High Quality Grade Research Articles

Comparison of pathologist and deep learning–based prostate cancer grading for prediction of metastatic outcomes in primary prostate cancer.

345 Background: Gleason grading is the most potent prognostic variable in primary prostate cancer, however inter-observer variability remains a major issue, particularly where subspecialty-trained pathologists are not available. Artificial intelligence algorithms for prostate cancer grading may improve health care equity by ensuring widespread access to standardized, high quality grading, however most algorithms have not been tested for performance with respect to oncologic outcomes. Here, we compared deep learning-based and pathologist-based Gleason grading for prediction of metastatic outcome in three large radical prostatectomy cohorts. Methods: Three previously published radical prostatectomy cohorts from Johns Hopkins were utilized for this study. The Natural History Cohort (n=318, PMID: 26058959) and Case-Cohort (n=231, PMID: 36006048) both utilized a case-cohort design on the outcome of metastasis, while the Race Cohort (n=335, PMID: 30851334) was designed for a grade-matched comparison of self-identified White and Black patients. For each cohort, a single representative H&E-stained slide from the dominant tumor nodule was scanned and Gleason Grade Group (GG) assessed by a modified deep learning-based grading algorithm (PMID: 35233002), or by a subspecialty-trained pathologist. Harrell’s C-indices based on unadjusted Cox models for time to metastasis were compared for the pathologist- and deep learning-assigned GG in each cohort. Results: The C-index for deep learning-assigned GG in the Natural History Cohort was 0.757 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.703-0.811) compared to 0.748 (95% CI: 0.692-0.804) for the pathologist-assigned GG. The C-index for deep learning-assigned GG in the Case-Cohort was 0.848 (95% CI: 0.727-0.969) compared to 0.843 (95% CI: 0.722-0.964) for the pathologist-assigned GG. The C-index for deep learning-assigned GG in the Race Cohort was 0.754 (95% CI: 0.697-0.810) compared to 0.780 (95% CI: 0.717-0.844) for the pathologist-assigned GG. In a combined analysis of all three cohorts, the C-index for the deep learning-assigned GG was 0.765 (95% CI: 0.725-0.805) compared to 0.772 (95% CI: 0.730-0.814) for the pathologist-assigned grade group. In the combined cohorts, the historical pathologist-assigned GG for the entire case had a C-index of 0.796 (95% CI: 0.757-0.836). Conclusions: Deep learning and subspecialty-trained pathologist grading were highly comparable for association with metastatic outcome across three large radical prostatectomy cohorts.

Producing Plasmid DNA Template for Clinical Grade RNA Vaccine Manufacture.

A plasmid production process has been established to manufacture plasmid DNA at a large scale in High-Quality grade. This is used as a starting material to produce mRNA vaccines for clinical trials. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released regulatory guidelines related to the quality, safety, and efficacy for DNA- as well as for mRNA-based vaccines. Following an extraordinary year of scientific, regulatory, and manufacturing developments, the scientific community today stands considerably better equipped to deal with urgent production requirements in large scale for nucleic acid-based vaccinations and therapies. Going forward, work needs to be done in better coordinating the supply and logistics of essential raw materials for biological manufacturing, especially under emergency conditions.

Utilization of Plastic Waste in Road Paver Blocks as a Construction Material

India is confronted with the substantial issue of plastic debris due to the absence of an efficient waste management infrastructure. Recycled plastic has the potential to enhance various construction materials, such as roofing tiles, paving blocks, and insulation. The aforementioned materials possess notable attributes such as high strength, low weight, and exceptional resistance to extreme temperatures and humidity. The objective of this study is to ascertain feasible alternatives for manufacturing road paver blocks utilizing plastic waste (Polyethene terephthalate (PET)), and M-sand (stone dust). Three variations of a discarded plastic cube measuring 150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm were prepared for the experiment. The experimental findings indicated that a ratio of 1:4 was determined to be the most effective in achieving the desired level of compressive strength. I-section road and brick paver blocks were produced as an alternative to the traditional concrete ones. Compressive strength tests were performed on I-sections and brick paver blocks, revealing that the 1:4 mix ratio exhibited the highest average compressive strength for both materials. The findings indicated that including plastic waste positively impacted the compressive strength of the I-sections and brick paver blocks. Additionally, the quality grading of these materials was evaluated using an ultrasonic pulse velocity test. The ultrasonic pulse velocity test results demonstrated a high-quality grading for the I-sections and brick paver blocks. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests assessed the microstructural behavior and performance. The results of this study demonstrate that incorporating plastic waste in combination with M-sand can effectively improve the mechanical characteristics of composite materials, rendering them viable for use in construction-related purposes.

