Analysis Of Sections Research Articles

Sensitivity of frozen section analysis in patients with ovarian adult granulosa cell tumor, a multi-center study.

We aimed to demonstrate the sensitivity of frozen section for patients with adult granulosa cell tumor (AGCT) and analyze the clinico-pathological factors that may be associated with sensitivity. This is a multicenter study including data of 10 Gynecological Oncology Departments. Frozen-section results of patients who had ovarian AGCT at the final pathology report were retrospectively analyzed. The relation between clinico-pathological characteristics such as age, tumor size, Ca-125 level, presence of ascites, omental metastasis, menopausal status and peritoneal cytology, and the sensitivity of frozen section in patients with AGCT were evaluated. The sensitivity of frozen section diagnosis was determined by comparing the frozen section result with the final pathological diagnosis. Frozen section results of 274 patients with AGCT were obtained. The median age of the patients was 52years (range, 17-82years). Totally, 144 (52.7%, n = 273) patients were postmenopausal. The median tumour size was 90mm (range, 9-700mm). The median preoperative Ca-125 level was 23IU/mL (range, 2-995IU/mL). The sensitivity of frozen section for detecting AGCT was 76.3%. Any association between the sensitivity of frozen section and menopausal status, presence of ascites, positive cytology, omental metastasis, tumor size, Ca-125 level, age could not be shown. It is important to know the diagnosis of AGCT intraoperatively, and we demonstrated the sensitivity of frozen-section for these tumors as 76.3%.

Favorable Diagenesis and Pore Evolution of The Qi-2 Member Reservoir in the Hechuan-Tongnan Area

Abstract This article takes the Qi-2 member dolomite reservoir in the Hechuan-Tongnan area as the research object, and combines research methods such as drilling cores, thin section analysis, CT scanning, and geochemical analysis to deeply explore the pore structure characteristics, diagenetic characteristics, and influencing factors on pore evolution of the Qi-2 member dolomite reservoir. This results indicate that: ①The Qi-2 member should develop two types of reservoir spaces: pores and fractures. The reservoir space is mainly composed of intercrystalline dissolved pores (0.5∼5%), dissolved fractures and dissolved cavities (2∼4%). The intercrystalline pores are relatively evenly distributed, and the fractures improve the connectivity of pores. The reservoir space of the poor gas layer is mainly composed of biocast pores and intragranular dissolved pores (1∼2%), which are relatively isolated; ② The matrix pores of the Qi-2 member are relatively evenly distributed, with a radius of 200μm~600μm is the main focus. The throat radius is mainly 20μm~60μm fine throats.③According to the effect of diagenesis on pore evolution of dolomite reservoir in Qi-2 formation, it can be divided into constructive and destructive. The formation of reservoir space is mainly caused by quasi-syngenetic atmospheric fresh water erosion, and the matrix pores are mainly intercrystalline pores and intercrystalline dissolved pores. The early dolomitization is the key factor of pore preservation. The geological study of dolomite reservoir of the Qixia Formation in the Daqing exploration area has been enhanced, providing strong basis for reservoir prediction and deployment in the later stage.

Detection of Apical Cancer with Novel Imaging Modalities to Predict Apical Margin Positivity in Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

ObjectivesTo evaluate margin positivity at apex utilizing preoperative magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], micro-ultrasound [MUS], prostate specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography PSMA PET] scan, biopsy location and intraoperative timing of deep venous complex [DVC] ligation during robot assisted radical prostatectomy [RARP]. MethodsInstitution review board approved retrospective study underwent RARP between November 2022 to March 2024. All patients underwent preoperative MRI, MUS and PSMA PET scan. Patients underwent RARP using either standard DVC [done prior apical dissection] ligation or delayed DVC [after prostate removal] technique. All patients underwent intra operative frozen section analysis by an experienced genitourinary pathologist. Descriptive statistics were performed. Data analyzed using R software version 4.3.3. ResultsTotal 619 prostate cancer patients underwent RARP. Of these, 365 men underwent RARP using delayed DVC ligation technique and 254 men using standard DVC ligation technique. There was no statically significant difference in two groups on demographic parameters, MRI, MUS and PSMA-PET scan features. Sensitivity of MRI, MUS, PSMA-PET and prostate biopsy for detection of apical positive margin were 66%, 81%, 81% and 73% respectively. Specificity of MRI, MUS, PSMA-PET and prostate biopsy for detection of apical positive margin were 45%, 14%, 16% and 30% respectively. When all modalities are used accumulatively, apical cancer was missed only in 1% of cases. ConclusionsWith proper preoperative understanding of apical lesion location, timing of DVC ligation [standard vs delayed] doesn't impact apical positive surgical margins. Combination of MRI, MUS, PSMA-PET and prostate biopsy reduce apical positive surgical margin rates significantly.

