Activity Index Research Articles

Magnetic activity of red giants: Correlation between the amplitude of solar-like oscillations and chromospheric indicators

Previous studies have found that red giants (RGs) in close binary systems undergoing spin-orbit resonance exhibit an enhanced level of magnetic activity with respect to single RGs rotating at the same rate, from measurements of photometric variability, Sph′, and the chromospheric emission S-index, SCa II. Here, we consider a sample of 4465 RGs observed by the NASA Kepler mission, for which previous studies have measured Sph′ and SCa II, in order to measure additional activity indicators that probe different heights in the chromosphere: the near-ultraviolet (NUV) excess from NASA GALEX photometric data, and chromospheric indices based on the depth of Hα, Mg I, and infared Ca II absorption lines from LAMOST spectroscopic data. Firstly, as for Ca II H&K, we observe that RGs belonging to close binaries in a state of spin-orbit resonance display larger chromospheric emission than the cohort of RGs, as is illustrated by an NUV excess and shallower Hα and infrared Ca II lines. We report no excess of Mg I emission. This result reinforces previous claims that tidal locking leads to enhanced magnetic fields, and allows us to provide criteria to classify active RGs – single or binary – based on their rotation periods and magnetic activity indices. Secondly, we strikingly observe that the depths of the Mg I and Hα lines are anticorrelated and correlated, respectively, with the amplitude of solar-like oscillations for a given surface gravity, log g, regardless of the presence of photometric rotational modulation. Such a correlation opens up future possibilities of estimating the value of magnetic fields at the surface of RG stars, whether quiet or active, by combining spectroscopic and asteroseismic measurements with three-dimensional atmospheric models that include radiative transfer.

An insight into the gut microbiota after Schistosoma japonicum eggs immunization in an experimental ulcerative colitis model.

Schistosome infection and schistosome-derived products have been implicated in the prevention and alleviation of inflammatory bowel disease by manipulating the host immune response, whereas the role of gut microbiota in this protective effect remains poorly understood. In this study, we found that the intraperitoneal immunization with Schistosoma japonicum eggs prior to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) application significantly ameliorated the symptoms of DSS-induced acute colitis, which was characterized by higher body weight, lower disease activity index score and macroscopic inflammatory scores. We demonstrated that the immunomodulatory effects of S. japonicum eggs were accompanied by an influence on gut microbiota composition, abundance, and diversity, which increased the abundance of genus Turicibacter, family Erysipelotrichaceae, phylum Firmicutes, and decreased the abundance of genus Odoribacter, family Marinifilaceae, order Bacteroidales, class Bacteroidia, phylum Bacteroidota. In addition, Lactobacillus was identified as a biomarker that distinguishes healthy control mice from DSS-induced colitis mice. The present study revealed the importance of the gut microbiota in S. japonicum eggs exerting protective effects in an experimental ulcerative colitis (UC) model, providing an alternative strategy for the discovery of UC prevention and treatment drugs.

Effect of Early Rehabilitation Services After Discharge on Social Activity Among Chronic Stroke Survivors: A Multicenter Prospective Study

BackgroundSocial inactivity after a stroke leads to adverse outcomes, making social activity after discharge important for chronic stroke survivors. ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of early rehabilitation services after discharge on social activity among chronic stroke survivors. MethodsThe participants were prospectively recruited from three convalescent hospitals. Receipt of early rehabilitation services after discharge for chronic stroke survivors was defined as the utilization of day care or home-based rehabilitation services by the Japanese long-term care insurance system. Social activity was assessed using the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) premorbid and at 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge. In this study, the outcome was defined as the change in the FAI score from 3 to 12 months after discharge. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to examine the effect of access to rehabilitation on changes in FAI. ResultsNinety stroke survivors (age 67.2 ± 11.6 years, 52 male) were enrolled. The FAI showed improvements by 27.4% and 1.4% from 3 to 12 months after discharge in the rehabilitation and non-rehabilitation groups, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis showed that access to rehabilitation after discharge was positively associated with the FAI change from 3 to 12 months after discharge (B = 30.3, β = 0.38, 95% confidence interval = 11.13–49.47, p = 0.002). ConclusionEarly rehabilitation services after discharge were significantly associated with increased social activity.