Effects of fermented carrot by-product diets on growth performances, carcass characteristics and meat quality in fattening pigs

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate the effects of fermented carrot by-product diets (FCBD) supplementation in fattening pigs on their growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality. Ninety-six crossed pigs (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc), weighing approximately 76 kg, were divided into four groups of 8 heads (four barrows and four gilts) per pen, and the experiment was replicated thrice. The basal diet (C) was substituted with 3% (T1), 6% (T2) and 9% (T3) FCBD, and pigs were fed the experimental diet for 45 days. Feed efficiency was higher (P < 0.05) in T1 and T3 than in C. Quality grade was higher (P < 0.05) in T2 and T3 than in C, and the ratio of high-quality grades was higher in treatment groups than in C. Therefore, FCBD supplementation improved quality grade in fattening pigs, and it was expected that an increase in the utilization ratio of FCBD would reduce the cost of animal production.

Pulp fiction or pulp fact-does orthodontics damage pulpal tissue?

Electronic databases PubMed, Scopus and Embase were systematically searched and restricted to articles published between February 2009 and 2022. Studies were categorized using the modified method by the Swedish Council of Technology Assessment in Health Care. 20 studies were included, one of which was categorized as high quality (Grade A) and 19 of which were of moderate quality (Grade B). Exclusion criteria included articles with insufficient descriptions of reliability and reproducibility testing, review articles and case reports, and studies including traumatised teeth. Three independent authors examined titles, abstracts and full texts of relevant articles against the inclusion criteria. Disagreements were resolved by discussion. Retrieved studies were assessed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data extracted included tooth movement performed, the appliance and force used, follow-up of subjects, changes in pulpal blood flow (PBF), tooth sensibility, expression of inflammation-related proteins, along with pulpal histology and morphology changes during tooth movement (intrusion, extrusion and tipping). Overall risk of bias was unclear. A reduction in pulpal blood flow and tooth sensibility due to the application of orthodontic forces was reported by studies included in the review. Increases in the activity of proteins and enzymes related to inflammation of the pulp was reported. Two studies reported histological changes of the pulpal tissues related to orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic forces cause multiple temporary detectable changes in the dental pulp. The authors conclude there are no clear signs of permanent pulpal damage to healthy teeth due to the application of orthodontic forces.

The impact of motion induced artifacts in the evaluation of HR-pQCT scans of the scaphoid bone: an assessment of inter- and intraobserver variability and quantitative parameters.

