A Nonlinear Identification Approach for Gait Analysis of Amyotrophic Lateral SclerosisPatients

Gait data analysis, is giving mixing results regarding locomotion changes associated to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) development; the need has been claimed for new tools. We applied a nonlinear identification approach to the study of gait data from both healthy and ALS patients, available from Physionet.org. Kernel nonparametric nonlinear autoregression allowed to obtain noise-free realizations (NFR) that mimicked original traces, though correlation between original data and corresponding NFR was lower among ALS patients (p=0.03), suggesting a higher contribution of stochastic influences. Visual inspection of phase portraits, reconstructed from NFR via Takens theorem application, suggested dynamics differences between control subjects and patients. This was confirmed when phase portrait features were quantified and submitted to discriminant analysis (89% of correct classifications; 24/28). Application of a nonlinear dissimilarity measure for comparing pairs gait recordings, defined as a distance between underlying nonlinear autoregressive functions allowed an excellent separation between ALS and controls, via multidimensional scaling. Obtained projection map clearly suggested that ALS traces lay in a narrower dynamical space. This might reflect the known fact about neuronal degeneration accompanying ALS progression. When dissimilarity matrix principal components were introduced as predicting variables, discriminant analysis yielded an 82% of correct classifications (23/28). Overall, our results suggest that a nonlinear identification approach, centered in the characterization of the dynamics of the gait process can bring new insights to gait data interpretation.

El análisis de datos de la marcha, está dando resultados mixtos con respecto a los cambios de locomoción asociados con el desarrollo de la esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA). Se ha reivindicado la necesidad de nuevas herramientas de análisis de datos de la marcha. Aplicamos un enfoque de identificación no lineal al estudio de los datos de la marcha de pacientes sanos y con ELA, disponibles en Physionet.org. La auto-regresión no lineal no paramétrica del núcleo, permitió obtener realizaciones libres de ruido (NFR) que imitaban las trazas originales, aunque la correlación entre los datos originales y la NFR correspondiente fue menor entre los pacientes con ELA (p = 0,03), lo que sugiere una mayor contribución de las influencias estocásticas. La inspección visual de los retratos de fase, reconstruidos a partir de NFR mediante la aplicación del teorema de Takens, sugirió diferencias dinámicas entre los sujetos de control y los pacientes. Esto se confirmó cuando se cuantificaron las características del retrato de fase y se sometieron a un análisis discriminante (89 % de clasificaciones correctas; 24/28). La aplicación de una medida de disimilitud no lineal para comparar registros de marcha de pares, definida como una distancia entre funciones auto-regresivas no lineales subyacentes, permitió una excelente separación entre ALS y controles, a través de una escala multidimensional. El mapa de proyección obtenido sugirió claramente que las huellas de ALS se encuentran en un espacio dinámico más estrecho. Esto podría reflejar el hecho conocido sobre la degeneración neuronal que acompaña a la progresión de la ELA. Cuando se introdujeron los componentes principales de la matriz de disimilitud como variables predictoras, el análisis discriminante arrojó un 82% de clasificaciones correctas (23/28). En general, nuestros resultados sugieren que un enfoque de identificación no lineal, centrado en la caracterización de la dinámica del proceso de la marcha, puede aportar nuevos conocimientos a la interpretación de los datos de la marcha.

HEATING TANK SYSTEM FAULT DIAGNOSTIC MECHANISM USING KERNEL PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS

Nowadays, global industry is witnessing the explosion of exible manufacturing systems considered as key role for the fourth industrial revolution. Almost hardware and software producers tried their best to assure the best performance for those system. However, some chemical processes in particular requires more strict conditions beside high-accuracy operation of actuators. Chemical reactions may lead to a poor quality for output product even a small change. Therefore, beside the necessary of high-performance integrated control system, monitoring operation should be fast and correct enough to detect and isolate faults when any problems happened in system. In this paper, a method for process fault detection and diagnostic based on data-driven estimation is investigated. In this method, the process fault is detected based on the error between process model response and process response. The Kernel Principal Component Analysis (KPCA) is utilized to classify errors for fault diagnostic. In this research, the method is veried on Stirred-Tank Heating Process. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed method

Proposal of a non-linear model to adjust in vitro gas production at different incubation times

This work aims to propose a new model named Gompertz-Von Bertalanffy bicompartmental (GVB), a combination of the models Gompertz and Von Bertalanffy. The GVB models is applied to fit the kinetic curve of cumulative gas production (CGP) of four foods (SS ­ sunflower silage; CS ­ corn silage; and the mixtures 340SS ­ 660 gkg-1 of corn silage and 340 gkg-1 of sunflower silage; and 660SS ­ 340 gkg-1 of corn silage and 660 gkg-1 of sunflower silage). The GVB fit is compared to models Logistic-Von Bertalanffy bicompartmental (LVB) and bicompartmental logistic (BL). All the process studied employed the semi-automatic "in vitro" technique of producing gases used in ruminant nutrition. The gas production readout was performed at times 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 19, 24, 30, 48, 72, and 96 h. The data generated were used to estimate the models' parameters by the least squared method with the iterative Gauss-Newton process. The data fit quality of the models was verified using the adjusted coefficient of determination criterion (), mean residual square (MRS), Akaike information criterion (AIC), and mean absolute deviation (MAD). Among the analyzed models, the LVB model presented the best quality of fit evaluators for CS. In contrast, the GVB model showed better quality of fit to describe CGP over time for 340SS, 660SS, and SS, presenting the highest values of () and the lowest values of MSR, AIC, and MAD.