A Machine Learning Approach for Prediction of CDAI Remission with TNF Inhibitors: A Concept of Precision Medicine from the FIRST Registry.

This study aimed to develop low-cost models using machine learning approaches predicting the achievement of Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) remission 6months after initiation of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) as primary biologic/targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Data of patients with RA initiating TNFi as first b/tsDMARD after unsuccessful methotrexate treatment were collected from the FIRST registry (August 2003 to October 2022). Baseline characteristics and 6-month CDAI were collected. The analysis used various machine learning approaches including logistic regression with stepwise variable selection, decision tree, support vector machine, and lasso logistic regression (Lasso), with 48 factors accessible in routine clinical practice for the prediction model. Robustness was ensured by k-fold cross validation. Among the approaches tested, Lasso showed the advantages in predicting CDAI remission: with a mean area under the curve 0.704, sensitivity 61.7%, and specificity 69.9%. Predicted TNFi responders achieved CDAI remission at an average rate of 53.2%, while only 26.4% of predicted TNFi non-responders achieved remission. Encouragingly, the models generated relied solely on patient-reported outcomes and quantitative parameters, excluding subjective physician input. While external cohort validation is warranted for broader applicability, this study highlights the potential for a low-cost predictive model to predict CDAI remission following TNFi treatment. The approach of the study using only baseline data and 6-month CDAI measures, suggests the feasibility of establishing regional cohorts to generate low-cost models tailored to specific regions or institutions. This may facilitate the application of regional/in-house precision medicine strategies in RA management.

Effect of composite collagen containing hydrogel on the functional activity of fibroblasts after acid-induced <i>in vitro</i> injury

It is well known that the acidity of the microenvironment has a significant impact on the functional activity of cells involved in tissue repair. To date, the effect of biomaterials containing components of the human dermis intercellular matrix on fibroblasts under acidosis has not been fully studied.The aim of the study. To evaluate the effect of a composite hydrogel containing dermal components on the functional activity of intact fibroblasts and fibroblasts with acid-induced dysfunction.Materials and methods. To simulate the physicochemical conditions of acute inflammation, human fibroblasts were incubated for an hour at 39 °C in a nutrient medium overacidified to pH = 6. The morphometric characteristics of human skin fibroblasts were assessed using light and fluorescence microscopy methods. The number of apoptotic cells and proliferation index were assessed using flow cytometry.Results. It has been established that exposure of fibroblasts to an acidic medium inhibits their adhesive properties and reduces the rate of cell growth. The introduction of hydrogel into a cell suspension with damaged cells restores adhesive properties and cell growth. In the fibroblast population, after acid exposure, the number of living cells decreases, and the number of apoptotic cells increases. Cultivation of damaged fibroblasts in the presence of a composite hydrogel increases the number of living cells in the population and reduces the number of apoptotic cells. Acid-induced fibroblast damage reduces the proliferative activity index. It was revealed that the introduction of hydrogel into the culture medium stimulates the proliferative activity of both intact and damaged fibroblasts. The results obtained indicate that a composite hydrogel consisting of extracellular matrix components is capable of restoring the functional activity of fibroblasts damaged as a result of exposure to an acidic medium. The results obtained can be used to create biomaterials that increase the efficiency of skin regeneration in cases of excessively intense acute inflammation.

Clinical Characteristics of "Severe" Peripheral Psoriatic Arthritis: A Retrospective Analysis of a Longitudinal Cohort.

The concept of severity in a multidomain disease such as psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is still not well defined. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics of patients with severe peripheral PsA. Retrospective analysis of a longitudinal cohort. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with PsA were collected at baseline and at last follow-up. We defined the severe population using the modified Composite Psoriatic Disease Activity Index (mCPDAI); which excludes ankylosing spondylitis quality of life scale). Hence, patients with a score of 3 in at least one domain were defined as having severe PsA. Clinical characteristics of patients fulfilling the definition of severe PsA were compared to those non-severe. We evaluated 177 patients with peripheral PsA (M/F: 98/76). Of these, 64 (36.1%) were identified as severe according to the mCPDAI criteria, at baseline. Eighteen patients (10.1%) at last follow-up still met the definition of severe PsA. At last follow-up visit, severe patients with PsA were only males (18/18, P < 0.01) and have worse outcomes in terms of disease activity, pain, function, and impact of disease. Male sex and the severity of skin involvement at baseline were factors associated with the presence of severe PsA. The agreement between the presence of severe PsA and the absence of minimal disease activity was slight [Cohen's k: 0.174 (0.084-0.264)]. Our study showed that severe patients with PsA had more disease activity, pain, and impact of disease than non-severe patients. Furthermore, we demonstrated that severity and disease activity are not interchangeable concepts.

Central sensitization significantly deteriorates functionality and the interpretation of self-reported disease activity in primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Central sensitization has a major role in health-related parameters in musculoskeletal conditions. There is still a lack of understanding regarding the impact of central sensitization on the interpretation of disease activity and functional disability in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) was used to screen for central sensitization. Disease-related parameters, including objective tests, medication use, the EULAR SS Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), and the EULAR SS Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI), were assessed. Functionality, quality of life, sleep, and mental health were evaluated by the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Jenkins Sleep Evaluation Scale (JSS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), respectively. The effect of central sensitization on functionality and disease activity measures was assessed by regression analyses. The frequency of central sensitization was 65% in patients with pSS (n = 60). Patients with central sensitization had higher HAQ-DI, ESSPRI, HADS, and JSS and lower SF-36 subdomain scores (p < 0.05 for all). A significant positive correlation was observed between the CSI scoreand theESSPRI, JSS, HAQ-DI, and HADS scores (Spearman's rho ranging from 0.342 to 0.739). The multiple regression analysis indicated that CSI was independently associated with HAQ-DI (adjusted R2 = 0.19, B = 0.01) and ESSPRI (adjusted R2 = 0.45, B = 0.08) (p < 0.001 for all). This study confirms that central sensitization has a major impact on functionality and the interpretation of self-reported disease activity in pSS. When devising strategies for the management of patients with pSS, it is crucial to consider these close relationships. Key Points • The frequency of central sensitization accompanying primary Sjögren's syndrome is considerable. • Central sensitization was independently associated with functionality and self-reported disease activity assessment. • This close association leads to challenges in functionality, evaluating treatment response, and planning or switching between therapies in primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Milk fat globule membrane proteins are crucial in regulating lipid digestion during simulated in vitro infant gastrointestinal digestion

Products of lipolysis released during digestion positively affect the metabolism of newborns. In contrast to the 3-layer biological membranes covering human milk (HM) fat, the lipid droplets in infant milk formula (IMF) are covered by a single membrane composed of casein and whey proteins. To reduce the differences in lipid structure between IMF and HM, studies have used milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) components such as milk polar lipids (MPL) to prepare emulsions mimicking HM fat globules However, few studies have elucidated the effect of membrane proteins (MP) on lipid digestion in infants. In this study, 3 kinds of emulsions were prepared: One with MPL as the interfaced of lipid droplets (RE-1), one with membrane protein concentrate (MPC) (RE-2) as the interface of lipid droplets, and one with both MPL and MPC (1:2) as the co-interface of lipid droplets (RE-3). The interfacial coverage of the emulsions was confirmed by measuring the contents of MPL and MPC at the lipid droplet interface, and by confocal laser scanning microscopy analyzed. By controlling the homogenization intensity, the specific surface area of lipid droplets was controlled at the same level among the 3 emulsions. The stability constants of the emulsions varied, and RE-1 was the most stable. During simulated in vitro infant gastrointestinal digestion, the amount of free fatty acids (FFA) released from the lipid droplets was significantly higher from those with MPC at the interface (RE-2, RE-3) than from that with MPL at the interface (RE-1). The amount of FFA released at the end of intestinal digestion of RE-1, RE-2, and RE-3 was 255.00 ± 3.54 µmol,328.75 ± 5.30 µmol, 298.50 ± 9.19 µmol, respectively. Compared with the lipid droplets in RE-2, those with MPL at the interface (RE-1, RE-3) released more unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs) during digestion. The emulsifying activity index was highest in RE-3 (MPL and MPC co-interface). The presence of MPL at the emulsion interface increased the release of USFAs, while the presence of MPC increased the release of FFA. These results show that both MPL and MP are indispensable in the construction of MFGM. Understanding their effects on digestion can provide new strategies for the development of infant foods.

Physicochemical and functional characteristics of a gourd (Cucurbita argyrosperma Huber) seed protein isolate subjected to high-intensity ultrasound

The impact of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU, 20 kHz) on the physicochemical and functional characteristics of gourd seed protein isolate (GoSPI) was studied. GoSPI was prepared from oil-free gourd seed flour through alkaline extraction (pH 11) and subsequent isoelectric precipitation (pH 4). The crude protein concentration of GoSPI ranged from 91.56 ± 0.17 % to 95.43 ± 0.18 %. Aqueous suspensions of GoSPI (1:3.5 w/v) were ultrasonicated at powers of 200, 400, and 600 W for 15 and 30 min. Glutelins (76.18 ± 0.15 %) were the major protein fraction in GoSPI. HIU decreased the moisture, ash, ether extract, and nitrogen-free extract contents and the hue angle, available water and a* and b* color parameters of the GoSPI in some treatments. The L* color parameter increased (7.70 %) after ultrasonication. HIU reduced the bulk density (52.63 %) and particle diameter (39.45 %), as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, indicating that ultrasonication dissociated macromolecular aggregates in GoSPI. These structural changes enhanced the oil retention capacity and foam stability by up to 62.60 and 6.84 %, respectively, while the increases in the solvability, water retention capacity, and emulsifying activity index of GoSPI were 90.10, 19.80, and 43.34 %, respectively. The gelation, foaming capacity, and stability index of the emulsion showed no improvement due to HIU. HIU altered the secondary structure of GoSPI by decreasing the content of α-helices (49.66 %) and increasing the content of β-sheets (52.00 %) and β-turns (65.00 %). The electrophoretic profile of the GoSPI was not changed by HIU. The ultrasonicated GoSPI had greater functional attributes than those of the control GoSPI and could therefore be used as a functional food component.

QingChang-XiaoPi decoction ameliorates intestinal inflammation of ulcerative colitis by regulating the pathogenicity of Th17 cells