In-vivo high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) has high potential in scaphoid bone pathologies' scientific and clinical fields. The manufacturer's visual grading scale (VGS) classifies motion artifacts and divides scans into five quality grades ranging from grade 1 (good quality) to grade 5 (poor quality). This prospective study aimed to investigate the feasibility of the VGS and the influence of image quality on bone density and microarchitecture parameters for the scaphoid bone. Within one year, twenty-two patients with scaphoid fractures received up to six scans of their fractured and contralateral wrist (each consisting of three stacks) using second-generation HR-pQCT (total 256 scans). Three experienced observers graded each stack following the visual grading system, and inter- and intraobserver variability were assessed. The contralateral uninjured scaphoids were then compared pairwise within each patient to high-quality grade 1 scans to determine the influence of image quality on density and microarchitecture parameters. Inter- and intraobserver variability among the three observers significantly revealed fair to moderate agreement, P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively. Bone volume (BV) fraction tended to increase with poorer image quality but did not exceed four percent. Trabecular bone mineral density (Tb.BMD) decreased with poorer image quality but did not exceed five percent. Trabecular number and trabecular thickness significantly increased by 15.5% and 6.8% at grade five (P<0.001), respectively, and trabecular separation significantly decreased by 13.7% at grade five (P<0.001). This study revealed a considerable influence of motion on bone morphometry parameters of the scaphoid. Therefore, high image quality must be a central point in studies focusing on the histomorphometry of small objects. The high inter- and intraobserver variability limit the VGS. Future research may focus on other grading systems or automated techniques leading to more consistent and reproducible results. Currently, the use of microarchitectural analysis should be limited to cases without motion artefacts or, at most low graded motion artefacts.

Effects of Physical Therapy on Joint Pain, Joint Range of Motion, Joint Health, Strength, and Mobility in Patients With Hemophilia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

This study investigated the effects of physical therapy, including exercise, manual therapy, and physical agent modality, on joints, muscle strength, and mobility of patients with hemophilia. PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception to September 10, 2022. Randomized controlled trials comparing pain, range of motion, and health of joints, as well as muscle strength and mobility (timed up and go test) between physical therapy and control groups were included. Fifteen randomized controlled trials with 595 male patients with hemophilia were included. In comparisons between physical therapy and control groups, physical therapy significantly reduced joint pain (standardized mean difference = -0.87; 95% confidence interval, -1.14 to -0.60), increased joint range of motion (standardized mean difference = 0.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.14-0.35), enhanced joint health (standardized mean difference = -1.08; 95% confidence interval, -1.38 to -0.78), improved muscle strength (standardized mean difference = 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-1.69), and timed up and go test performance (standardized mean difference = -1.25; 95% confidence interval, -1.89 to -0.60). The comparisons demonstrate moderate to high evidentiary quality grades. Physical therapy is effective in reducing pain, increasing joint range of motion, enhancing joint health, as well as improving muscle strength and mobility in patients with hemophilia. Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME. Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Recognize the overall effectiveness of physical therapy for patients with hemophilia; (2) Determine how therapeutic exercise can help improve various outcomes of major joints in these patients; and (3) Appraise that physical therapy is safe and can be implemented in clinical practice for these patients. Advanced. The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s) ™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Dynamic Monitoring and Driving Factors Analysis of Ecological Environment Quality in Poyang Lake Basin

The ecological environment of Poyang Lake basin is an important part of the construction of ecological civilizations in the south of China. Based on the Landsat satellite remote sensing images, using the principal component analysis (PCA) method to construct the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) as an evaluation index of ecological environment quality, introducing the Geodetector model to quantitatively detect the explanatory power of different influencing factors on the spatial divergence of the ecological environment, and exploring the changes in ecological environment quality in the Poyang Lake basin from 1990 to 2020 and the impact of different driving factors. The results of the study showed that there were obvious regional differences in the ecological environment quality in the basin. The areas with bad and poor ecological quality were mainly distributed in the central and northern plains; the areas with high and good quality grades were mainly distributed in the hilly and mountainous region of the southwestern part of the basin; the overall ecological environment of the Poyang Lake basin has been improving over the past 30 years; and the improved areas were mainly distributed in low-altitude areas. Geodetector results showed that population density was the factor with the highest explanatory power for the spatial divergence of ecological environment quality in the Poyang Lake basin. Among different natural factors, topographic factors (slope, aspect) had a higher driving force than meteorological factors (temperature, precipitation). The night light index factor showed an increasing yearly trend, indicating that the ecological environment quality of the Poyang Lake basin was gradually increased due to the influence of urbanization development. The construction of the RSEI model based on Google Earth Engine could not only effectively ensure the accuracy of ecological environment quality evaluation in different years but could also quickly realize image preprocessing and index calculations, which greatly improved the efficiency of ecological environment evaluation. These research results can provide a theoretical basis and scientific data support for the ecological environment protection work in the Poyang Lake basin.