Pricing Intellectual Capital in Asset Pricing Models: A study on Shanghai Stock Exchange

This study aims to examine the validity of intellectual capital as a priced risk factor in the asset pricing model. We have used the data of companies listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange from 2000 to 2021. To test the models, time series as well as cross sectional analysis have been done using the Fama-MacBeth method. The results show that intellectual capital is a significant risk factor and after augmenting IC into asset pricing models improves the explanatory power to explain the variation in the stock returns. It further suggests that IC can be priced in the Chinese market, over and above what can be explained by covariance risk, size, value, investment and profitability factors.

Oophorectomy Rates in Pediatric & Adolescent Patients with Adnexal Torsion in U.S. Emergency Departments

ObjectiveTo evaluate oophorectomy rates in pediatric and adolescent patients who presented to a United States (U.S.) emergency department (ED) with adnexal torsion. MethodsThis study is a retrospective, cross sectional analysis utilizing the National Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) data from 2016 to 2018. It includes patients who are younger than 20 years old and female sex. International Classification of Diseases Version 10 (ICD-10) and ICD 10 Procedure Coding System (ICD-10 PCS) codes were utilized to define patients with adnexal torsion who underwent adnexal surgery. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were utilized to compare oophorectomy rates by patient demographics. ResultsThere were 263 sampled patients less than 20 years old who presented to a U.S. Emergency Department with a diagnosis of adnexal torsion and underwent adnexal surgery. Of those, 177 had an oophorectomy (67.3%). 85 had a minimally invasive surgery (48%). 15- to 19-year-olds were 2.54 times more likely to have an oophorectomy compared to 10- to 14-year-olds (95% CI: 1.42 to 4.71, Table 2). ConclusionsDespite standards for ovarian sparing surgery since 2016 and data suggestive of safety since the 1990s, oophorectomy rates remain high in pediatric and adolescent patients with torsion who present to U.S. emergency departments for care. Continued efforts should identify barriers to ovarian sparing surgeries and better quantify specific clinical nuances when oophorectomies are performed.

Citation Analysis of the Literature Review Sections of Dissertations at M.Phil. Level

The topic of the study conducted is Citation Analysis of Literature Review sections of dissertations at the M.Phil. level in the disciplines of literature and linguistics in English. The sample was comprised of ten theses, five each from literature and linguistics. The purpose of the study was to find out the citation pattern in the text of the LR chapter based on Swales’ (1990) work on citations. A mixed method approach was adopted for this purpose, which was contained in both quantitative as well as qualitative analysis of the data. Hence, the data was analyzed, organized and tabulated, and a number of conclusions were made on the basis of the findings that were deduced. The findings suggested that the writers of the sampled theses did not follow sense as was suggested by Swales (1990) in his work. Rather, they just reproduced other people’s arguments just for the sake of citations, irrespective of the logic behind various types of citations. The most preferred citation type was integral, while the most preferred reporting verbs were ‘say,’ ‘argue,’ ‘discuss,’ and ‘explain.’ It was suggested that genre genre-based or analytic-synthetic approach needs to be adopted for teaching academic writing.

Quantitative Analysis of Thin Section using Frequency Measurement (Point Counting), a Case Study on Limestone of The Rajamandala Formation, Cikamuning, West Java, Indonesia

The description of thin sections observations has traditionally relied on the visual comparison method, often using a visual comparison chart. However, this method has interpretative limitations, as readings can vary between individuals, and the values produced tend to be rounded. The point counting method for determining frequency is one of the statistical approaches that quantitatively counts the presence of mineral grains or particles. The limestone samples were collected from the Rajamandala Formation in the Cikamuning area of West Java, Indonesia. The methodology involved petrographic observations using the point counting method, which entailed creating a grid on the thin sections with a total of 312 points and calculating the percentage of occurrence of the constituent rock compositions. The analysis results showed constituent composition percentages of 33.65% for corals, 52.24% for matrix, 4.81% for cement, 2.56% for calcite, 3.85% for replacement, and 2.88% for porosity, categorizing the rock as coral wackstone. The facies is determined based on the presence of biota, while diagenesis is determined by the presence of cement types, secondary porosity, and grain contacts. In the research area, the identified facies is open marine (FZ 7), and the diagenesis includes marine phreatic, meteoric phreatic, and burial diagenesis.