BackgroundQingChang-XiaoPi Decoction (QCXPY), a Chinese herbal prescription, has been employed in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) in China. However, its molecular mechanism of action in UC remains unclear. PurposeTo elucidate the therapeutic effects of QCXPY against UC and reveal its mechanism of action. Study DesignWe conducted a single-arm observation to evaluate the clinical efficacy of QCXPY in patients with mild-to-moderate UC. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established to ensure the eligibility of participants, with a focus on excluding patients with specific conditions or complications that could confound the results. MethodsThe expression of inflammatory factors in patients’ serum was detected using a Luminex assay. The main components of QCXPY were identified using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Network pharmacology was employed to predict potential therapeutic targets and their mechanisms of action. The efficacy of QCXPY was evaluated using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse model. Disease activity index (DAI), histopathological score, cytokine detection by ELISA, T-helper 17 (Th17) cell proportion by flow cytometry, expression of the IL-23/IL-17 axis, and changes in the levels of its downstream effectors were detected by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blotting. ResultsQCXPY could alleviate the symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and purulent stool in patients with mild-to-moderate UC. Moreover, it reduced the expression of IL-6, IL-17, and IL-23 in serum; alleviated DSS-induced experimental colitis in mice; reduced DAI, pathological scores, and the expressions of IL-6, IL-17, and IL-23 in colon tissue; and decreased the proportion of pathogenic Th17 cells and the expression of STAT3 and phospho-STAT3. ConclusionThis study confirmed for the first time that QCXPY could alleviate intestinal symptoms, reduce the levels of serum inflammatory factors, and improve the quality of life of patients with mild-to-moderate UC. Its mechanism of action may involve reducing the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, moderating the pathogenicity of Th17 cells, and inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation, thereby alleviating intestinal inflammation in UC.

Tracking amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease progression using passively collected smartphone sensor data.

Passively collected smartphone sensor data provide an opportunity to study physical activity and mobility unobtrusively over long periods of time and may enable disease monitoring in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PALS). We enrolled 63 PALS who used Beiwe mobile application that collected their smartphone accelerometer and GPS data and administered the self-entry ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-RSE) survey. We identified individual steps from accelerometer data and used the Activity Index to summarize activity at the minute level. Walking, Activity Index, and GPS outcomes were then aggregated into day-level measures. We used linear mixed effect models (LMMs) to estimate baseline and monthly change for ALSFRS-RSE scores (total score, subscores Q1-3, Q4-6, Q7-9, Q10-12) and smartphone sensor data measures, as well as the associations between them. The analytic sample (N = 45) was 64.4% male with a mean age of 60.1 years. The mean observation period was 292.3 days. The ALSFRS-RSE total score baseline mean was 35.8 and had a monthly rate of decline of -0.48 (p-value <0.001). We observed statistically significant change over time and association with ALSFRS-RSE total score for four smartphone sensor data-derived measures: walking cadence from top 1 min and log-transformed step count, step count from top 1 min, and Activity Index from top 1 min. Smartphone sensors can unobtrusively track physical changes in PALS, potentially aiding disease monitoring and future research.

GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF DICHANTHIUM ANNULATUM: A REVIEW

Dichanthium annulatum herb belongs to Poaceae family; also referred to as marvel grass. It grows to a height of about 25cm. Due to its straightforward and affordable development from seed, it is used as forage. The present review was based on the geographical description and pharmacological properties of dichanthium annulatum. It is indigenous to regions of Africa, the Middle East, and tropical Asia. It has been brought to many different regions of the world for cultivation, and in some, like Australia, it has established itself as a native species. This pasture grass is well-liked in various regions. It can be harvested for hay and silage and used in fields to graze livestock. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including those with a lot of clay and sand, poor drainage, and a little saline and alkaline soil. It creates turf that can withstand pressure from grazing animals. It can bounce back from fire and drought, but it can't stand frost and shade as well. Although it doesn't need fertiliser, it does benefit from a little more nitrogen. It concluded that D. annulatum is versatile herb having diverse pharmacological activities including antioxidant, antioxidant activity index, DNA damage protection assay, antimicrobial assay, and cytotoxic activity. It also reported for protective effect against DNA damage. These biological properties are reported due to numerous phytochemicals present in the D. annulatum herb.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy ameliorates intestinal and systematic inflammation by modulating dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in Crohn’s disease