Clinical Evidence of Biomimetic Hydroxyapatite in Oral Care Products for Reducing Dentin Hypersensitivity: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a very common dental problem that can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can lead to invasive dental procedures. Prevention of DH and control of symptoms are highly desirable. Hydroxyapatite (HAP) has been shown in vitro to block dentinal tubules and in vivo to be a safe and effective additive in oral care products that reduce DH clinically. This study's aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current evidence that HAP-containing oral care products reduce DH. Databases were searched, and only clinical trials in humans were included; studies conducted in vitro or on animals were not included. Publications in a foreign language were translated and included. We found 44 published clinical trials appropriate for systematic analysis. More than half of the trials had high-quality GRADE scores. HAP significantly reduced dentin hypersensitivity compared to placebo (39.5%; CI 95% [48.93; 30.06]), compared to fluoride (23%; CI 95% [34.18; 11.82]), and with a non-significant tendency compared to other desensitizing agents (10.2%; CI 95% [21.76; -19.26]). In conclusion, the meta-analysis showed that HAP added to oral care products is a more effective agent than fluoride in controlling dentin hypersensitivity and may be superior to other desensitizers.

Extraction of high-quality grade cellulose and cellulose nanocrystals from different lignocellulosic agri-food wastes

IntroductionPrompted by the increasing need for an intensified valorization of agri-food waste, in this work a three-step chemical procedure was used to extract high-purity cellulose from garlic stalk, corncob, and giant cane cut-up by a sequential removal of hemicellulose, lignin, ash, and organic compounds. Cellulose nanocrystals of potential interest for nanocomposite applications were then obtained through acid hydrolysis.MethodsThe purity of the cellulose was determined employing Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and infrared spectroscopy, whereas dynamic light scattering, optical, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used for morphological characterization. The high purity and crystallinity of cellulose was confirmed by comparison with the ultra-pure bacterial cellulose originating from K. sucrofermentans, irrespective of the waste used.Results and discussionAt the end of the extraction procedure, cellulose yields of 35.73, 37.15, and 39.10%, for garlic stalk, corncob, and giant cane cut-up, respectively, were achieved. Dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy analyses showed that the length of the whisker-like nanocrystals depended on the raw material (from ~100 nm up to &amp;gt; 2μm), while the final yield was ~40–50% for all three wastes. The versatility and effectiveness of the method here proposed can be profitably used for a wide range of agro-waste feedstocks.

Improvement of functional and technological solutions for modernization of steel heating in the tundish of continuous casting machine

The using of the system of plasma heating of metal directly in the tundish is quite promising in terms of improving the technology of continuous casting of steel. At the same time, the efficiency of this technology is significantly influenced by the design of the tundish, the location of the plasmatron, the direction of movement of the circulation flows and their speed, the presence of forced mixing of the liquid metal bath, etc. In terms of design, the main technical solutions proposed for plasma heating of steel in a ladle are based on the creation of two-chamber tundish. Moreover, steel is heated in a special receiving chamber. Such heating devices are compact enough to be built into tundish without any significant modifications. Moreover, such heating devices practically do not reduce the useful volume of the tundish. The widespread use of the technology of plasma heating of metal in the tundish of the continuous casting machine (CCM) at a few metallurgical plants in the world is due to the need to increase the stability of the parameters of the casting process and improve the quality of the workpiece while simultaneously reducing specific energy costs. At the same time, additional prerequisites are created for the transformation of the tundish into a multifunctional unit for adjusting the steel temperature and the possibility of its refining. The using of plasma heating in the tundish is especially relevant in the conditions of mini-mills operating technological units of small capacity, for which the implementation of traditional highly efficient solutions for out-of-furnace processing, as well as processing on tundish-furnace units, is not always possible due to the complexity of organizing the heating process, large heat losses and high specific costs of refractories. In addition, such tundish can be quite effective when pouring high-quality grades of steel into billets of small cross-sections, which are produced, as a rule, in relatively small mixer-batches, which makes it difficult to prove them in small steel pouring ladles.