A comparison of the Anti-diabetic Potential of Magnetized Water, Metformin, and Their Combination in A Rat Model of Type II Diabetes

DM is a collection of metabolic disorders brought on by abnormalities in secretion, action, or combination of both of insulin. Nowadays, many efforts are made to change lifestyles to get a moderate outcome with the fewest possible side effects and reduce complications. Although magnetized water (MW) has been promoted since 1930s, it has not received wide approbation since its effectiveness is still in question; however, the therapeutic potential of MW on the body has been reported. This study investigated the impact of MW supplementation on glucose, insulin, antioxidant status, inflammatory condition, DNA fragmentation and gene expression associated with the metabolism of glucose in STZ-induced diabetes in rats. Adult female Wistar rats (6 groups) were used in this study: G1: Control group+ tap water (TW); G2: Control group+ MW; G3: Diabetic group+ TW; G4: Diabetic group+ MW; G5: Diabetic group+ metformin (Met)+ TW; G6: Diabetic group+ Met+ MW. Additionally, lowering serum glucose and raising insulin level, MW consumption repaired DNA damage, enhanced antioxidant status, reduced inflammatory response, and upregulated genes linked to glucose metabolism. Furthermore, as shown by the histological analysis of pancreatic tissue sections, supplementation with MW could reverse the detrimental effects of STZ on the pancreas. This study offers novel insights into how MW consumption can help reduce T2DM by reducing hyperglycemia, restoring the equilibrium between antioxidants and oxidants, reducing inflammatory responses, and altering genes involved in glucose metabolism. Therefore, MW may be used as an adjuvant in T2DM management.

BMP Antagonist Gremlin 2 Regulates Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Is Associated with Seizure Susceptibility and Anxiety.

The Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling pathway is vital in neural progenitor cell proliferation, specification, and differentiation. The BMP signaling antagonist Gremlin 2 (Grem2) is the most potent natural inhibitor of BMP expressed in the adult brain; however its function remains unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we have analyzed mice lacking Grem2 via homologous recombination (Grem2-/- ). Histological analysis of brain sections revealed significant scattering of CA3 pyramidal cells within the dentate hilus in the hippocampus of Grem2-/- mice. Furthermore, the number of proliferating neural stem cells and neuroblasts was significantly decreased in the subgranular zone of Grem2-/- mice compared with that of wild-type (WT) controls. Due to the role of hippocampal neurogenesis in neurological disorders, we tested mice on a battery of neurobehavioral tests. Grem2-/- mice exhibited increased anxiety on the elevated zero maze in response to acute and chronic stress. Specifically, male Grem2-/- mice showed increased anxiogenesis following chronic stress, and this was correlated with higher levels of BMP signaling and decreased proliferation in the dentate gyrus. Additionally, when chemically challenged with kainic acid, Grem2-/- mice displayed a higher susceptibility to and increased severity of seizures compared with WTs. Together, our data indicate that Grem2 regulates BMP signaling and is vital in maintaining homeostasis in adult hippocampal neurogenesis and structure. Furthermore, the lack of Grem2 contributes to the development and progression of neurogenesis-related disorders such as anxiety and epilepsy.

