Comparison of HFNC, Bubble CPAP, and SiPAP on Aerosol Delivery in Neonates: An In-Vitro Study

Background: Aerosol drug delivery via high flow nasal cannula (HFNC), bubble continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and synchronized inspiratory positive airway pressure (SiPAP) has not been quantified in spontaneously breathing premature infants. The purpose of this study was to compare HFNC, bubble CPAP, and SiPAP on aerosol delivery in a simulated spontaneously breathing preterm model. Methods: A breath simulator was set to preterm infant settings (VT: 9 ml, RR: 50 bpm and Ti: 0.5 sec) and connected to the trachea of an anatomical upper airway model of a preterm infant (DiBlasi) via collecting filter distal to the trachea. The HFNC (Fisher & Paykel), Bubble CPAP (Fisher & Paykel), and SiPAP (Carefusion) were attached to the model via their proprietary nasal cannula and set to deliver 5 cm H2O pressure. Albuterol sulfate (2.5 mg/0.5 mL) was aerosolized with a mesh nebulizer (Aeroneb Solo) positioned (1) proximal to the patient and (2) prior to the humidifier (n=5).The drug was eluted from the filter with 0.1 N HCl and analyzed via spectrophotometry (276 nm). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA), with p Results: At position 1, the trend of lower deposition across devices was not significant; however, in position 2, drug delivery with SiPAP was significantly lower compared to both HFNC (p=0.003) and bubble CPAP (p=0.008).Placement of the nebulizer prior to the humidifier increased deposition with all devices (p\u3c0.05). Conclusion: Aerosol can be delivered via all three devices used in this study; however, delivery efficiency of HFNC is better than the other CPAP devices tested. Device selection and nebulizer position impacted aerosol delivery in this simulated model of a spontaneously breathing preterm infant

The relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism in taste receptor genes and body composition, energy intake, and macronutrient consumption in young adults​

Genetic variations in taste receptor genes play a notable role in human taste perception and food preferences and intake, which may affect nutritional and health status. Understanding how genetic variations in taste receptor genes influence food perception, preferences, and intake can play an important role in designing effective interventions to improve the quality of peoples\u27 nutrition and minimize the risk of diet-related diseases such as obesity. The objective of this study was to investigate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of umami taste receptor gene TAS1R1 and GRM4 and sweet taste receptor gene TAS1R3 and percentage of body fat mass (BF%) among young adults. 833 young adults aged 18-31 years old were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Umami and sweet taste receptor genotypes were determined and analyzed. A strong association was observed between the allele frequencies of sweet taste receptor gene TAS1R3 for SNPs rs307355 and rs35744813 and BMI, and between the same SNPs rs307355 and rs35744813 and BF%. In addition, the allele frequencies of SNP rs2499729 were significantly related to the likelihood of having obesity based on BMI classification. However, there was no association between the allele frequencies of the SNPs of the umami taste receptor genes; TAS1R1 for rs34160967 and BMI or BF%. The results of this study also indicated association in total energy intake and the percentage of energy from carbohydrates, protein, and fat intake between the alleles of the sweet receptor gene TAS1R3 for rs307355 and 35744813. Furthermore, a notable association was also detected in the percentage of energy from fat intake among the alleles of the umami receptors gene TAS1R1 rs34160967, and a significant relation in the percentage of energy from carbohydrates and protein intake between the different genotype polymorphisms of the umami receptor GRM4 gene for rs2499729

Effects of Test Level Discrimination and Difficulty on Answer-Copying Indices

In this study Type I Error and the power rates of ω and GBT (generalized binomial test) indices were investigated for several nominal alpha levels and for 40 and 80-item test lengths with 10,000-examinee sample size under several test level restrictions. As a result, Type I error rates of both indices were found to be below the acceptable nominal alpha levels.  The power study showed that average test difficulty was very effective for power (true detection) rates of indices. Clear patterns were observed for the increase of test difficulty in favor of both ω and GBT power rate. Contrary to expectations; average test discrimination was not as effective as average test difficulty. The results of the interaction effects of item discrimination and difficulty showed that for the cases whose b parameters were lower than 0 with weak discrimination, indices had weak power for both ω and GBT. In addition, for the cases whose b parameter levels were below zero with high discrimination indices, the power performance of both answer-copying indices were very weak. Results for test length showed that with the increase of test length the power rate of both ω and GBT tended to increase. Also, ω performed slightly better than GBT or very close to GBT for 80-item test length however, ω performed better than GBT in terms of power rate for the cases with 40-item test lengt

Lateral Integration of Architectural Theory in Design Studio Pedagogy during the Early Years of Architecture Education – A Trans-disciplinary Approach

Architectural Design studio, a dominant segment of the stipulated curriculum, constitutes the core of architecture education. It is the foremost learning environment for creative thinking, assimilated with intellectual stimulation. More often than not, lateral integration of the syllabus content is not the prevalent mode as a conscious teaching methodology. The individual courses are dealt with in isolation, with the result that their desired contribution to the final evolution of the architectural design process becomes debatable. This paper maps the qualitative and intellectual dimensions that define the integration of Architectural Theory within Design Studio Pedagogy and Mode of Delivery. Also of essence is the design engagement of the individual student, development of the conceptual framework, adaptability to typological context and, prioritising sensitivity to the site. This paper will specifically feature illustrations of the First Year B. Arch. Studio in progress at the Aakar Academy of Architecture at the time of writing this paper, thus focusing on case examples of the design-process sheets rather than the final presentation portfolios