Review: Reuse of Treated Wastewater

Abstract: Water reuse generally refers to the process of using treated wastewater (reclaimed water) for beneficial purposes such as agricultural and landscape irrigation, industrial processes, nonpotable urban applications (such as toilet flushing, street washing, and fire protection), groundwater recharge, recreation, and direct or undirected water supply. Its increased application has been facilitated by modern wastewater treatment processes that have advanced substantially during the twentieth century. Water Reuse is a reality at international. Several practices have emerged around the world as results of different needs, perspectives and policies. Accelerating development occurred in the past 15 years, especially in the application field of potable reuse. Technologies and treatment flowsheets have been studied and validated, demonstrating advanced water quality, safety and suitability for potable reuse applications. Reuse of wastewater after its treatment may be a good alternative for regions, which suffer from lack of pure water or have limited access to water resources. Effective water reuse applications require a combination of advanced treatment technologies. Increasingly these include a combination of low-pressure technologies MF/UF followed by NF/RO (high pressure) to provide a high-quality grade of water. Submerged membrane bioreactor systems (MBR) have also become a viable alternative for wastewater reuse technologies. Reuse technologies may be applied for municipal and industrial wastewater. Reuse of wastewater is only possible if sanitary and environmental safety is provided with no hazard for current ecosystem. That fact requires strict fulfilment of laws and regulation. Wastewater to be reused has to follow a certain sequence of treatment procedures to reduce concentration of pollutants in it. Water reuse (also commonly known as water recycling or water reclamation) reclaims water from a variety of sources then treats and reuses it for beneficial purposes such as agriculture and irrigation, potable water supplies, groundwater replenishment, industrial processes, and environmental restoration. Water reuse can provide alternatives to existing water supplies and be used to enhance water security, sustainability, and resilience that might be traditional methods (waste separation, sedimentation), methods of removal of certain components (nitrogen and phosphorus), disinfection

Development of a segregation method to sort fast-grown Eucalyptus nitens (H. Deane & Maiden) Maiden plantation trees and logs for higher quality structural timber products

Key messageA method to segregate trees and logs of planted Eucalyptus nitens (H. Deane & Maiden) Maiden has been developed, showing that accounting for wood quality during the process of segregation and sorting of timber resources allows for the recovery of structural timber of the desired quality.ContextAppropriate sorting of raw forest resources is necessary to allocate logs to different production streams, to ensure that the desired quality of timber is achieved. Acoustic wave velocity can be used to test the wood quality of trees and logs, and its use as a sorting tool needs to be investigated prior to the development of a segregation method to recover high-quality timber.AimsThis study aimed to develop a segregation methodology for plantation E. nitens trees and logs to obtain high-quality structural boards.MethodsForty-nine logs of planted E. nitens were measured, assessed with acoustic wave velocity, and processed into 268 structural boards maintaining board, log, and tree identity. Board stiffness was determined via structural testing and boards were ranked in structural grades. Linear mixed effect models were used to predict board stiffness based on tree and log variables, and machine learning decision trees were used to create a segregation method for board grades. Different segregation options were compared through scenario simulation.ResultsThe prediction of individual board stiffness with tree or log variables yielded low coefficients of variation due to large intra-log variability (R2 = 0.22 for tree variables and R2 = 0.28 for log variables). However, the decision tree identified acoustic wave velocity thresholds to segregate E. nitens trees and logs. When applied in scenario simulation, segregation based on log variables produced the best results, resulting in large shares of high-quality board grades, showing that a segregation method based on wood quality traits can yield larger higher recovery of higher quality timber, in respect to other scenarios.ConclusionAcoustic wave velocity can be used to segregate trees and logs for structural boards from plantation E. nitens, and machine learning decision trees can support the development of a segregation method to determine operational thresholds to increase the recovery of high-quality timber.