Financial Analysis of the Oil Sector in North Macedonia – The Case of Makpetrol AD Skopje

Financial Analysis of the Oil Sector in North Macedonia – The Case of Makpetrol AD Skopje

Assessment of short-term supply disruption impacts for the Swiss mobility, energy and ICT sectors – Application of the SPOTTER approach

In this paper, supply disruption impacts along supply chains within the Swiss mobility, energy and ICT sectors are assessed in the short-term (i.e. the next 5 years) using the recently developed SPOTTER approach with the objective to identify hotspots and technologies associated with comparably low supply risks. SPOTTER has been chosen because, compared to other approaches, it is the only one that allows for an assessment along the full supply chain and it is integrated into the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment framework. To decrease the respective data acquisition efforts for the here-performed supply risk analysis of entire sectors, in a first step, material/product flows that are most influential for an assessment with SPOTTER are identified and considered for the calculation of related impact scores. Our study analyzes critical material and product flows between trade partner countries along relevant supply chains. It thus identifies new hotspots and adds relevant country-specific information to current knowledge. In particular, the identified hotspots refer to volatile prices of solar panels, interrupted trade of oil and gas from Russia, Nigeria and Niger as well as disrupted imports of electronic devices from China. Suggestions for mitigation strategies comprise hedging and/or diversifying the supply chains. Other identified hotspots refer to the critical supply of cobalt and natural graphite along battery supply chains, which could for example be addressed by supporting and/or incentivizing the construction of a circular economy. A third category of identified hotspots indicates risks related to the trade of hafnium and nuclear power plant equipment that could be mitigated by shifting to less risky energy technologies. Our comparisons of overall impacts between relevant technologies suggest higher supply risks for conventional cars, solar panels and Chinese laptops compared to battery electric cars, wind turbines and German laptops. In these comparisons, more details regarding disruptions along full product and fuel supply chains are considered than in current studies.

The Taskuduk Camp Site in the Northern Caspian Sea (preliminary results of the study)

The article presents the results of a study of the Taskuduk site in 2023, located in the Kharabalinsky district of the Astrakhan region. These investigations were a continuation of the 2022 research. An aim of excavations was the clarify cultural layer boundaries and obtain new materials. Planographic analysis allowed the authors to determine the borders of the cultural layer. The stratigraphic analysis gave the possibility for artifact distribution. The excavations provided an increase in the information base of sources about the Late Neolithic of the Northern Cis-Caspian region. A representative collection of stone tools has significant importance. A homogeneous combination of products from different types of raw materials has been proven. The specificity of microscrapers in the Late Neolithic stone industry was established by a typological method. The adze with traces of processing and polishing was found. The unique arrow point, which is untypical for the stone industry of this region was determined. The application of technical and technological analysis as well as the thin section analysis of pottery allowed the authors to determine the recipes of ceramic pastes. A lot of vessels have an influx on the inside of the corolla. This pottery feature has analogies with the vessels of the Dzhangar and Orlovka cultures. On the base of gas chromatography analysis of the charred food crusts on ceramics the diet of ancient people was reconstructed. The study of a representative collection of animal bones provided information about the economic strategy on this site. The radiocarbon dating supports the Late Neolithic age of this site.

Nerve-Sparing Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy (nsLRH) without Adjuvant Therapy in FIGO Stage IB3 Cervical Cancer Patients: Surgical Technique and Survival Outcomes.

(1) Background: In 2018 FIGO reclassified tumors confined to the cervix larger than 4 cm as stage IB3. Although concurrent CTRT has been the standard of care and surgery the alternative, optimal management remains controversial due to the lack of direct comparison between surgery and CTRT. (2) Methods: This prospective observational study investigated the efficacy, safety and oncologic outcomes of nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (nsLRH) for FIGO stage IB3 cervical cancer patients (IB3). From 2009 to 2023, IB3 patients underwent laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomies with frozen section analysis, followed by a nsLRH if the lymph nodes were tumor-free. No uterine manipulator was used and the vaginal cuff was sealed before retrieving the specimen. Intermediate-risk patients were under close observation without adjuvant therapy. Outcomes were monitored until 2023. (3) Results: During the study period, 74 IB3 patients were treated. Sixty-eight (91.9%) underwent a nsLRH. A complete resection with negative margins was achieved in all cases. At a median of 68 months of follow-up, the disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 89.7% and the overall survival (OS) rate was 93.1%. The overall complication rate was 23.5% and there were no grade 4-5 complications. (4) Conclusions: In patients with IB3 cervical cancer, a nsLRH is safe and effective. While awaiting the results from ongoing randomized trials, these findings support nsLRH as a viable treatment.