BackgroundDysbiosis of the gut microbiota is pivotal in Crohn’s disease (CD) and modulated by host physiological conditions. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a promising treatment for CD that can regulate gut microbiota. The relationship between HBOT and the gut microbiota in CD remains unknown.MethodsCD patients were divided into an HBOT group (n = 10) and a control group (n = 10) in this open-label prospective interventional study. The fecal samples before and after HBOT were used for 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). A colitis mouse model was constructed using dextran sulfate sodium, and intestinal and systematic inflammation was evaluated. The safety and long-term effect of HBOT were observed.ResultsHBOT significantly reduced the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) (80.79 ± 42.05 mg/L vs. 33.32 ± 18.31 mg/L, P = 0.004) and the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI) (274.87 ± 65.54 vs. 221.54 ± 41.89, P = 0.044). HBOT elevated the declined microbial diversity and ameliorated the altered composition of gut microbiota in patients with CD. The relative abundance of Escherichia decreased, and that of Bifidobacterium and Clostridium XIVa increased after HBOT. Mice receiving FMT from donors after HBOT had significantly less intestinal inflammation and serum CRP than the group before HBOT. HBOT was safe and well-tolerated by patients with CD. Combined with ustekinumab, more patients treated with HBOT achieved clinical response (30%vs.70%, P = 0.089) and remission (20%vs.50%, P = 0.160) at week 4.ConclusionsHBOT modulates the dysbiosis of gut microbiota in CD and ameliorates intestinal and systematic inflammation. HBOT is a safe option for CD and exhibits a promising auxiliary effect to ustekinumab.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2200061193. Registered 15 June 2022, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=171605.

The Burden of Work Productivity and Activity Impairment in Patients with Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ulcerative Colitis, and Crohn's Disease.

Comparisons among autoimmune diseases enable understanding of the burden and factors associated with work productivity loss and impairment. The objective was to compare work productivity and activity and associated factors among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases and other autoimmune conditions. This cross-sectional study included employed, adult patients (age 20-64 years) in the CorEvitas Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Psoriasis, and Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondyloarthritis Registries between 5/2017 and 6/2020. Any patient-reported impairment on four domains of the Work Productivity and Activity Index (WPAI) was collected across registries. Prevalence for each autoimmune disease was reported and stratified by disease activity using direct age-sex-standardization. Factors associated with the presence of any WPAI were identified in logistic regression models. A total of 7,169 patients with psoriasis (n = 4,768, 67%), psoriatic arthritis (n = 1,208, 17%), Crohn's disease (CD, n = 621, 9%), and ulcerative colitis (UC, n = 572, 8%) met inclusion criteria. Among patients not in remission across all disease cohorts, the age-sex-standardized prevalence of any presenteeism, work productivity loss, and activity impairment ranged from 54 to 97%. Patients with CD in remission had higher standardized prevalence of presenteeism (53% [48-57%]) and work productivity loss (54% [49-59%]), compared to those from other cohorts (presenteeism [range: 33-39%] and work productivity loss [range: 37-41%]). For all WPAI domains, the strongest adjusted associations were for moderate to severe disease activity and psychosocial symptoms. Patients with moderate to severe disease activity reported the highest WPAI burden. However, patients in remission or mild disease activity also report some WPAI burden, emphasizing a multidisciplinary treatment approach to improve work productivity loss and impairment.

EASIX is an effective marker in predicting mortality of traumatic brain injury patients

BackgroundThe Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX) is a novel marker of endothelial injury and correlates with survival of various patients. The endothelial dysfunction plays an important role on the pathophysiological process of traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study was designed to explore the prognostic value of EASIX on TBI patients.Methods358 TBI patients hospitalized in the West China hospital between October 2018 and October 2022 were enrolled for this study. The EASIX was calculated based on the formula: lactate dehydrogenase (U/L) × creatinine (mg/dL)/platelets (109 cells/L). The univariate and multivariate logistic regression with forward method was performed to explore the association between EASIX and mortality. A prognostic model was developed combining significant risk factors in the multivariate logistic regression. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to compare the predictive accuracy of the EASIX and the developed model.ResultsThe 30-day mortality of enrolled 358 TBI patients was 51.1%. Non-survivors had higher EASIX than survivors (p < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression confirmed seven risk factors for mortality of TBI including injury mechanism (p = 0.010), GCS (p < 0.001), glucose (p < 0.001), EASIX (p = 0.017), subdural hematoma (p = 0.012), coagulopathy (p = 0.001). The AUC of EASIX, SOFA, GCS was 0.747, 0.748 and 0.774, respectively. The AUC of developed predictive model was 0.874 with the sensitivity of 0.913 and specificity of 0.686.ConclusionsThe EASIX is a reliable marker for predicting mortality of TBI patients. The predictive model incorporating EASIX is helpful for clinicians to evaluate the mortality risk of TBI patients.

