Moderate Growth Time Series for Dynamic Combinatorics Modelisation

Here, we present a family of time series with a simple growth constraint. This family can be the basis of a model to apply to emerging computation in business and micro-economy where global functions can be expressed from local rules. We explicit a double statistics on these series which allows to establish a one-to-one correspondence between three other ballot-like strunctures

The Outcome of Minimally Invasive Discectomy in Single Level Lumbar Disc Prolapse

Abstract Lumbar disc surgery in carefully selected patients who have failed conservative treatments can significantly improve quality of life. Minimally invasive treatment of lumbar disc herniation has been popularized in recent years. The aim of the study was to assess the outcome of minimal invasive (loupe) discectomy among lumbar disc prolapse patients in Sulaimani. A prospective study carried out in Shar and Sulaimani Teaching hospitals in Sulaimani city for period from 1 st of February, 2013 to end of June, 2014 on sample of 30 patients with single level lumbar disc prolapse admitted to orthopedic units. The data were collected by the researcher through direct interview and filling a prepared questionnaire. The outcome of surgery was evaluated by comparing the symptoms (back pain, leg pain, and leg parathesia) and the muscle power grading (EHL & FHL) of the patients pre-and post-operatively. Mean age of studied patients was 39.1 ± 9.3 years. Males were more than females. Disc prolapse level was L4-L5 among 17 and L5-S1 among 13 patients. Studying the symptoms pre-and post-operatively, revealed significant decrease in leg pain, leg parathesia and back pain post-operatively (p < 0.001). Studying EHL & FHL power grading preand post-operatively, revealed significant increase in muscle power grades 4 and grade 5 postoperatively (p < 0.001). We concluded that minimal invasive discectomy is good and safe treatment option for lumbar disc prolapse

The Biochemical Assessment of Imported Frozen Chicken and Detection The Effect of Biogenic Amines on The Meat Quality

To assess the quality of imported frozen chicken sold in Sulaimani markets with respect to biogenic amines content and sensory properties, a total of 160 samples of frozen chicken meat belonged to four foreign trademarks were collected in two batches from different parts of Sulaimani city markets. The samples consisted of whole chickens (160 samples- 80 for each batch). HPLC- based detection of Biogenic amines revealed histamine within the acceptable limits in all marks, it ranged 0.00- 0.22 and 0.00- 0.03 mg/ Kg meat in batches 1 and 2 respectively for the four marks of carcasses. Putrescine, Cadaverine, Spermine and Spermidine were within the ranges reported in literatures for good chicken meat quality in all marks, except in DMIS. The biogenic amines indexes for all marks were within the acceptable limits except for DMIS, which significantly differed from the others.  The sensory evaluation (organoleptic evaluation) of carcasses revealed highest scores gained by Gedik for all categories then by Sadia and Frinal, while DMIS had the lowest with the presence of significant differences among marks

Bacteriological Quality of Imported Frozen Chicken in Sulaimani Markets

To study the bacteriological quality of imported frozen chicken meat in Sulaimani markets, a total of 360 samples represented whole chickens (160 samples, 80 for each batch), thighs (120 samples, 60 for each batch) and breasts (80 samples, 40 for each batch) belonged to seven commercial trademarks, distributed on two batches, were tested according to international analytical regulations and guides. The mean values of the total plate count (TPC) in batches 1 and 2 of the whole chicken carcasses ranged 0.540-5.720 ×104 and 0.250-5.720 ×104 CFU/ g meat respectively, in thighs they ranged 1.170- 17.520 and 0.730- 12.500 ×104CFU/ g meat respectively, and  in breast they ranged 0.586- 14.380 and 1.174-11.900×104CFU/ g meat respectively. The psychrophiles count in whole chicken carcasses ranged 1.950- 13.740×104  and  0.900-27.420×104 CFU/ g meat, in thighs they ranged 0.554-8.560 and 0.360- 8.000×104 CFU/ g meat, and in breast ranged 0.734-8.880 and 1.140- 9.360 ×104 CFU/ g meat in batches 1 and 2 respectively.  Psychrotrophes count in whole carcasses ranged 1.964- 14.280 and 1.286- 21.800×104 CFU/ g meat, in thighs they ranged 1.560- 12.640 and 3.42- 7.680 ×104 CFU/ g meat, and in breast ranged 0.770- 13.140 and 1.178- 8.440 ×104 CFU/ g meat in batches 1 and 2 respectively. The most probable number (MPN) of both total coliforms and fecal coliforms in the two batches were less than 1 CFU/ g meat in all samples that inspected. Significant differences were recorded among all marks and between both batches for each mark including the three types of meat while all samples were E. coli O157: H7, coagulase positive staphylococci, and Salmonella free

THE PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES OF PROCYANIDINE ISOLATED FROM CRATAEGUS AZAROLUS (IRAQI ENDOGENOUS)

ABSTRACT Procyanidine was isolated and identified from fruit of Crataegus azarolus (Iraqi endogenous). In vitro and in vivo pharmacological actions of procyanidine were studied. Toxicological and histopathological studies of procyanidne on the mice indicated its safety. The LD 50 of procyanidine estimated to be about 100mg/kg. No antibacterial and antiinflammatory effects were seen with procyanidine. The antagonistic effect of procyanidine on the adenosine receptor was observed on the isolated jejunum of the rabbit. Procyanidine produced quite clear positive inotropic effect on the isolated, stimulated left atrium and papillary muscle of the rabbit, without any significant effects on the heart rate and blood pressure of experimental rats. Also procyanidine produced marked diuretic and natriuretic effects without any significant actions on the potassium excretion in the rat (16mg/kg I:V) and volunteers healthy subjects (50mg orally). The positive inotropic and diuretic actions of procynidine, most probably, are related to its antagonistic effects on the adenosine (Al) receptors. These dual (positive inotropic and diuretic) effects of procyanidine make it a good drug for the treatment of congestive heart failure