Sectoral Analysis of Corporate Environmental Disclosure of Listed Manufacturing Companies in Nigeria

Corporate reporting practice seems to be treated towards activities that bordered investors’ interest with little or no information emphasizing on their impacts on the environment. Despite the harmful effects, such as pollution, resulting from the operations of these companies, there appears to be a reluctance to disclose detailed information about the extent of their environmental impact. This study offers empirical evidence through a sectoral analysis of corporate environmental reporting among listed manufacturing companies. It adopts an ex-post facto research design, examining a population of seventy-six (76) listed manufacturing companies across seven (7) sectors. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in the analysis of data collected through content analysis from the annual reports of the companies for a period of five (5) years (2018-2022). The results revealed sectoral differences in environmental disclosure, with the Oil and Gas sector leading in overall environmental reporting, especially regarding environmental policies. The Consumer Goods sector disclosed the most information on product and process-related environmental issues, highlighting the negative impacts of manufacturing. The study concludes that significant variations exist in corporate environmental reporting among sectors and recommends a standardized template for environmental disclosure to ensure uniformity among listed firms in Nigeria.

Distribution of radionuclides in the soils and assessment of radiation hazards in AL Najaf, Iraq: A cross sectional analysis.

To evaluate radioactivity levels in soil samples and their physical impact on the population. The experimental radiation study was conducted by researchers belonging to the Kufa University in Al- Najaf, Iraq, in August 2020, and comprised soil samples from Al-Rahma area. Sodium iodide detector activated with a trace amount of Thallium with crystal dimensions 3" x 3" was used to calculate the concentration of Radium, Thorium and Potassium. Among the 15 samples collected, the average ± standard deviation (SD) concentration for Radium, Thorium and Potassium was 0.1776±0.12, 0.726±0.435 and 1.9128±1.105%, respectively. The reported value of excess lifetime cancer risk was 1.2819×10-3. The area studied was found to be a safe area and did not pose a health threat to the locals.

Strategic pathways for a bioeconomy with high value-added products: Lessons learnt from the Latvian forest sector

Climate change, the increasing global demand for food and feed and the loss of biodiversity, requires a shift towards a sustainable, innovative and knowledge-based bioeconomy. Simultaneously, the implementation of a strategic approach to the utilization of the sector and associated bioresources that aligns with the principles of sustainability represents a significant challenge. The aim of this study is therefore to develop a methodology for policy and decision makers to facilitate a knowledge-based bioeconomy policy planning framework. To map the development opportunities of the bioeconomy, a detailed analysis was conducted on the Latvian forest sector. This entailed an examination of the system's components within the sector, which involved the collection and analysis of statistical data, reports, and official information from forest sector stakeholders, with the objective of obtaining a comprehensive overview of Latvia's forest sector. Following the identification of the current enablers and constraints of the sector, a selection of niche products with high value-added for sector development was made. During group model building experts: (1) developed a SWOT matrix for the Latvian forest sector; (2) selected three wood-based high value-added products – textile from trees; particle board; natural thermal packaging; (3) elaborated SWOT/TOWS analysis to facilitate strategy development for the niche products. The developed methodology incorporates a synthesis of established scientific methods, including SWOT, TOWS, and AHP, with a bioeconomy system component analysis approach. The methodology therefore not only systematises the process of forest sector analysis, but also applies the findings to the development of sector development pathways aimed at shifting from low value-added to high value-added production. The innovation of the methodology lies not only in the combination of methods used, but also in the insights gained, which allow for a narrower product development perspective to be taken in order to understand the enablers and constraints of the sector and vice versa.

Inactivation of spermine synthase in mice causes osteopenia due to reduced osteoblast activity.