Local Lung Targeting of Tumor Associated Macrophages Combined with Cytoreductive Therapy Decrease Tumor Burden in a Secondary Lung Cancer Model

Backgrounds. The efficacy of a locally administered small molecule colony stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor (CSF-1Ri), PLX3397, alone or in combination with cytoreductive therapy (paclitaxel) in reducing the tumor burden of an in vivo model of secondary lung cancer was investigated in this work. Local administration of immunotherapy to the lungs may enhance lung biodistribution of such therapies and reduce potential unwanted off-target toxicity. In addition, combination of such therapy with low dose standard of care chemotherapy may offer improved anti-tumor effects. Methods. Murine breast cancer cells (4T1, known to be highly metastasized to the lungs) were transduced to express the genes luciferase and tdTomato, and cells were injected to female Balb/c mice before being treated with PLX (intratracheally administered), paclitaxel (intravenously given), or the combination therapy. Both ex vivo bioluminescent imaging and lung weights were used to evaluate tumor burden. Western blot was performed using lung tumors to assess the effect of PLX3397 on its molecular target (phosphorylated CSF-1R). Immunofluorescence and Flowcytometry were utilized to examine the impact of treatment on tumorigenic tumor associated macrophages (M2 TAM). Results. Single-agent treatment partially decreased tumor burden, while combination therapy led to a significant reduction in tumor burden. PLX3397 significantly inhibited the expression of phosphorylated CSF-1R and reduced the number of M2 TAM without affecting the total macrophage population, thereby increasing the anti-tumorigenic (M1)/M2 ratio. Conclusion. Tumor burden reduction upon local administration of PLX3397 to the lungs correlates with the marked inhibition of the molecular target and the decrease in M2 TAM.https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/gradposters/1065/thumbnail.jp

Applying artificial intelligence technologies to inclusive journalism

The article highlights the integration of technology into journalism, and new emerging media trends. It studies the current situation regarding the application of artificial intelligence technologies to journalism, the problems encountered in this field. Examples of artificial intelligence journalism widely used in international media are indicated. Study provides information about companies offering AI services to global news organizations. It also emphasizes the need for journalism education to be constantly modern and keep up with the development of technology. The article explains the concept of inclusive journalism, the main task of inclusive journalism, the opportunities it can create, and the application of artificial intelligence to inclusive journalism. Academic research on inclusivity is reviewed. Moreover, the activities of inclusive journalism in Azerbaijan are studied and the current situation is evaluated. The study indicates that the application of information communication technology (ICT) to journalism will serve to provide information to people with physical disabilities. Also, the article explores the prospects of applying ICT to journalism and the problems it can pose. It notes that the application of artificial intelligence technologies to journalism can provide a new form of information collection, preparation and dissemination

Investigation of the Relationships between Optimism, Perceived Social Support, and Hope

The aim of this research is to examine the relationships between optimism, perceived social support and hope. The dependent variable of this research is optimism and its independent variables are perceived social support and hope. The study group consists of 435 teacher candidates, as 331 females (76.1%) and 104 males (23.9%). In the research, the Life Orientation Test, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Adult Trait Hope Scale and personal information form were used as data collection tools. Correlational research model was used in the research. The data were analyzed using SPSS (21.0) program. In the analysis of the data, t-test, one-way variance analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression analysis were used. According to the findings of the study, it was found that the optimism of teacher candidates did not differ significantly according to gender, but differed significantly according to perceived income level and perceived parental attitude. A positive relationship was found between optimism and perceived social support and hope. It was found that perceived social support and hope variables predicted optimism. The findings were discussed based on the literature and suggestions were developed

Sex hormone binding globulin gene polymorphisms and metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal Turkish women

Background: Insulin resistance is associated with obesity, glucose intolerance or diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. Constellation of these risk factors iscalled metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS is common among postmenopausal women. Low sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels associate with an increased risk of MetS in postmenopausal women. Variations in SHBG gene associate with low levels of circulating SHBG levels. We aim to study the association between SHBG gene polymorphisms — rs1799941 (A/G) and rs6257 (T/C) — with MetS among postmenopausal women.Methods: The study population consisted of 182 postmenopausal women with MetS and119 control subjects. We analyzed the allele frequencies of SHBG gene polymorphisms in relationto the risk components of MetS.Results: MetS patients displayed significantly lower SHBG levels compared to the lean controlsubjects (p = 0.036). rs1799941 A allele was associated with high SHBG levels (p = 0.031), low blood pressure, body mass index and waist circumference. The number of ‘high risk’ alleles (G allele of the rs1799941 and T allele of rs6257) correlated positively with waist circumference (r = 0.203, p = 0.006) and negatively with SHBG levels (r = –0.291, p = 0.024).Conclusions: SHBG gene polymorphisms associate with SHBG levels and MetS risk components among postmenopausal women. Hence, A allele (rs1799941) may have a protectiveeffect for MetS through its association with high SHBG levels among postmenopausal women