The Incidence and Health Economic Burden of Ischemic Amputation in Minnesota, 2005-2008

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is the most severe manifestation of peripheral artery disease (PAD), is associated with high rates of myocardial infarction, stroke, and amputation, and has a high health economic cost. The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of lower limb amputation, the most serious consequence of CLI, and to create a surveillance methodology for the incidence of ischemic amputation in Minnesota

The FReedom from Ischemic Events - New Dimensions for Survival (FRIENDS) registry: design of a prospective cohort study of patients with advanced peripheral artery disease

Background: Advanced lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD), whether presenting as acute limb ischemia (ALI) or chronic critical limb ischemia (CLI), is associated with high rates of cardiovascular ischemic events, amputation, and death. Past research has focused on strategies of revascularization, but few data are available that prospectively evaluate the impact of key process of care factors (spanning pre-admission, acute hospitalization, and post-discharge) that might contribute to improving short and long-term health outcomes. Methods/Design The FRIENDS registry is designed to prospectively evaluate a range of patient and health system care delivery factors that might serve as future targets for efforts to improve limb and systemic outcomes for patients with ALI or CLI. This hypothesis-driven registry was designed to evaluate the contributions of: (i) pre-hospital limb ischemia symptom duration, (ii) use of leg revascularization strategies, and (iii) use of risk-reduction pharmacotherapies, as pre-specified factors that may affect amputation-free survival. Sequential patients would be included at an index “vascular specialist-defined” ALI or CLI episode, and patients excluded only for non-vascular etiologies of limb threat. Data including baseline demographics, functional status, co-morbidities, pre-hospital time segments, and use of medical therapies; hospital-based use of revascularization strategies, time segments, and pharmacotherapies; and rates of systemic ischemic events (e.g., myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization, and death) and limb ischemic events (e.g., hospitalization for revascularization or amputation) will be recorded during a minimum of one year follow-up. Discussion The FRIENDS registry is designed to evaluate the potential impact of key factors that may contribute to adverse outcomes for patients with ALI or CLI. Definition of new “health system-based” therapeutic targets could then become the focus of future interventional clinical trials for individuals with advanced PAD

Paclitaxel Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty Suppresses Progression and Inflammation of Experimental Atherosclerosis in Rabbits

Paclitaxel drug-coated balloons (DCBs) reduce restenosis, but their overall safety has recently raised concerns. This study hypothesized that DCBs could lessen inflammation and reduce plaque progression. Using 25 rabbits with cholesterol feeding- and balloon injury-induced lesions, DCB-percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), plain PTA, or sham-PTA (balloon insertion without inflation) was investigated using serial intravascular near-infrared fluorescence−optical coherence tomography and serial intravascular ultrasound. In these experiments, DCB-PTA reduced inflammation and plaque burden in nonobstructive lesions compared with PTA or sham-PTA. These findings indicated the potential for DCBs to serve safely as regional anti-atherosclerosis therapy

The Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Menopause on Bone Mineral Density: A Longitudinal Study of Urban-Dwelling South African Women

An estimated 25% of South African women live with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Antiretroviral therapy roll-out has improved life expectancy, so many more women now reach menopause. We aimed to quantify changes in bone mineral density (BMD) during the menopausal transition in urban-dwelling South African women with and without HIV and determine whether HIV infection modified the effect of menopause on BMD changes. A 5-year population-based longitudinal study recruited women aged 40-60 years residing in Soweto and collected demographic and clinical data, including HIV status, anthropometry, and BMD, at baseline and at 5-year follow-up. All women were staged as pre-, peri-, or postmenopausal at both time points. Multivariable linear regression assessed relationships and interactions between HIV infection, menopause, and change in BMD. At baseline, 450 women had mean age 49.5 (SD 5.7) years, 65 (14.4%) had HIV, and 140 (31.1%), 119 (26.4%), and 191 (42.4%) were pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal, respectively; 34/205 (13.6%) women ≥50 years had a total hip (TH) or lumbar spine (LS) T-score ≤ -2.5. At follow-up 38 (8.4%), 84 (18.7%), and 328 (72.9%) were pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal. Those with HIV at baseline lost more total body (TB) BMD (mean difference -0.013 [95% confidence interval -0.026, -0.001] g/cm2 , p = 0.040) and gained more weight 1.96 [0.32, 3.60] kg; p = 0.019 than HIV-uninfected women. After adjusting for age, baseline weight, weight change, and follow-up time, the transition from pre- to postmenopause was associated with greater TB BMD losses in women with HIV (-0.092 [-0.042, -0.142] g/cm2 ; p = 0.001) than without HIV (-0.038 [-0.016, -0.060] g/cm2 , p = 0.001; interaction p = 0.034). Similarly, in women who were postmenopausal at both time points, those with HIV lost more TB BMD (-0.070 [-0.031, -0.108], p = 0.001) than women without HIV (-0.036 [-0.015, -0.057], p = 0.001, interaction p = 0.049). Findings were consistent but weaker at the LS and TH. Menopause-related bone loss is greater in women with HIV, suggesting women with HIV may be at greater risk of osteoporotic fractures. HIV services should consider routine bone health assessment in midlife women as part of long-term HIV care delivery. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR)