45 research outputs found
Role of biomarkers to identify individuals with silent cardiac disease to help improve primary prevention
No full textObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate power of identification of silent cardiac target organ damage (TOD) in population receiving primary prevention with the use of biomarkers.BackgroundPrimary prevention of cardiovascular events could be improved by identifying patients with silent cardiac TOD (i.e., myocardial ischemia, systolic dysfunction, diastolic dysfunction, left ventricular hypertrophy or left atrial enlargement). Biomarkers used for screening included high sensitive CRP [hs-CRP] high sensitivity cardiac troponin T [hs-cTnT] , or B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP] .MethodsThe study included 271 asymptomatic individuals already receiving primary prevention therapy, they had their biomarkers evaluated. Identification of silent cardiac TOD was done by transthoracic echocardiography, stress echocardiography, and/or myocardial perfusion imaging. Carotid – femoral pulse wave velocity.ResultsShowed that ninety six (35%) patients had evidence of cTOD. Left ventricular hypertrophy evaluated by LV mass index showed the highest prevalence (32.7%), followed by left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (28.9%), left atrial enlargement (19.1%), systolic dysfunction (10.6%), ischemia (7.1%) and the lowest was PWV (2.7%). The discrimination power as evaluated by area under the curve [AUC] for BNP to identify any form of silent cTOD was 0.79 overall and 0.83 in men , while for hs-cTnT it was 0.70 and 0.74 in women. The combined AUC for BNP and hs-cTnT together was 0.81 and 0.82 in men. Week discrimination power existed for of other biomarkers, with AUCs of 0.61 for microalbuminuria, 0.60 for hs-CRP , and 0.58 for eGFR.ConclusionsAsymptomatic patients treated for primary prevention, existing silent cTOD could be identified by BNP screening. The result of hs-cTnT was weaker than that of BNP. Combining BNP plus hs-cTnT together showed best results. Primary prevention could be improved by Prescreening with BNP±cTnT followed by phenotyping
Effect of circadian rhythm of blood pressure on arterial wall stiffness and on left ventricular diastolic dysfunction
No full textBackgroundArterial stiffness is a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Variability of blood pressure has been reported to be related to worse cardiovascular outcome. The relationship between the arterial stiffness and the circadian rhythm of blood pressure (BP) has been controversial. The objective was to the examine impacts of BP variability on left ventricular diastolic function and arterial stiffness in the hypertensive patients.MethodsAmbulatory BP monitoring, pulse wave velocity, and echocardiography were performed in 268 patients (153 males, 47±11years) with HTN and pre-HTN. BP was measured at the outpatient clinic and 24-h ABPM was performed. Using carotid femoral applanation tonometry, PWA was performed for evaluation of systemic arterial stiffness expressed as augmentation index. Echocardiograms were performed and an average of 3–6 cardiac cycles was done for all measurements including the left ventricular mass index (LVMI), relative wall thickness (RWT), trans mitral flow propagation velocity (Vp), TDI, and midwall shortening fraction (MWSF). Nocturnal dipping was defined as a reduction of diastolic BP (DBP) by >10% of systolic BP (SBP) when compared with the daytime values. Isolated systolic nondipping, is reduction of <10% in the SBP, When compared with the daytime values. Isolated diastolic non-dipping is reduction of <10% in the DBP. Both systolic and diastolic non-dipping is reduction of <10% in both SBP and DBP.ResultsAmong groups, the clinic SBP and DBP, daytime mean BP of 24-h ABPM, gender and body mass index were not statistically different. Augmentation pressure (AP), augmentation index (AI) showed statistically significant difference (p=0.008 and 0.021, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that isolated diastolic non-dipping was correlated with arterial stiffness expressed as AI only in young group
Appropriateness of Admission to General Medical-Surgical ICUs in a University Teaching Hospital
No full textAbstract Introduction Resource allocation and increased cost of critical care services have been a global concern. Intensive care unit (ICU) admission is usually reserved for patients with reversible medical conditions who have a reasonable probability of substantial recovery. The admission process to ICU shows considerable variations, and it is difficult to assess the appropriateness of decision prospectively for ethical and legal reasons. However, data regarding ICU admission would help health managers to make decisions concerning healthcare facilities planning and administration. The study aim was to assess the appropriateness of admission to ICU. Materials and Methods The study was conducted in two general medical-surgical ICUs in university teaching hospital. Appropriateness of admission was approached through assessment of adherence to guidelines of ICU admission recommended by Society of Critical Care Medicine, severity of illness of admitted patients using Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, utilization of ICU specific treatment in the first 24 hours of admission, and mechanical ventilation during ICU stay. Results Among 324 patients admitted in 2013–2014, almost all of them (99.4%) were adherent to diagnosis model of Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) guidelines for ICU admission and approximately 75% were adherent to objective parameters model of SCCM guidelines. Mean Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II score on admission was 13.84 point. About 18% of patients did not receive ICU specific interventions in the first 24 hours of admission to ICU. In addition, about 36% of sample patients did not receive mechanical ventilation during their ICU stay. ICU mortality reached 39.8% of the sample. Discussion Guidelines recommended by SCCM are straightforward and easy to use and are used to make quick decisions regarding admission. Need for ICU specific interventions in the first 24 hours of admission is crucial in assessment of ICU admission. Mechanical ventilation is the most important ICU specific intervention; appropriateness can be assessed depending on the need for mechanical ventilation
Author Correction: COVID-19 infection segmentation using hybrid deep learning and image processing techniques
No full textCarotid and cerebral angiography performed by cardiologists: Cerebrovascular complications
No full textThe management of extracranial carotid artery disease is primarily concerned with the prevention of acute stroke. In order to understand the current risks of carotid angiography performed by interventional cardiologists, we undertook a retrospective study to determine the neurologic complications in patients who underwent selective cerebral angiography. All patients undergoing studies that were limited to diagnostic aortic arch angiography and selective four-vessel cerebral angiography in the cardiac catheterization laboratories during the past 6 years were included in this study. Hospital records were reviewed to determine any in-hospital cerebrovascular complications following carotid angiography, ranging from transient ischemic attack to major disabling stroke or death. A total of 189 consecutive patients underwent 191 diagnostic studies limited to aortic arch and four-vessel cerebral angiography in the cardiac catheterization laboratories between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2000. Only one (0.52%) neurological complication, a minor stroke, occurred in our study population. There were no transient ischemic attacks, major strokes, or death. We have shown that experienced interventional cardiologists can perform diagnostic aortic arch and selective carotid and vertebral angiography in a cardiac catheterization laboratory with a very low complication rate. Because the risks of angiography add to those of revascularization of the carotid artery, the most highly skilled angiographer, regardless of primary specialty, should perform these studies
Synergistic interactions of zeolite, stocking density, and water exchange: A holistic approach to optimizing aquaculture performance of juvenile European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
No full textEffective water management is an essential component of sustainable fish farming practices, particularly in the context of global water scarcity. The accumulation of ammonium ions (NH4+) from fish metabolism necessitates frequent water changes, posing a challenge to the sustainability of fish farming operations. Zeolite materials have emerged as a promising solution, offering enhanced ammonium cation removal compared to conventional nitrifying bacteria. This innovative approach alleviates the pressure on water resources and promotes environmental sustainability in fish farming. Over 75 days, this study examined how zeolite, stocking density, and water exchange affected European seabass water quality and growth. 250 kg of seabass, 25.61 ± 2.39 g/fish. Three factors: zeolite levels (Z: 0, 10, and 15 ppt), density (D: 1, 2.5, and 5 kg/m3), and water exchange (W: 10, 25, and 50 %), using 81 hapas with 0.5 m3 vol each (triplicates for each treatment) fixed in concrete ponds, fish were randomly distributed among 81 experimental hapas in 27 ponds. This research illuminates the potential benefits of various therapies. Zeolite in seabass culture improved water quality. It reduced ammonia derivatives, improving water quality. Adjusting seabass stocking density to low or high improved water quality measures. This change kept dissolved oxygen levels within the target range, providing a good home for farmed fish. Zeolite supplements, reduced stocking density, and optimum water exchange improved European seabass growth, along with water quality improvements. These interventions improved feed consumption and growth rates. These approaches