Study on quantitative analysis of bracket-induced nonlinear response of labio-cheek soft tissue during the orthodontic process / 生物医学工程学杂志

In the orthodontics process, intervention and sliding of an orthodontic bracket during the orthodontic process can arise large response of the labio-cheek soft tissue. Soft tissue damage and ulcers frequently happen at the early stage of orthodontic treatment. In the field of orthodontic medicine, qualitative analysis is always carried out through statistics of clinical cases, while quantitative explanation of bio-mechanical mechanism is lacking. For this purpose, finite element analysis of a three-dimensional labio-cheek-bracket-tooth model is conducted to quantify the bracket-induced mechanical response of the labio-cheek soft tissue, which involves complex coupling of contact nonlinearity, material nonlinearity and geometric nonlinearity. Firstly, based on the biological composition characteristics of labio-cheek, a second-order Ogden model is optimally selected to describe the adipose-like material of the labio-cheek soft tissue. Secondly, according to the characteristics of oral activity, a two-stage simulation model of bracket intervention and orthogonal sliding is established, and the key contact parameters are optimally set. Finally, the two-level analysis method of overall model and submodel is used to achieve efficient solution of high-precision strains in submodels based on the displacement boundary obtained from the overall model calculation. Calculation results with four typical tooth morphologies during orthodontic treatment show that: ① the maximum strain of soft tissue is distributed along the sharp edges of the bracket, consistent with the clinically observed profile of soft tissue deformation; ② the maximum strain of soft tissue is reduced as the teeth align, consistent with the clinical manifestation of common damage and ulcers at the beginning of orthodontic treatment and reduced patient discomfort at the end of treatment. The method in this paper can provide reference for relevant quantitative analysis studies in the field of orthodontic medical treatment at home and abroad, and further benefit to the product development analysis of new orthodontic devices.

LC-MS/MS method for the determination of an anti-tumor compound C17 in nude mice plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study / 药学学报

C17 is an orally available anti-tumor compound inhibiting cancer stem cell (CSC). In this study, a stable, sensitive and simple liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was established and validated, and was further applied to a pharmacokinetic study in nude mice receiving C17 by gavage. Using propranolol as the internal standard, the plasma samples were pre-treated by precipitation with methanol and analyzed on an Intersil C8-3 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 3 μm), and gradient elution was performed with a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid aqueous and solution mixed up by 90% isopropanol and 10% acetonitrile. The analyte was detected by a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer, and multiple reaction monitoring was employed to select C17 at m/z 439.3/247.1 and propranolol at m/z 260.2/116.2 in the positive ion mode. The calibration curves were linear (r > 0.995) over the range of 5-800 ng·mL-1. The intra- and inter-day precisions and accuracies were 7.42%-13.22% and -8.99%-8.81% respectively. The method was successfully applied to a PK study in nude mice administered with a single oral dose of 50 mg·kg-1 C17, and the PK data were analyzed with non-linear mixed effect model (NONMEM). Two separated absorption peaks were found in the PK curve of C17, and a two-compartment model with two sequential first-order absorption rate was utilized to describe the PK properties of C17, and the model could provide insights into the physiological process and exposure of C17 in nude mice. All animal experiments were in strict accordance with the regulations of the Biomedical Ethics Committee of Peking University.

Effect of temperature on the risk of varicella in Lu'an City / 预防医学

Objective@#To examine the effect of temperature on the risk of varicella in Lu'an City, Anhui Province, so as to provide insights into varicella prevention and control. @*Methods@#Data on incidence of varicella in Lu'an City from 2010 to 2021 were collected from Chinese Disease Prevention and Control System, and meteorological data in Lu'an City were also collected from National Meteorological Science Data Center and China National Urban Air Quality Real-Time Publishing Platform during the same period. The effect of temperature on the risk of varicella was examined using a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) and subgroup analyses for gender and age were conducted. The effects of extremely low and high temperatures on the cumulative risk of varicella and trends in the cumulative risk of varicella over time were analyzed using a time-varying DLNM. @*Results@# Totally 25 318 varicella cases were reported in Lu'an City from 2010 to 2021, including 15 013 men (59.30%) and 10 305 women (40.70%). The median number of varicella cases was 4 (interquartile range, 6) cases, and the daily median air temperature was 17.50 (interquartile range, 15.80) ℃, with the lowest temperature recorded as -5.80 ℃ and the highest temperatures as 34.90 ℃. The results from the DLNM showed that the extremely low temperatures reduced the risk of varicella (RR=0.522, 95%CI: 0.375-0.728) in relative to median temperature, while extremely high temperature increased the risk of varicella (RR=1.604, 95%CI: 1.112-2.316). Subgroup analysis revealed the effect curve for men was similar to total populations (extremely low temperature: RR=0.497, 95%CI: 0.331-0.746; extremely high temperature: RR=1.978, 95%CI: 1.260-3.106), and the effect of temperature on varicella risk was mainly concentrated among children at ages of 6 to 12 years (extremely low temperature: RR=0.426, 95%CI: 0.247-0.736; extremely high temperature: RR=2.431, 95%CI: 1.378-4.288). The results from the time-varying DLNM revealed that the cumulative risk of varicella due to both extremely low and high temperatures appeared a tendency towards a rise over years (P<0.05). @*Conclusions@#Low temperature may reduce the risk of varicella, while high temperature increases the risk of varicella in Lu'an City, which is more remarkable among men and children at ages of 6 to 12 years. The cumulative risk of varicella at both extremely low and high temperatures shows a tendency towards a rise over years.

Non-linear characteristic of acupoint resistance and its application / 中国针灸

Acupoint specificity is a key scientific issue in acupuncture and moxibustion. Acupoint electric resistance is a commonly-used biophysical index to study the functional specificity of acupoints. The non-linear characteristics of acupoint electric resistance have great impacts on the measured values, but it has been greatly ignored. By analyzing the non-linear characteristics of acupoint resistance and its application in the study of acupoint function specificity, a new idea of introducing chaos theory and technology into the study of acupoint function is proposed.

Reflections on the fundamental nature of homeopathic potencies: Plasma, Langmuir Adsorption and Vitalism

There is a pressing need to develop methods and approaches that will identify the fundamental nature of homeopathic potencies. Aims: To bring together recent basic research on potencies, especially that using solvatochromic dyes, and to supplement these results with reliable observations made by Hahnemann and his contemporaries from the very beginnings of homeopathy, together with a detailed examination of the process of trituration and succussion coupled to dilution, in order to significantly limit the number of possible explanations as to the identity of potencies. Methodology: A mixture of lab based and literature studies such that as far as possible all verified and substantiated observations about homeopathic potencies have been examined. Results and Discussion: An understanding of the fundamental nature of homeopathic potencies that includes all known and accepted observations (in vitro, in vivoand clinical) is not realistic without embracing hypotheses involving the emergent properties of complex systems and in particular, vitalistic concepts. Using a vitalistic model it is possible to explain a wide range of seemingly unrelated phenomena -such as the polarising effect of potencies on solvatochromic dyes, the ability to use a range of materials such as water, lactose and cellulose as carriers of potencies, the administering of potencies by olfaction, the antidoting effect of camphor on potency action, the non-linear dependence of potency strength on volume as well as succussion level, the oscillatory behaviour of potencies and experimenter/observer/practitioner effects. Conclusion: A hypothesis in which homeopathic potencies can be seen as self-actuating and autonomous plasma generated by trituration and/or succussion and carried according to Langmuir adsorption models fits the known observations about potencies.

Non-linear analysis of heart rate variability during deep breathing at 0.1 Hz frequency

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis is an important tool to assess the cardiac autonomic regulation in health and disease. Time-domain and frequency-domain analyses are linear methods that are traditionally used for HRV analysis. Application of non-linear methods in HRV analysis has been shown to provide additional information and has been found to be useful in predicting complications and mortality in cardiovascular disease conditions. HRV analysis during deep breathing is commonly used to assess the integrity and extent of the parasympathetic control of the heart. Aim and Objectives: This study aims to analyze the HRV during deep breathing at 0.1 Hz frequency, 6 breaths/minute using non-linear methods and to see whether they correlate with the time-domain measures of HRV. Materials and Methods: Twelve healthy volunteers performed deep slow breathing at 0.1 Hz frequency for 5 min following recorded prompts. In the time domain, mean heart rate (MHR), SDNN, RMSSD, and pNN50 during baseline and deep breathing were measured. In the non-linear domain, approximate entropy (AppEn), sample entropy (SampEn), and detrended fluctuation analysis DFA (?1) were calculated. The quantitative measures of the Poincare plot, namely, SD1, SD2, and SD2/SD1, which are known to provide linear information, were also estimated. Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test was used to compare the baseline parameters with those of deep breathing. Spearman’s correlation was used to assess the correlation between the parameters obtained from the different methods. Results: There was no significant change in the MHR, RMSSD, pNN50, and SD1 during 0.1 Hz deep breathing while SDNN, SD2, SD2/SD1, and DFA?1 showed a significant increase. Furthermore, 0.1 Hz breathing decreased the AppEn and SampEn measures of HRV. There was a strong correlation among SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50, SD1, SD2, SD2/SD1, and DFA?1, but there was no correlation between any of the above measures and the non-linear measures AppEn and SampEn. Conclusion: While the non-linear measure DFA?1 correlates well with time domain measures of HRV and the quantitative measures of the Poincare plot during 0.1 Hz breathing, AppEn and SampEn do not show such correlation. Instead, they decrease significantly when breathing is voluntarily controlled at 6 breaths/min.