Spermine synthase, encoded by the SMS gene, is involved in polyamine metabolism, as it is required for the synthesis of spermine from its precursor molecule spermidine. Pathogenic variants of SMS are known to cause Snyder-Robinson syndrome (SRS), an X-linked recessive disorder causing various symptoms, including intellectual disability, muscular hypotonia, infertility, but also skeletal abnormalities, such as facial dysmorphisms and osteoporosis. Since the impact of a murine SMS deficiency has so far only been analysed in Gy mice, where a large genomic deletion also includes the neighbouring Phex gene, there is only limited knowledge about the potential role of SMS in bone cell regulation. In the present manuscript we describe two patients carrying distinct SMS variants, both diagnosed with osteoporosis. Whereas the first patient displayed all characteristic hallmarks of SRS, the second patient was initially diagnosed, based on laboratory findings, as a case of adult-onset hypophosphatasia. In order to study the impact of SMS inactivation on bone remodelling we took advantage of a newly developed mouse model carrying a pathogenic SMS variant (p.G56S). Compared to their wildtype littermates 12-week-old male SmsG56S/0 mice displayed reduced trabecular bone mass and cortical thickness, as assessed by μCT analysis of the femur. This phenotype was histologically confirmed by the analysis of spine and tibia sections, where we also observed a moderate enrichment of non-mineralized osteoid in SmsG56S/0 mice. Cellular and dynamic histomorphometry further identified a reduced bone formation rate as a main cause of the low bone mass phenotype. Likewise, primary bone marrow cells from SmsG56S/0 mice displayed reduced capacity to form a mineralized matrix ex vivo, thereby suggesting a cell-autonomous mechanism. Taken together, our data identify SMS as an enzyme with physiological relevance for osteoblast activity, thereby demonstrating an important role of polyamine metabolism in the control of bone remodeling.

Adipose-derived stem cells apoptosis rejuvenate radiation-impaired skin in mice via remodeling and rearranging dermal collagens matrix

BackgroundChronic radiation dermatitis (CRD) is a late consequence of radiation with high incidence in patients receiving radiotherapy. Conventional therapies often yield unsatisfactory results. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential and mechanism of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for CRD, paving the way for novel regenerative therapies in clinical practice.MethodsClinical CRD skin biopsies were analyzed to character the pathological changes of CRD skin and guided the animal modeling scheme. Subsequently, an in vivo analysisusing mouse CRD models was conducted to explore their effects of ADSCs on CRD, monitoring therapeutic impact for up to 8 weeks. Transcriptome sequencing and histologic sections analysis were performed to explore the potential therapeutic mechanism of ADSCs. Following observing extensive apoptosis of transplanted ADSCs, the therapeutic effect of ADSCs were compared with those of apoptosis-inhibited ADSCs. Multiphoton imaging and analysis of collagen morphologic features were employed to explain how translated ADSCs promote collagen remodeling at the microscopic level based on the contrast of morphology of collagen fibers.ResultsFollowing injection into CRD-afflicted skin, ADSCs therapy effectively mitigated symptoms of CRD, including acanthosis of the epidermis, fibrosis, and irregular collagen deposition, consistent with the possible therapeutic mechanism suggested by transcriptome sequencing. Notably, in vivo tracking revealed a significant reduction in ADSCs number due to extensive apoptosis. Inhibiting apoptosis in ADSCs partially tempered their therapeutic effects. Mechanically, analysis of collagen morphologic features indicated that translated ADSCs might promote dermal extracellular matrix remodeling through enlarging, lengthening, crimping, and evening collagen, counteracting the atrophy and rupture caused by irradiation.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that ADSCs underwent substantial apoptosis upon local skin transplantation, and paradoxically, this apoptosis is essential for their efficacy in promoting the regeneration of late radiation-impaired skin. Mechanically, transplanted ADSCs could promote the remodeling and rearrangement of radiation-damaged dermal collagen matrix.

Chronic Low Back Pain Causal Risk Factors Identified by Mendelian Randomization: a Cross-Sectional Cohort Analysis.

