to increase with an increase in RSC molecular weights. If the results are compared between different tubing materials, a highly contrasting pattern was evident. For instance, C tubing shows significant losses of light RSCs (H(2)S and CH(3)SH), while S3 tubing experiences the large losses of DMS and DMDS. A line of evidence found in this study thus suggests that most tubing types have their unique loss mechanism for RSCs, when they contact RSCs in sample gas stream passing through the tubing walls.

The emissions of major aromatic VOC as landfill gas from urban landfill sites in Korea.

In this study, concentrations of major aromatic VOCs were determined from landfill gas (LFG) at a total of five municipal landfill sites in Korea including Nan Ji (NJ), Woon Jung (WJ), Sam Poong (SP), Hoei Chun (HC), and No Hyung (NH). The concentration levels of those VOC were found to be significantly different, mainly as a function of such a parameter as landfill aging. The VOC concentrations measured from the unclosed landfill sites (e.g., WJ) were characterized by exceedingly high values above a few tens of ppm. However, the results of the abandoned site (e.g., SP) were about three orders of magnitude lower than the others so as to merely exceed the typical ambient concentration levels. It was most striking to find a systematic dominance of toluene over other aromatic VOC under most circumstances. The LFG flux values of all aromatic VOC and the four specific major ones (termed as BTEX: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) were also computed for each vent pipe from all study sites using their concentrations and the concurrently determined environmental parameters. The results, if calculated in terms of the average BTEX quantity emitted per vent pipe, showed that the magnitude of their emissions can vary substantially, with the values ranging from 0.05 (SP) to 49.2 kg yr(-1) (WJ in wintertime). The LFG flux values of aromatic VOC, when compared to the contribution of non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), were able to explain a constant, but minor, proportion of the LFG carbon budget.

The effects of sampling materials selection in the collection of reduced sulfur compounds in air.

In this study, the analytical bias in the measurements of reduced sulfur compounds (RSC) was investigated in terms of sorptive loss caused by the materials selected for the sample introduction. For the purpose of this study, three vacuum samplers made in the combination of different vacuuming efficiencies (e.g., rapid versus slow sampling) and different materials (i.e., Teflon versus stainless steel (SS)) were tested to evaluate the sampling recovery rate (RR) for five RSCs: H(2)S, CH(3)SH, DMS, CS(2) and DMDS. To make a parallel comparison of RR, the RSC standard samples contained in one bag were transferred to another bag using each sampling system. Their relative contents between, before, and after the transfer were then evaluated between different samplers to assess the sampling bias caused by the interaction between RSC and the sampling material. In the case of the most reactive compound, H(2)S, the sampling loss from the SS inlet line amounted to as high as 45%, while that for the Teflon counterpart was almost insignificant. When the sampling time was arbitrarily elongated (i.e., use of a slow sampler), the sampling loss rate of the SS inlet sampler became more significant with the RR values dropping down from 55 to 70%, across different RSCs. The overall results of our comparative study indicate that the sampling system for the reactive gaseous compounds should be checked for the material feasibility to guarantee sufficient analytical reliability.

The exceedance patterns of air quality criteria: a case study of ozone and nitrogen dioxide in Seoul, Korea between 1990 and 2000.

In this study, the environmental behavior of two major airborne pollutants, ozone and nitrogen dioxide, was investigated with respect to their exceedance patterns of air quality criteria. For this purpose, we used data sets collected from a total of 31 air quality monitoring stations dispersed across the Seoul metropolitan city between 1990 and 2000. In the case of NO(2), the frequency of hourly exceedance data sets exhibited little changes in the early 90s. However, it increased dramatically after 1995, probably in compliance with a rapid increase in the total number of automobiles. Likewise, the daily exceedance of O(3) in the early 90s was not significant, approaching 100 cases (except in 1994). However, its total quantity began to surpass 300 cases since around 1996. Comparison of those exceedance data was also made among spatially divided data groups. In the case of NO(2), the occurrence of exceedance data was dominated by the western part of the city in both magnitude and frequency. On the other hand, that for O(3) was characterized by notably strong occurrences in the eastern counterpart. The overall results of our analysis of the NO(2) and O(3) exceedance data sets indicate an inextricable linkage between the two pollutants in association with geographical and meteorological factors.

Comparative analysis of bias in the collection of airborne pollutants: Tests on major aromatic VOC using three types of sorbent-based methods.

This study was undertaken to establish one of the most reliable sampling methods and to precisely evaluate the bias involved in the collection of airborne pollutant samples. For the purpose of our study, we investigated the performance of three different types of sampling techniques by measuring major aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOC) in outdoor air; the target analytes specifically include benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (commonly called BTEX). As the first step of our approach, we designed and developed a multi-channel sampling system consisting of a six-port mass flow controller (SJU-MFC) system. Because this system allowed the collection of up to six replicate samples, our measurement results were analyzed and screened statistically for the derivation of high-quality BTEX data. The feasibility of this sampling system was further tested through a comparison with concurrent measurement data sets obtained by two additional, but independent, sampling techniques: (1) automatic continuous sampler (ACS) and (2) on-line GC (O-GC) system. Based on the data sets collected concurrently by three different sampling methods, we attempted to evaluate the compatibility of sampling techniques. Although the results obtained by SJU-MFC system were not statistically different from those of the O-GC system, they were moderately distinguishable from those of ACS. Such patterns were seen consistently, when examined by correlation analysis. The overall results of our study thus generally point out that the compatibility of data sets, when the proper caution is taken, improve significantly among different sampling methodologies.