promoted fish growth and reduced stress by limiting the negative effects of high stocking density. The study also examined immune-related, hematobiochemical, and plasma biochemical characteristics after the interventions. Zeolite supplementation, to low stocking density, and water exchange improved these characteristics. They strengthened the European seabass' immune system and preserved healthy plasma and hematobiochemical parameters. In conclusion, optimizing European seabass culture with zeolite (15 ppt), stocking density (1 kg/m3), and water exchange (50 %) enhances water quality, growth performance, and physiological parameters. This contributes to improved aquaculture sustainability and efficiency. Further research is required to fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms of those factors that affect fish health and aquaculture practices
Correction: Epidemiology and outcomes of early-onset AKI in COVID-19-related ARDS in comparison with non-COVID-19-related ARDS: insights from two prospective global cohort studies (Critical Care, (2023), 27, 1, (3), 10.1186/s13054-022-04294-5)
No full textFollowing publication of the original article [1], the authors identified that the collaborating authors part of the collaborating author group CCCC Consortium was missing. The collaborating author group is available and included as Additional file 1 in this article
Wafer classification using support vector machines
No full textIncreasing yield is a primary concern to integrated circuit manufacturing companies as it dictates the readiness of a new process for high volume manufacturing. In order to expedite the process of discovering yield issues, companies have started looking for ways to perform early prediction for such issues. This paper suggests the use of the support vector machines (SVMs) for early wafer classification. The choice of SVM is motivated by the model's ability to effectively classify multivariate, multimodal, and inseparable data points. This model uses multidimensional hyperplanes to separate and classify wafers into low-yield and high-yield classes. This paper includes a proposal for how the classification model can be applied for yield classification and how it can be adaptively updated in a manufacturing environment. We show how the values for the SVM parameters can be selected for best yield classification. Furthermore, performance evaluation is conducted on real manufacturing data, comparing the proposed SVM classifier to state of the art. Results show that in all cases, SVM consistently outperforms other methods with and without adaptive model updates. The experiments also show that all classifiers' performances depend on yield thresholds. It is also shown that the classification model can be built and executed using a reduced set without compromising its accuracy. © 1988-2012 IEEE.Abe S., 2005, SUPPORT VECTOR MACHI; Boser B, 1992, P 5 ANN WORKSH COMP, V5, P144, DOI DOI 10.1145-130385.130401; Botros Y, 2003, P SOC PHOTO-OPT INS, V5044, P121, DOI 10.1117-12.485311; Botros Y., 2003, P AEC APC S 4; Chapelle O, 2002, MACH LEARN, V46, P131, DOI 10.1023-A:1012450327387; Chin W. W., 2010, HDB PARTIAL LEAST SQ; Dasarathy B. V., 1991, NEAREST NEIGHBOR NN; Dupret Y., 2005, P IEEE SEM ADV SEM M, P118; Fayed A., 2003, P AEC APC S 25 SEP; Fenner J., 2000, P AEC APC S 12 SEP, VXII; Hajj H., 1998, P FLEX AUT INT MAN C; Hajj H., 2006, P AEC APC S 18, VXVIII; Hajj H, 2007, P SOC PHOTO-OPT INS, V6730, pQ7300, DOI 10.1117-12.746844; Hall M., 2000, P 17 INT C MACH LEAR, P359; Han J., 2001, DATA MINING CONCEPTS; He QP, 2008, P AMER CONTR CONF, P1606, DOI 10.1109-ACC.2008.4586721; He QP, 2007, IEEE T SEMICONDUCT M, V20, P345, DOI 10.1109-TSM.2007.907607; Khan AA, 2008, J PROCESS CONTR, V18, P961, DOI 10.1016-j.jprocont.2008.04.014; Kittler R., 2000, P INT C MOD AN SEM M, P270; Li TS, 2006, J INTELL MANUF, V17, P355, DOI 10.1007-s10845-005-0008-7; Lin TH, 2009, IEEE T SEMICONDUCT M, V22, P204, DOI 10.1109-TSM.2008.2011185; MACGREGOR JF, 1995, CONTROL ENG PRACT, V3, P403, DOI 10.1016-0967-0661(95)00014-L; May G. S., 2006, FUNDAMENTALS SEMICON; Moore G. E., 1975, P IEEE INT EL DEV M, P11; Moyne J, 2001, RUN TO RUN CONTROL S; Moyne JR, 2007, IEEE T SEMICONDUCT M, V20, P408, DOI 10.1109-TSM.2007.907617; Quinlan J. R., 1993, C4 5 PROGRAMS MACHIN; SPECHT DF, 1991, IEEE T NEURAL NETWOR, V2, P568, DOI 10.1109-72.97934; Wong A. Y., 1996, Proceedings. 1996 IEEE International Symposium on Defect and Fault Tolerance in VLSI Systems (Cat. No.96TB100081), DOI 10.1109-DFTVS.1996.57201274
IN-VITRO ANTICOAGULANT EFFECT OF AERIAL PARTS EXTRACTS OF YEMENI FAGONIA SCHWEINFURTHII HADIDI
No full textBackground: Blood coagulation is a quick and effective process that results in the creation of clots, which demands to monitor. Many illness disorders include an abnormality in blood coagulation. This study examined the in vitro effects of methanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane extracts from aerial parts of Fagonia schweinfurthii Hadidi on healthy human volunteers' blood coagulation. 