Effects of daily mean temperature and other meteorological variables on bacillary dysentery in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, China

BACKGROUND@#Although previous studies have shown that meteorological factors such as temperature are related to the incidence of bacillary dysentery (BD), researches about the non-linear and interaction effect among meteorological variables remain limited. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of temperature and other meteorological variables on BD in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, which is a high-risk area for BD distribution.@*METHODS@#Our study was based on the daily-scale data of BD cases and meteorological variables from 2014 to 2019, using generalized additive model (GAM) to explore the relationship between meteorological variables and BD cases and distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) to analyze the lag and cumulative effects. The interaction effects and stratified analysis were developed by the GAM.@*RESULTS@#A total of 147,001 cases were reported from 2014 to 2019. The relationship between temperature and BD was approximately liner above 0 °C, but the turning point of total temperature effect was 10 °C. Results of DLNM indicated that the effect of high temperature was significant on lag 5d and lag 6d, and the lag effect showed that each 5 °C rise caused a 3% [Relative risk (RR) = 1.03, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.05] increase in BD cases. The cumulative BD cases delayed by 7 days increased by 31% for each 5 °C rise in temperature above 10 °C (RR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.30-1.33). The interaction effects and stratified analysis manifested that the incidence of BD was highest in hot and humid climates.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study suggests that temperature can significantly affect the incidence of BD, and its effect can be enhanced by humidity and precipitation, which means that the hot and humid environment positively increases the incidence of BD.

Effects of daily mean temperature on the incidence of other infectious diarrhea in Hebei Province / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To explore the lag effect and correlation between daily average temperature and the incidence of other infectious diarrhea in Hebei Province.Methods:The data of meteorological factors (including temperature and average daily temperature) and the daily incidence of other infectious diarrhea in Zhangjiakou City, Chengde City, Tangshan City, Qinhuangdao City, Baoding City, Langfang City, Cangzhou City, Shijiazhuang City, Hengshui City, Xingtai City, and Handan City in Hebei Province from 2017 to 2020 were collected. Eleven prefecture-level cities were divided into four regions, including east, north, middle and south regions. Distributed lag non-linear model was applied to examine the non-linear associations and the lag effect of daily mean temperature on daily incidence of other infectious diarrhea. Meanwhile, the cold and hot effects were used to estinuate the lag-response relationship on the incidence of other infectious diarrhea.Results:A total of 231 008 cases of other infectious diarrhea were reported in Hebei Province. The seasonal distribution was obvious, showing a bimodal distribution of large peaks in summer and small peaks in winter. An inverse S-shaped association between average daily temperature and cumulative risk ratio ( RR) of other infectious diarrhea was observed in Hebei Province. Both high temperature (higher than 27.50 ℃) and low temperature (less than 13.67 ℃) could increase the risk of other infectious diarrhea. When the temperature was lower than 13.00 ℃, the lag time and RR had a U-shaped association (lag four to seven days, 23 to 30 days). Meanwhile, when it was higher than 13.00 ℃, it had an inverted U-shaped association (lag 5 to 21 days). A comparison of four regions of Hebei Province showed that the lag time from south to north was extended from six days to 30 days at low temperature effects with temperature P5=-7.24 ℃. When the temperature getting hot ( P95=28.25 ℃), the risk occurred at lag 0 days, and the lag time gradually got short from north to south. Thus, the high temperature effect reached maximum quickly with a relative short duration. Conclusions:The inverse S-shaped non-linear association between daily average temperature and the incidence of other infectious diarrhea in Hebei Province is observed. Both low temperature and high temperature are associated with increased risk of other infectious diarrhea. But the impact of low temperature is more notable, which has a relative long duration.

Association of compound hot extreme with blood pressure in Guangdong province / 环境与职业医学

Background It is projected that the frequency, density, and duration of compound hot extreme may increase in the 21st century in the context of global warming. Objective To explore the association between compound hot extreme and blood pressure, and identify sensitive populations. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. The study subjects were from six Guangdong Province Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveys during 2002 through 2015. A questionnaire was administered to the participants with questions about demographic information, drinking and smoking status, and measurements on their height, weight, and blood pressure were also collected. We chose the data of May, September, and October to explore the association between compound hot extreme and blood pressure. Compound hot extreme means a hot day with a proceeding hot night. Daily meteorological data were obtained from China Meteorological Data Service Centre. We employed inverse distance weighting to interpolate the temperature and relative humidity values for each participant. A distributed lag non-linear model was used to estimate the association between compound hot extreme and blood pressure. Stratified analyses by sex, age, area, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, and drinking status were also performed to identify sensitive populations. A sensitivity analysis was conducted by adjusting the degrees of freedom for lag spline and removing relative humidity. Result A total of 10967 participants without history of hypertension were included in this study. The average systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 120.8 mmHg and the average diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 74.5 mmHg. The proportion of participants who experienced hot day, hot night, or compound hot extreme were 9.34%, 17.95% and 2.90%, respectively. Compared to hot day, hot night and compound hot extreme were related with decreased blood pressure, and the effect of compound hot extreme was stronger: the changes and 95%CI for SBP was −6.2 (−10.3-−2.1) mmHg, and for DBP was −2.7 (−5.2-−0.2) mmHg. Compound hot extreme induced decreased SBP among male, population ≥ 65 years, and those whose BMI < 24 kg·m-2, and their ORs (95%CIs) were −6.2 (−10.7-−1.6). −19.1 (−33.0-−5.1), and −6.7 (−11.8~−1.6) mmHg, respectively, and also decreased DBP among population ≥ 65 years, and its OR (95%CI) was −8.4 (−15.6-−1.1) mmHg. During compound hot extremes, participants living in rural areas showed decreased SBP and DBP, and the ORs (95%CIs) were −10.5 (−16.6-−4.5) and −4.4 (−7.7-−1.1) mmHg respectively, while those living in urban areas showed increased SBP, and the OR (95%CI) was 9.7 (2.9-16.5) mmHg. A significant decrease in blood pressure [OR (95%CI)] was also found in non-smokers [DBP, −3.7 (−6.6-−0.8) mmHg] and non-drinkers [SBP, −4.8 (−9.4-−0.2) mmHg; DBP, −3.4 (−6.0-−0.9) mmHg]. Conclusion Compound hot extreme is negatively associated with SBP, and being male, aged 65 years and over, and having BMI < 24 kg·m−2 may be more sensitive to compound hot extreme.

Influenza-associated excess mortality in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2019 / 预防医学

Objective@#To estimate the influenza-associated excess mortality (IEM) in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2019, so as to provide insights into estimates of mortality burden due to influenza. @* Methods@#The data pertaining to all-cause death and influenza surveillance in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2019 were retrieved from Zhejiang Provincial Cause of Death Registration System and Influenza Surveillance System to create distributed lag non-linear models (DLNMs). The year-, influenza subtype- and age-specific IEM rates were estimated.@*Results@#The overall IEM was 18.67/105 (95%CI: 15.32/105-21.97/105) in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2019, with the lowest in 2016 (14.19/105, 95%CI: 12.00/105-16.37/105) and the highest in 2018 (22.92/105, 95%CI: 19.23/105-26.56/105). The IEM rates of influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B were 9.32/105 (95%CI: 7.65/105-10.98/105), 5.68/105 (95%CI: 4.24/105-7.11/105), and 3.66/105 (95%CI: 2.13/105-5.18/105). The greatest IEM was seen among residents at ages of 65 years and older (142.91/105, 95%CI: (115.99/105-169.55/105, followed by among individuals at ages of 15 to 64 years (2.74/105, 95%CI: 1.87/105-3.61/105), and the lowest was seen among individuals under 15 years of age (0.41/105, 95%CI: -0.33/105-1.14/105). @*Conclusions@#From 2016 to 2019, the highest IEM was seen in Zhejiang Province in 2018, and the elderly residents at ages of 65 years and above presented the greatest IEM, with influenza A (H1N1) as the predominant influenza subtype. Influenza surveillance and vaccination is recommended to be reinforced.

Air Temperature Affects the Hospital Admission for Cardiovascular Diseases among Rural Residents in Dingxi City / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To explore the effect of air temperature on the hospitalization of rural residents with cardiovascular diseases and its lag effect in Dingxi city. Methods The meteorological data and air pollution data of Dingxi city from 2018 to 2019,as well as the daily hospitalization data of rural residents due to cardiovascular diseases,were collected.The distributed lag non-linear models were employed to analyze the relationship between daily mean air temperature and the number of inpatients with cardiovascular diseases.Meanwhile,stratified analysis was carried out according to gender,age,and disease. Results There was a non-linear relationship between air temperature and the number of hospitalized rural residents with cardiovascular diseases in Dingxi city.The exposure-response curve approximated a bell shape.The curves for different cardiovascular diseases appeared similar shapes,with different temperature thresholds.Low temperature(-7 ℃) and moderately low temperature(0 ℃) exhibited a cumulative lag effect on the number of patients hospitalized with cardiovascular diseases.With a cumulative lag of 7 days at -7 ℃ and 14 days at 0 ℃,the RR values peaked,which were 1.121(95% CI=1.002-1.255) and 1.198(95% CI=1.123-1.278),respectively.With a cumulative lag of 14 days at 0 ℃,the RR values were 1.034(95% CI=1.003-1.077) and 1.039(95% CI=1.004-1.066) for the number of hospitalized patients with ischemic heart disease and heart rhythm disorders,respectively.The cumulative lag effects of moderately high temperature(17 ℃) and high temperature(21 ℃) on ischemic heart disease,heart rhythm disorders,and cerebrovascular disease all peaked on that day.Specifically,the RR values at 17 ℃ and 21 ℃ were 1.148(95% CI=1.092-1.206) and 1.176(95% CI=1.096-1.261) for ischemic heart disease,1.071(95% CI=1.001-1.147) and 1.112(95% CI=1.011-1.223) for heart rhythm disorders,and 1.084(95% CI=1.025-1.145) and 1.094(95% CI=1.013-1.182) for cerebrovascular disease,respectively.There was no cumulative lag effect of air temperature on the number of hospitalized patients with heart failure.In addition,stratified analysis showed that low temperature(-7 ℃) and moderately low temperature(0 ℃) affected the number of hospitalized female patients with cardiovascular diseases,and only moderately low temperature(0 ℃) affected males.The cumulative lag effect of high temperature on females was higher than that on males.Air temperature exhibited a stronger impact on female patients than on male patients. Additionally,the population aged<65 years old was more sensitive to low temperature and high temperature than that aged ≥65 years old. Conclusions Air temperature changes increase the hospitalization risk of rural residents with cardiovascular diseases in Dingxi city,which presents a lag effect.The effects of air temperature on patients hospitalized due to cardiovascular diseases varied among different etiologies,genders,and ages.It is necessary to emphasize on the impact of temperature changes on health in residents,especially for key populations such as females,people aged<65 years old,and those with ischemic heart disease.