There are a number of risk factors- from biological, psychological, and social domains- for non-specific chronic low back pain (cLBP). Many cLBP treatments target risk factors on the assumption that the targeted factor is not just associated with cLBP but is also a cause (i.e, a causal risk factor). In most cases this is a strong assumption, primarily due to the possibility of confounding variables. False assumptions about the causal relationships between risk factors and cLBP likely contribute to the generally marginal results from cLBP treatments. The objectives of this study were to a) using rigorous confounding control compare associations between modifiable causal risk factors identified by Mendelian randomization (MR) studies with associations in a cLBP population and b) estimate the association of these risk factors with cLBP outcomes. Cross sectional analysis of a longitudinal, online, observational study. 1,376 participants in BACKHOME, a longitudinal observational e-Cohort of U.S. adults with cLBP that is part of the NIH Back Pain Consortium (BACPAC) Research Program. Pain, Enjoyment of Life, and General Activity (PEG) Scale. Five risk factors were selected based on evidence from MR randomization studies: sleep disturbance, depression, BMI, alcohol use, and smoking status. Confounders were identified using the ESC-DAG approach, a rigorous method for building directed acyclic graphs based on causal criteria. Strong evidence for confounding was found for age, female sex, education, relationship status, financial strain, anxiety, fear avoidance and catastrophizing. These variables were used to determine the adjustment sets for the primary analysis. Potential confounders with weaker evidence were used for a sensitivity analysis. Participants had the following characteristics: age 54.9 ± 14.4 years, 67.4% female, 60% never smokers, 29.9% overweight, 39.5% obese, PROMIS sleep disturbance T-score 54.8 ± 8.0, PROMIS depression T-score 52.6 ± 10.1, Fear-avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire 11.6 ± 5.9, Patient Catastrophizing Scale 4.5 ± 2.6, PEG 4.4 ± 2.2. In the adjusted models alcohol use, sleep disturbance, depression, and obesity were associated with PEG, after adjusting for confounding variables identified via a DAG constructed using a rigorous protocol. The adjusted effect estimates- the expected change in the PEG outcome for every standard deviation increase or decrease in the exposure (or category shift for categorical exposures) were the largest for sleep disturbance and obesity. Each SD increase in the PROMIS sleep disturbance T-score resulted in a mean 0.77 (95% CI: 0.66, 0.88) point increase in baseline PEG score. Compared to participants with normal BMI, adjusted mean PEG score was slightly higher by 0.37 points (95% CI: 0.09, 0.65) for overweight participants, about 0.8 to 0.9 points higher for those in obesity classes I and II, and 1.39 (95% CI: 0.98, 1.80) points higher for the most obese participants. Each SD increase in the PROMIS depression T-score was associated with a mean 0.28 (95% CI: 0.17, 0.40) point increase in baseline PEG score, while each SD decrease in number of alcoholic drinks per week resulted in a mean 0.12 (95%CI: 0.01, 0.23) increase in baseline PEG score in the adjusted model. Several modifiable causal risk factors for cLBP - alcohol use, sleep disturbance, depression, and obesity- are associated with PEG, after adjusting for confounding variables identified via a DAG constructed using a rigorous protocol. Convergence of our findings for sleep disturbance, depression, and obesity with the results from MR studies, which have different designs and biases, strengthens the evidence for causal relationships between these risk factors and cLBP (1). The estimated effect of change in a risk factors on change in PEG were the largest for sleep disturbance and obesity. Future analyses will evaluate these relationships with longitudinal data.

Behavior of corroded HSC beams repaired by sprayed UHTCC and textile: Experimental study and theoretical analysis

Behaviors of twelve high strength concrete (HSC) beams were studied, including one control specimen, five corroded but non-repaired beams, and six corroded beams repaired by sprayed ultra-high toughness cementitious composites (UHTCC) with or without textile reinforcement. Galvanostatic accelerated corrosion technique was adopted, and three targeted corrosion levels (5 %, 10 %, and 15 %) were selected for each tensile steel bar. Corrosion-induced results, such as voltage change, crack initiation, concrete spalling, corrosion crack length and width, and non-uniform corrosion of steel bars were studied and compared with the results observed in normal strength concrete (NSC) beams. Structural behaviors, including failure modes and load-displacement responses were investigated through four-point bending tests. Results revealed that compared to NSC beams, HSC beams sustained more severe damages under a comparable corrosion level. Spalling was observed at a relatively lower corrosion ratio of 4.43 % and the maximum non-uniform corrosion coefficient, which was defined as the ratio of the maximum corrosion ratio to the average corrosion ratio, was 4.28. Corrosion-induced bonding degradation can alter the failure mode of corroded specimens in bending tests from bending to debonding. For repaired beams, however, the bonding degradation effect was reduced and bending failure was observed for all specimens. The bearing capacity of the beams repaired with sprayed UHTCC cannot be restored with a 12.42 % corrosion ratio, while the beams repaired with sprayed UHTCC/textile can recover their capacity even at a 13.6 % corrosion ratio. Furthermore, an improved theoretical model based on the fiber section analysis and virtual work method was developed to predict structural bending responses. The comparison of the experimental and theoretical results indicated the average corrosion ratio-based method may overestimate the loading capacity, especially for the beams with severe corrosion.