Spatiotemporal Variation and Influence Factors of Habitat Quality in Loess Hilly and Gully Area of Yellow River Basin: A Case Study of Liulin County, China

China has set up ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin as its national strategy. However, the fragile natural ecosystem and intensive human disturbances pose challenges to it. This study evaluates habitat quality change and analyzes its drivers in a representative county of this region, aiming to provide scientific basis for ecological protection and sustainable development. We took Liulin, a representative county of middle Yellow River Basin as the study area and evaluated the spatiotemporal variation of habitat quality from 2000 to 2020 with the InVEST model. Further, the influencing factors of habitat quality pattern were explored using GeoDetector, and their gradient ranges dominating the habitat quality change were determined by gradient analysis. The results showed that: (1) Areas of low and medium-low habitat quality grades were distributed interactively in the whole county; medium grade areas were scattered in the northeast and southwest parts of the county; and medium-high and high grades area were distributed sporadically along the Yellow River and its branches. (2) Habitat quality of the county almost unchanged from 2000 to 2010. However, from 2010 to 2020, with the rapid expansion of construction land (increased by 9.62 times), the area proportion of medium, medium-high, and high habitat quality grades decreased from 7.01% to 5.31%, while that of low and medium-low habitat quality grades increased from 92.99% to 94.69%. (3) The habitat quality was influenced by multiple natural-human factors. The main influencing factor was land use, followed by elevation. (4) Most changes of habitat quality occurred in areas with lower elevation, gentler slope, and higher vegetation coverage, which were affected by intensive human activities. These results suggest that in future land use policy making and the construction land expansion in Liulin County should be restricted, and differentiated ecological protection and restoration strategies should be implemented in areas with different habitat quality.

耦合InVEST-HFI-PLUS模型的生态分区规划与动态评估——以博尔塔拉蒙古自治州为例

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 耦合InVEST-HFI-PLUS模型的生态分区规划与动态评估——以博尔塔拉蒙古自治州为例 DOI: 10.5846/stxb202108202319 作者: 作者单位: 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 国家自然科学基金面上项目（32071833）；北京林业大学热点追踪项目（2021BLRD25） Ecological zoning planning and dynamic evaluation coupled with Invest-HFI-Plus model: A case study in Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture Author: Affiliation: Fund Project: The National Natural Science Foundation of China (General Program, Key Program, Major Research Plan) 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:生态分区规划是平衡区域生态保护与发展建设，促进区域可持续发展的重要手段。以博尔塔拉蒙古自治州为例，通过耦合InVEST-HFI-PLUS模型，在评估研究区生境质量与人类足迹指数的基础上，进行生态分区规划。利用2005年与2020年两期土地利用数据，借助PLUS模型模拟自然发展与规划保护两种情景下研究区2035年的土地利用状况，并动态评估不同情景下的生态系统服务水平，对比分析不同情景的实际效益。结果表明：（1）研究区整体生境质量较好，有56%的区域生境质量等级为高；研究区人类足迹指数呈现四周低、中部高的分布格局。（2）综合生境质量与人类足迹指数，可以将研究区划分为重点保护区、重点修复区以及适度开发区三个生态管制分区，其中重点保护区面积占比为52.8%，重点修复区面积占比为42%，适度开发区面积占比为5.2%。（3）对2035年两种情景下的土地利用模拟与生态系统服务价值评估表明，规划保护情景下生态系统服务总价值较自然发展情景下提升4.16亿元，研究区生态条件有明显改善。 Abstract:Ecological zoning planning is an important means to balance regionally ecological protection and development, and to promote regional sustainable development. Taking Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture as an example, the ecological zoning planning was carried out on the basis of assessing the habitat quality and human footprint index in the study area by coupling the InVEST-HFI-PLUS model. Based on the land use data of 2005 and 2020, the PLUS model was used to simulate the land use status in 2035 under the two scenarios with natural development and planned protection, to evaluate the ecosystem service level under different scenarios, and to compare and analyze the actual benefits of different scenarios. The results indicated that:(1) the overall habitat quality of the study area was good, and 56% of the regions had high habitat quality grade. The HFI(Human footprint index) showed a pattern of low in the periphery and high in the middle of the study area. (2) Based on the combination of habitat quality and human footprint index, the study area could be divided into three ecological control zones:key protection area, key restoration area, and moderate development area. The key protection area accounted for 52.8%, the key restoration area accounted for 42%, and the moderate development area accounted for 5.2%. (3) Based on the land use simulation and ecosystem service value assessment in 2035 under the two scenarios, the total value of ecosystem services under the planned conservation scenario would be 416 million yuan higher than that under the natural development scenario, and the ecological conditions in the study area would be significantly improved. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Comprehensive study of Malus genus resources for the creation of adaptive grades