Complexus cordis / Complexus cordis

Resumen El estudio científico del corazón nos ha permitido conocer su estructura y función profundamente, mediante la fragmentación y el análisis de sus partes, atendiendo a las pautas del método que tantos logros nos ha dado. Sin embargo, al momento de volver a ensamblar esos fragmentos analizados nos percatamos de que algo falta; simplemente la suma de las partes no hace al todo. Es así que, desde hace décadas, numerosos científicos han estudiado estrategias novedosas que permitan entender los fenómenos naturales desde modelos más incluyentes, abiertos e integradores, que atiendan con cercanía a las interacciones más que a los componentes. De esta manera, observamos que muchas variables suelen transgredir el plano convencional y parten hacia la no linealidad y la fractalidad, formando un tejido complejo que mantendrá su estructura mientras termodinámicamente sea viable. Así, en este documento se muestra la manera en que el estudio no lineal de la dinámica compleja cardiovascular comienza a darnos luz en muchas de las preguntas que a diario se plantea el cardiólogo clínico.

Abstract The science-based study of the heart has allowed us to know its structure and function deeply, through the fragmentation and analysis of its parts, following the guidelines that so many achievements have given to us. However, at the time of reassembling those analyzed fragments, we realize that something is missing; the simply sum of the parts is not equal to everything. Thus, for decades, numerous scientists have studied novel strategies that allow us understanding, every natural phenomena from a more inclusive, open and integrative models, which closely address to interactions rather than components. In this way, we can observe how, the behavior of many variables usually transgress the conventional plane and moves towards non-linearity and fractality, making a complex tissue that will maintain its structure while thermodynamically viable. Thus, this document shows the way how, the non-linear study of complex cardiovascular dynamics, begins to give us answers to many questions that the clinical cardiologist poses every day.

Diagnóstico de la dinámica cardiaca mediante proporciones de la entropía / Heart dynamics diagnosis based on entropy proportions

Introducción: Los valores de la frecuencia cardiaca normales y anormales registrados en los equipos electrocardiográficos ambulatorios o continuos han sido caracterizados mediante nuevas metodologías diagnósticas, las cuales se han desarrollado en el contexto de la teoría de los sistemas dinámicos y la entropía. Objetivo: Evaluar la dinámica cardiaca de adultos, teniendo en cuenta su comportamiento en el contexto de la teoría de sistemas dinámicos y las proporciones de la entropía mediante un estudio ciego. Métodos: Se realizó una prueba diagnóstica mediante un estudio ciego de 500 Holter, aplicando una nueva metodología basada en las proporciones de la entropía del atractor numérico construido con los valores registrados en el Holter. Para esto, los valores máximos y mínimos de la frecuencia cardiaca para cada hora, así como el número de latidos, fueron tomados de cada Holter durante, mínimo, 18 horas. Con estos valores se generó un atractor numérico que cuantificó la probabilidad de parejas de frecuencias cardiacas consecutivas. Se evaluó cada dinámica a partir de los valores de entropía y de sus proporciones. Posteriormente, estos resultados fueron comparados con la evaluación clínica convencional estimando la sensibilidad y especificidad, así como el coeficiente Kappa. Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias entre la dinámica de casos normales y anormales, en las dinámicas cardiacas evaluadas en 18 horas, hallando valores de sensibilidad y especificidad del 100 por ciento y coeficiente Kappa de uno, respecto al diagnóstico clínico convencional. Conclusiones: Los valores de entropía y de sus proporciones permiten diferenciar cuantitativamente la normalidad de la enfermedad en la dinámica cardiaca, durante un mínimo de 18 horas(AU)

Introduction: The normal and abnormal heart rate values recorded on ambulatory or continuous electrocardiographic devices have been characterized with novel diagnostic methodologies developed in the context of dynamic systems and entropy theory. Objective: Through a blind study, evaluate the heart dynamics of adults taking into account their behavior in the context of dynamic systems theory and entropy proportions. Methods: A diagnostic test was conducted through a 500 Holter blind study, applying a novel methodology based on the entropy proportions of the numerical attractor constructed with the values registered on the Holter device. To achieve this end, maximum and minimum heart rate values for each hour, as well as the number of beats, were obtained from each Holter device for at least 18 hours. Based on these values, a numerical attractor was generated which quantified the probability of consecutive heart rate pairs. Each dynamic was evaluated in terms of entropy values and their proportions. These results were then compared with the conventional clinical evaluation, estimating the sensitivity and specificity as well as the kappa coefficient. Results: Differences were found between the dynamics of normal and abnormal cases, in the heart dynamics evaluated in 18 hours, finding sensitivity and specificity values of 100 percent and a kappa coefficient of 1, with respect to conventional clinical diagnosis. Conclusions: Entropy values and their proportions make it possible to quantitatively differentiate the normality of the disease in heart dynamics for a minimum of 18 hours(AU)

Comparison of Relative Loudness Judgment in Children using Listening Devices with Typically Developing Children

Abstract Introduction Loudness perception is considered important for the perception of emotions, relative distance and stress patterns. However, certain digital hearing devices worn by those with hearing impairment may affect their loudness perception. This could happen in devices that have compression circuits to make loud sounds soft and soft sounds loud. These devices could hamper children from gaining knowledge about loudness of acoustical signals. Objective To compare relative loudness judgment of children using listening devices with age-matched typically developing children. Methods The relative loudness judgment of sounds created by day-to-day objects were evaluated on 60 children (20 normal-hearing, 20 hearing aid users, & 20 cochlear implant users), utilizing a standard group comparison design. Using a two-alternate forced-choice technique, the children were required to select picturized sound sources that were louder. Results The majority of the participants obtained good scores and poorer scores were mainly obtained by children using cochlear implants. The cochlear implant users obtained significantly lower scores than the normal-hearing participants. However, the scores were not significantly different between the normal-hearing children and the hearing aid users as well as between the two groups with hearing impairment. Conclusion Thus, despite loudness being altered by listening devices, children using non-linear hearing aids or cochlear implants are able to develop relative loudness judgment for acoustic stimuli. However, loudness growth for electrical stimuli needs to be studied.

Mathematical models to adjust the parameters of in vitro cumulative gas production of diets containing preserved Gliricidia / Modelos matemáticos para ajuste dos parâmetros de produção cumulativa de gás in vitro de dietas contendo Gliricídia conservada

ABSTRACT: This study examined the use of the Gompertz, Groot, monomolecular, Richards and two-compartment-logistic mathematical models to investigate the kinetics of in vitro gas production of diets composed of combinations of Gliricidia hay or silage. In addition, the effects of Gliricidia hay or silage inclusion on the in vitro cumulative gas production of these diets were evaluated. Rumen fermentation kinetics were analyzed by the in vitro cumulative gas production methodology. The model parameters were estimated using the Gauss Newton method, with the exception of the Richards model, which was used by Marquardt's algorithm. Model fit was assessed using the determination coefficient, F test for parameters identity, concordance correlation coefficient, root mean square error of prediction, and decomposition of mean square error of prediction into mean error, systematic bias and random error. The models were compared for accuracy (pairwise mean square error of prediction) and precision (delta Akaike's information criterion). All model evaluation and comparison statistics were calculated using Model Evaluation System software version 3.2.2. The Groot and Richards models did not differ from each other (P>0.05) and were the most precise and accurate (P<0.05). Therefore, the Groot model was selected due to its better accuracy and precision and easier access to the parameters. The inclusion of Gliricidia silage in the diet resulted in an increase in the time to obtain the maximum rate of degradation and in the time after incubation when half of the asymptotic level was reached. The Groot model is recommended to estimate the average curve. Dietary inclusion of Gliricidia silage alters the gas production curve due to the longer time required for the diet to reach the maximum rate of degradation, this can increase the time the diet remains in rumen and promote a reduction in the consumption.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar os modelos matemáticos Gompertz, Groot, monomolecular, Richards e logístico bicompartimental para estudar a cinética de produção de gás in vitro de dietas compostas de combinações de feno ou silagem de Gliricídia. Além disso, avaliou-se os efeitos da inclusão de feno ou silagem de Gliricídia sobre a produção cumulativa de gás in vitro destas dietas. A cinética de fermentação ruminal foi avaliada pela metodologia de produção cumulativa de gás in vitro. Os parâmetros dos modelos foram estimados usando o método de Gauss Newton, com exceção do modelo de Richards, que foi usado algoritmo de Marquardt. O ajuste dos modelos foi avaliado por meio do coeficiente de determinação, teste F para a identidade dos parâmetros, coeficiente de correlação e concordância, raiz quadrada do quadrado médio do erro da predição e a decomposição do quadrado médio do erro da predição em erro médio, vício sistemático e erro aleatório. Os modelos foram comparados quanto à acurácia (quadrado médio da predição pareado) e quanto à sua precisão (critério de informação delta de Akaike). Todas as estatísticas de avaliação e comparação dos modelos foram calculadas usando o software Model Evaluation System versão 3.2.2. Os modelos de Groot e Richards não diferiram entre si (P>0.05) e foram os mais precisos e acurados (P<0.05). Portanto, modelo de Groot foi selecionado devido apresentar melhor acurácia e precisão e apresentar maior facilidade na obtenção dos parâmetros. A inclusão da silagem de Gliricídia na dieta, resultou em elevação no tempo para obtenção da máxima taxa de degradação e no tempo após a incubação em que metade do nível assintótico foi atingido. Recomenda-se a utilização do modelo de Groot para estimativa da curva média. A inclusão da silagem de Gliricídia altera a curva de produção de gás devido o maior tempo necessário para que a dieta atingisse a máxima taxa de degradação, isso pode elevar o tempo de permanência da dieta no rúmen e promover redução no consumo.