Investigating the grinding characteristics of vanadium-titanium iron ore tailings for sustainable utilization in cementitious material preparation

The study of the cementitious material activity of industrial solid wastes is a key issue in the comprehensive utilization of its green building materials. In this study, mechanical activation was used to prepare cementitious materials from vanadium-titanium iron ore tailings (VTIOT) as the main raw materials, and the effects of grinding time, the key parameter, on the grinding characteristics of VTIOT, the mechanical properties of the VTIOT cementitious material, and the hydration mechanism were investigated by means of surface area analysis, particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), alkali leaching, mechanical testing, hydration heat analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that: the grinding time and specific surface area of VTIOT exhibit a linear correlation. Prolonging the grinding time, the fractal dimension of the particles gradually increases. The activity of Si4+ and Al3+ elements increases rapidly, reaching a Si4+ and Al3+ content of 96 mg·L−1 at 90 min of grinding. With a VTIOT mixing amount of 30 %, a mortar paste ratio of 1:3, and a water cement ratio of 0.5, the 50 min ground VTIOT mortar demonstrates 7 d and 28 d compressive strengths of 29 MPa and 38.7 MPa, corresponding to the highest values of the activity index, measured at 71.4 % and 75.2 %, respectively. Under standard curing conditions, the hydration products of cementitious materials at 7 d are ettringite (AFt), calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), alumina, ferric oxide, monsulfate (AFm), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), and calcium silica (CS). In the hydration process of 7 d, the exothermic peak and exothermic amount of the 50 min VTIOT cementitious materials are greater than those observed for other grinding times, but lower than those of pure reference cement.

Morphometric Evaluation of the Relative Uplift Rates along the Vigan–Aggao Fault in Ilocos Norte, Philippines

The Vigan–Aggao Fault (VAF) in northern Luzon Island is a NNE-trending sinistral fault divided by fault bends, which are associated with local variations in the fault’s kinematics. In this study, we examined the relative uplift rates across the fault bend in the San Juan–Vintar segment of the VAF using morphometric indices. Basin-based indices, namely hypsometric integral, basin shape, basin elongation ratio, and basin asymmetry factor, and non-basin-based indices, namely stream length-gradient index, normalized stream length-gradient index, and mountain front sinuosity were calculated to isolate and examine the surface processes that influence landscape development. We then integrated the basin-based results with geological data to create a relative tectonic activity index (RTAI). Clustering analysis of the results revealed hotspots along the bent section of the fault indicating more values that suggest higher relative uplift rates during the development of the landscape. The morphometric indices showed that the highest uplift rates are along the central VAF strands. This study described and evaluated the relative uplift rates of a known active fault system in Ilocos Norte, in the absence of detailed field structural data. This study also reinforces the utility of morphometry in identifying priority sites for detailed paleoseismic and seismic hazard analyses.