The breeding renewal of the apple assortment in the conditions of southern fruit growing in Russia on the basis of domestic achievements is due to the acceleration of the breeding process associated with an in-depth study of the existing gene pool of culture, the widespread use of the samples most valuable in terms of the quality of the products obtained to create commercially demanded grades of regional breeding. The aim of the study is to isolate, on the basis of a long-term comprehensive study in the conditions of the Western Ciscaucasia, valuable specimens of the genusMalusto enhance the efficiency and accelerate the process of creating adaptive and high-quality grades of regional breeding. The work was carried out using generally accepted and modern programs and methods of variety study and selection of perennial fruit crops (apple trees). The long-term results of the study for 2010-2020 are summarized. in the conditions of the Kuban zone of the North Caucasian region of gardening of collection specimens of apple trees. Established that the increase in high-temperature stressors, the deficit in August of precipitation (28.2 mm) in recent years (2010-2020) has a negative impact on the growth, development and ripening of fruits, the laying of generative buds of the next year’s harvest. The weather conditions that have developed in the region, which are not sufficiently favorable for apple plants, make it possible to select drought-resistant, high-yielding, stably fruiting grades with commercially valuable fruits. Highlighted with high productivity potential diploids: 12/1-21-60, 12/2-20-22, 12/2-20-75 and triploids: 12/2-21-35, 12/2-20-56 (average yield 28.06-34.08 t/ha; total – up to 374.88 t/ha). Diploids were distinguished by large-fruited: Orpheus and 12/1-21-60 (average fruit weight 202.3-204.5 g, maximum – 224.8-278.8 g) and triploid varieties and elite forms (from the family of Idared × Balcgard 0247E): 12/2-21-35, 12/2-20-56, 12/1-21-27 (average fruit weight 201.4-317.9 g, maximum – 286.5-387.2 g).

CLEAVAGE STAGE MORPHOLOGY IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE IMPLANTATION POTENTIAL OF SCREENED BLASTOCYSTS

It has been shown that cleavage stage morphokinetic apperance correlates with embryonic ploidy, competence and implantation potential1. Commonly, an embryo from the same patient can show differences in grade assessment at varying points of development. For instance, a cleavage staged embryo could receive a poor quality grade, but after blastulation, could be receive a high quality grade, undergo PGT-A, and become selected for embryo transfer. Our study objective is to analyze IVF outcomes of embryos with initially suboptimal morphokinetic characteristics at cleavage stage that later developed into high quality expanded blastocysts and were selected for transfer in single, euploid frozen embryo transfers (FET)

YouTube as a Source of Patient Information Regarding Placenta Accreta Spectrum.