Evaluation of excess mortality risk related to heat wave in Ningbofrom 2013 to 2018 / 预防医学

Objective @#To evaluate the excess mortality risk related to heat wave in Ningbo, Zhejiang from 2013 to 2018, so as to provide a basis for formulating coping strategies for heat wave.@*Methods @#The data of daily mortality, meteorological and air quality from May to October in Ningbo from 2013 to 2018 were obtained from Ningbo Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ningbo Meteorological Bureau and Environmental Monitoring Center of Ningbo, respectively. The generalized linear model ( GLM ) and distributed lag non-linear model ( DLNM ) were used to estimate the associations between heat wave and cause-specific mortality. @*Results @#Among 1 104 days of the study period, 18 heat waves occured and lasted for 132 days, accounting for 11.96%. A total of 102 954 deaths were reported in the same period. The risks of mortality in circulatory system diseases ( RR=1.09, 95%CI: 1.03-1.16 ), respiratory system diseases ( RR=1.14, 95%CI: 1.04-1.25 ), digestive system diseases ( RR=1.38, 95%CI: 1.15-1.65 ), nervous system diseases ( RR=1.32, 95%CI: 1.08-1.61 ), mental disorders ( RR=1.51, 95%CI: 1.12-2.03 ) and accidental injury ( RR=1.18, 95%CI: 1.06-1.32 ) and all causes ( RR=1.10, 95%CI: 1.06-1.14 ) increased at lag 0-1 day of heat wave. The total excess death related to heat wave was 1 218 ( 95%CI: 731-1 705 ) . The excess deaths of circulatory system diseases, respiratory system diseases, accidental injury, digestive system diseases, nervous system diseases, mental disorders, urinary system diseases and endocrine system diseases were 313 ( 95%CI: 104-556 ), 206 ( 95%CI: 59-368 ), 164 ( 95%CI: 55-292 ), 122 ( 95%CI: 48-208 ), 69 ( 95%CI: 17-131 ), 56 ( 95%CI: 13-113 ), 18 ( 95%CI: -15-64 ) and 3 ( 95%CI: -51-72 ). The excess deaths of urinary system and endocrine system diseases was not statistically significant ( P>0.05 ). @*Conclusion @#Heat wave can increase the mortality risk on the day and after a day in Ningbo from 2013 to 2018. Circulatory system diseases, respiratory system diseases and accidental injury rank top three in excess deaths.

Associations between floods and bacillary dysentery cases in main urban areas of Chongqing, China, 2005-2016: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND@#Understanding the association between floods and bacillary dysentery (BD) incidence is necessary for us to assess the health risk of extreme weather events. This study aims at exploring the association between floods and daily bacillary dysentery cases in main urban areas of Chongqing between 2005 and 2016 as well as evaluating the attributable risk from floods.@*METHODS@#The association between floods and daily bacillary dysentery cases was evaluated by using distributed lag non-linear model, controlling for meteorological factors, long-term trend, seasonality, and day of week. The fraction and number of bacillary dysentery cases attributable to floods was calculated. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore the association across age, gender, and occupation.@*RESULTS@#After controlling the impact of temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, long-term trend, and seasonality, a significant lag effect of floods on bacillary dysentery cases was found at 0-day, 3-day, and 4-day lag, and the cumulative relative risk (CRR) over a 7-lag day period was 1.393 (95%CI 1.216-1.596). Male had higher risk than female. People under 5 years old and people aged 15-64 years old had significantly higher risk. Students, workers, and children had significantly higher risk. During the study period, based on 7-lag days, the attributable fraction of bacillary dysentery cases due to floods was 1.10% and the attributable number was 497 persons.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study confirms that floods can increase the risk of bacillary dysentery incidence in main urban areas of Chongqing within an accurate time scale, the risk of bacillary dysentery caused by floods is still serious. The key population includes male, people under 5 years old, students, workers, and children. Considering the lag effect of floods on bacillary dysentery, the government and public health emergency departments should advance to the emergency health response in order to minimize the potential risk of floods on public.