The impact of virtual reality scenes on stress response characteristics of individuals with different personality traits

Virtual reality based physical stress (VRPS) paradigms could eliminate the influence of social factors on participants, and it may be a desirable tool to explore the impact of personality traits on stress levels. In this study, we attempt to explore the effects of VRPS on stress response among individuals with different personality traits. Forty male participants with an average age of 22.79 ± 0.41 years were divided into two groups based on Harm Avoidance (HA) scores of Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ), referred to as the Low-HA group and the High-HA group. The stress levels of the participants were assessed using salivary α-amylase (sAA) activity and heart rate variability (HRV) indices pre- and post-stress. The influence of personality traits on stress response among different groups was analyzed. VRPS significantly affected the sAA activity and HRV indicators of both groups. During and after stress, there were significant differences in sAA activity and HRV indicators between the two groups. The sAA levels and HRV indices of the Low-HA group were lower than those of the High-HA group. Furthermore, sAA levels and HRV indices were correlated with the scores of TPQ. VRPS scenarios elicit different stress responses on individuals with different harm avoidance personality traits. Stress evaluation based on VR scenarios presents potential in personality trait assessments, particularly for distinguishing between individuals with low and high HA tendencies.

Properties, structure and mechanism of high-temperature modified steel slag based on solid waste

In this study, a composite modifier (CMCDL) containing coal gasification residue, dicyandiamide waste slag, and lake sediments was used to modify steel slag at high-temperature. Five kind of raw materials was analyzed in physicochemical properties, mineral composition and microstructure, cementitious properties and soundness, and particle size analysis, the same to steel slag after high-temperature modification (SHTM). The new mineral phases were found that tricalcium aluminate (C3A), gehlenite (C2AS), magnetite (Fe3O4), spinels (MgFe2O4), quartz (SiO2), celite (C6AF2) and diopside (CMS2) formed in the SHTM when the mass fraction increase from 10% to 30% in CMCDL. The HTM with CMCDL increases the glass phase and hydrated mineral (C3A, C3S, C2S) and in raw steel slag, promoting the disassembled of RO phase, turning the phase from FeO into MgFe2O4 and Fe3O4. MgFe2O4 and Fe3O4 have similar crystal structures, and they form mixed spinels. When the content of CMCCL (coal gasification residue: dicyandiamide waste slag: lake sediments =7:9:4) is 20%, the temperature is 1250 °C, result showed that the mass fraction of f-CaO in SHTM using CMCCL decreases from 4.81% to 1.86%, with a decrease of 61.3%, the 28-day activity index of SHTM increases up to 17.6% compared with raw steel slag, reaching 86.2%. Therefore, the CMCDL-blended SHTM can be applied harmlessly in cement and concrete, enabling low-energy fine grinding of steel slag.

Closeby Habitable Exoplanet Survey (CHES). I. Astrometric Noise and Planetary Detection Efficiency Due to Stellar Spots and Faculae

The Closeby Habitable Exoplanet Survey (CHES) is dedicated to the astrometric exploration for habitable-zone Earth-like planets orbiting solar-type stars in close proximity, achieving unprecedented microarcsecond precision. Given the elevated precision, meticulous consideration of photocenter jitters induced by stellar activity becomes imperative. This study endeavors to model the stellar activity of solar-type stars, compute astrometric noise, and delineate the detection limits of habitable planets within the astrometric domain. Simulations were conducted for identified primary targets of CHES, involving the generation of simulated observed data for astrometry and photometry, accounting for the impact of stellar activity. Estimation of activity levels in our sample was achieved through chromospheric activity indices, revealing that over 90% of the stars exhibited photocenter jitters below 1 μas. Notably, certain proximate stars, such as α Cen A and B, displayed more discernible noise arising from stellar activity. Subsequent tests were performed to evaluate detection performance, unveiling that stellar activity tends to have a less pronounced impact on planetary detectability for the majority of the stars. Approximately 95% of the targets demonstrated a detection efficiency exceeding 80%. However, for several cold stars, e.g., HD 32450 and HD 21531, with the habitable zones close to the stars, a reduction in detection efficiency was observed. These findings offer invaluable insights into the intricate interplay between stellar activity and astrometric precision, significantly advancing our understanding in the search for habitable planets.