As the awareness of the accompanying morbidity of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) has increased over recent decades. We sought to analyze the precision and reliability of the currently available content regarding PAS on YouTube. A YouTube search was performed on June 17, 2019 by using the search terms "placenta accreta," "PAS," and "invasive placentation." Search results were sorted by relevance, and up to 200 videos per search term were systematically evaluated by four independent reviewers. A quality assessment checklist relating to aspects of PAS was developed with a Likert's scale from 0 to 12 points to quantify video content. Videos were classified as poor educational quality (grade 0 to ≤4), moderate quality (grade >4-8), and high quality (grade >8-12). Of the 318 videos identified, 99 videos met inclusion criteria. The majority of videos (61.6%) were produced by a professional source, that is, appearing to be from a hospital, university, or educational service. Of the remaining videos, 16.2% were classified as personal, that is, posted from personal YouTube accounts and depicting a personal or family member experience, and 22.2% were classified as other. The majority of the "other" category consisted of news segments and short clips from talk shows. Overall, 60.6% of videos were of poor educational quality, 32.3% were of moderate quality, and 7.1% were deemed high quality. All seven of the high-quality videos were produced by a professional source and intended for an audience of medical professionals. There were neither high-quality videos intended for the general public nor the likely affected and relevant patient population. This study suggests that the currently available videos on YouTube regarding PAS are poor educational sources for patients seeking information, and demonstrates a need for high-quality content videos produced by medical professionals specifically focused on meeting the needs of patient population. · Awareness of the accompanying morbidity of placenta accreta spectrum has increased over recent decades.. · YouTube videos are poor educational sources for patients seeking information regarding PAS.. · YouTube videos and all social media warrant improvements regarding patient's information..

Quality assessment of GaN epitaxial films: Acidification scenarios based on XPS-and-DFT combined study

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of electronic structure and surface states of GaN epitaxial films grown on Al2O3 and SiC substrates established the presence of only traces of surface oxidation after three years storage in standard air media conditions. No additional treatment was applied during this storage process. The slight shift (~1 eV) of Valence Band (VB) spectra was found which occurs without any visible contribution of gallium oxide electronic states to the valence band area. Additionally, GaN-typical N 2s band is present in VB-spectra of studied epitaxial films what is confirming their high quality grade. First-principle modelling demonstrates favorability of GaN surface acidification because of humidity and much slower oxidation process in the dry-air conditions. Theoretical models of acidification scenarios also demonstrate that oxidation of defect-free and defective surfaces (N-vacancies) are a good leveler: electronic structures of all considered surfaces became almost identical that is in a perfect agreement with results of XPS measurements and analytics.

Abstract P215: Association Of Lung Function In Mid-life With Central Artery Stiffness Later In Life, The Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities Study

Introduction: Poor lung function and aortic stiffness often co-occur, but causal and temporal relationships are equivocal. Investigating relationships between mid-life lung function and arterial stiffness later in life may highlight modifiable targets to slow arterial aging. Objective: Assess whether lung function in mid-life is associated with central artery stiffness later in life, and whether this relationship is modified by baseline smoking status, hypertension, or diabetes. Methods: We included 3,529 ARIC cohort participants (60% women; 22% Black; mean baseline age 51.4 (SD: 4.9)) who attended visits 1 (1987-1989) and 5 (2011-2013). Spirometry included forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) of high-quality grades. Central artery stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV)) was measured at visit 5. Associations of mid-life lung function with later-life central artery stiffness (cfPWV&gt;75 th percentile) were evaluated by multivariable Poisson and logistic regressions adjusted for covariates. Sensitivity analyses excluded participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease identified from surveillance of hospitalizations occurring in follow up (N=109). Results: Mean FEV1 at visit 1 was 3.04 L (SD: 0.73) and FVC was 3.99 L (SD: 0.96). Lung function varied by thoracic height. Visits 1 and 5 were a mean of 23.8 years apart, and mean cfPWV at visit 5 was 1167 cm/s (SD: 379). Lung function at visit 1 was inversely associated with adjusted prevalence and odds of later cfPWV&gt;75 th percentile among those present at visit 5 (Table). Stratum-specific estimates suggested modification by baseline smoking status, hypertension, and diabetes, but were not nominally statistically different. Sensitivity analyses did not alter inferences. Conclusion: Lung function at mid-life is inversely associated with central artery stiffness in later life. Whether change in mid-life pulmonary function is associated with arterial stiffness later in life warrants further examination.