Methods: The Secondary metabolites were extracted from dried and crushed F. schweinfurthii aerial parts using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol, respectively. Additionally, the extracts were tested in vitro at different concentrations (10-100 µg/ml) on the blood coagulation profile, prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (a PTT) of apparently healthy human volunteers.
Results: Methanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane extracts of F. schweinfurthii aerial parts significantly (p˃0.05) prolonged PT and PTT in the blood of healthy human volunteers with Ethyl acetate and methanol extracts recorded the largest prolongation of PT and PTT correspondingly. The highest PT and PTT prolongation was achieved at 100µg/ml, and the least prolongation time was obtained at 10µg/ml.
Conclusion: These findings displayed that F. schweinfurthii aerial parts contain phytochemical constituents with anticoagulant characteristics and could be used to treat blood clotting disorders.

Peer Review History: 
Received: 26 April 2022; Revised: 12 June; Accepted: 30 June, Available online: 15 July 2022
Academic Editor: Dr. DANIYAN Oluwatoyin Michael, Obafemi Awolowo University, ILE-IFE, Nigeria, [email protected]
UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. 
Received file: Reviewer's Comments:
Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10
Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10
Reviewers:
Dr. Gehan Fawzy Abdel Raoof Kandeel, Pharmacognosy Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt, [email protected] 
Dr. Marwa A. A. Fayed, University of Sadat City, Egypt, [email protected]
Prof. Dr. Hüsniye Kayalar, Ege University, Turkey, [email protected]
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Integrated biofloc technology in red tilapia aquaculture: Salinity-dependent effects on water quality, parental stock physiology, reproduction, and immune responses
No full textThe study examines the impact of integrated biofloc technology (BFT), different salinity levels, and their combined effects over 90 days on various physiological parameters. The investigation includes growth performance and feed utilization, water quality, the chemical composition of biofloc and fish, digestive enzymes, reproductive performance, stress and biochemical indicators, and antioxidant-immune responses in red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) broodstock. The fish were initially weighed (males: n = 270; 104 ± 0.96 g; females: n = 270; 93.2 ± 0.66 g) and subsequently divided into 12 treatment groups (6 for males and 6 for females) spread across 36 separate tanks (3 tanks per treatment; 45 fish per treatment; 15 fish/tank). The treatments involved three salinity levels (18, 28, and 36 ppt) in both clear water (CW) and BFT systems. The outcomes demonstrated that fish in the 36 ppt salinity with BFT treatment demonstrated significant improvements (P < 0.05) in growth parameters (final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio). The condition factor in BFT groups increased in all salinity situations. The survival rates of broodstock were consistently high in all experimental conditions The study found that BFT and salinity significantly impacted (P < 0.05) whole body contents (moisture, protein, lipid, and ash) in both males and females. Water quality parameters showed variations between BFT and CW, with notable impacts (P < 0.05) on dissolved oxygen and pH. The BFT and salinity influenced digestive enzyme activities (protease, amylase, and lipase) and reproductive performance (males) and the 36 ppt salinity with BFT recorded the highest values. The hemato-biochemical and antioxidant-immune responses were also impacted by BFT and salinity exposure. The study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating BFT into red tilapia aquaculture systems, particularly in optimizing growth, health, and reproductive performance under various salinity conditions, which can enhance sustainable intensification, disease control, and environmental stewardship
