Lack Of Relevant Studies Research Articles

A theoretical model for the load-transfer analyses of load distributive compression anchor integrating DSC-based interface nonlinear model

An innovative anchorage technology named load distributive compression anchor (LDCA) has recently been employed in a multitude of geotechnical engineering. The anchoring structure comprises multiple anchor bodies, thereby overcoming the bearing defects associated with conventional load-concentrated anchors and providing superior bearing performance. The complex structural configuration of LDCA considerably complicates the process of load-transfer theoretical modeling. A lack of relevant studies from theoretical solution perspective is yet evident in previous works. In this paper, a theoretical model was proposed for the load-transfer analyses of LDCA, of which the soil-anchor interface mechanical behavior was specially characterized by a disturbed state concept (DSC)-based nonlinear model. The mechanical simulation for the connections in different anchor bodies was incorporated into the theoretical analysis framework through the utilization of finite difference method. Three groups of 3D finite element (FE) models were established to simulate the load-transfer behaviors of LDCAs with different numbers of anchor bodies. The theoretical calculations agree well with the FE numerical results and the in-situ pullout test data, thereby confirming the applicability of the load-transfer theoretical model. The axial force and interface shear stress distributions, as well as the bearing capacity for LDCAs, were discussed based on theoretical calculations and FE simulations. Sensitivity analysis of several key design parameters was conducted to investigate their effects on the bearing capacity of LDCAs. The findings achieved in this study can provide insights into the understanding of the load-transfer behaviors of LDCA, and contribute to the bearing performance evaluation.

Autonomic Responses Associated with Olfactory Preferences of Fragrance Consumers: Skin Conductance, Respiration, and Heart Rate.

Assessing the olfactory preferences of consumers is an important aspect of fragrance product development and marketing. With the advancement of wearable device technologies, physiological signals hold great potential for evaluating olfactory preferences. However, there is currently a lack of relevant studies and specific explanatory procedures for preference assessment methods that are based on physiological signals. In response to this gap, a synchronous data acquisition system was established using the ErgoLAB multi-channel physiology instrument and olfactory experience tester. Thirty-three participants were recruited for the olfactory preference experiments, and three types of autonomic response data (skin conductance, respiration, and heart rate) were collected. The results of both individual and overall analyses indicated that olfactory preferences can lead to changes in skin conductance (SC), respiration (RESP), and heart rate (HR). The trends of change in both RESP and HR showed significant differences (with the HR being more easily distinguishable), while the SC did not exhibit significant differences across different olfactory perception preferences. Additionally, gender differences did not result in significant variations. Therefore, HR is more suitable for evaluating olfactory perception preferences, followed by RESP, while SC shows the least effect. Moreover, a logistic regression model with a high accuracy (84.1%) in predicting olfactory perception preferences was developed using the changes in the RESP and HR features. This study has significant implications for advancing the assessment of consumer olfactory preferences.

Microstructure evolution of extruded Mg-RE-Ag alloy during short-time heat treatment

Microstructure regulation via short-time heat treatment is conducive to the optimization in the microstructure and properties of precipitable magnesium (Mg) alloys, but there is currently a lack of relevant studies. In this work, the microstructure evolution of a Mg-RE-Ag alloy during different short-time heat treatments was characterized and discussed. The results show that extreme short-time heat treatment (ESHT, e.g., 2 min) at 450–480 °C can greatly increase solute concentration in Mg matrix through the rapid re-dissolution of the second-phase and simultaneously maintain fine grains, while the ESHT at a too high temperature (e.g., 510 °C) is not suitable due to excessive grain growth and coarse second phase regenerated at grain boundaries. It is found that 480 °C is the approximate critical temperature for appropriate ESHT, and further prolongation of the time will lead to excessive grain growth. It is suggested that in addition to grain boundary migration, grain rotation is activated, resulting in the annihilation of high-angle grain boundaries with relatively low misorientation, as well as the reduction in the ability of the residual second phase to pin grain boundaries. In addition, the reasons for the abnormal grain boundary segregation and grain boundary continuous phase were analyzed from the perspective of interfacial energy. This study provides a basis for effective microstructure regulation of Mg-RE alloys.

Perceptions and behaviors of wine consumers towards organic wine: a case study in central Greece

This study investigates the perceptions and behaviors of wine consumers towards organic wine in Central Greece. A survey was conducted among 75 participants across various age groups and regions, encompassing diverse socio-demographic backgrounds such as gender, age, profession, and education. Surprisingly, no significant differences were observed in attitudes towards organic wine across these demographics, except for variations related to place of residence and income. The majority of participants perceived organic wine as a premium product, with urban residents exhibiting a heightened inclination toward its purchase. Despite concerns regarding its high cost, participants expressed a willingness to continue purchasing organic wine owing to its perceived benefits. Based on the fact that there is a lack of relevant studies, this survey sheds light on the evolving consumer preferences and attitudes towards organic wine in the region, providing valuable insights for producers and marketers in the wine industry.

Research on trimming path for forked carrots using contour‐based machine learning methods

AbstractForked carrots are often used as animal feed or discarded directly, which affects ​the economic returns of growers and leads to resource waste and environmental pollution. After trimming, forked carrots become easier to peel and can be further processed. However, the lack of relevant studies and equipment hinders the full use of forked carrots, and the identification of fork points and determination of the trimming path are the main challenges in trimming forked carrots with unique and diverse shapes. Therefore, an automatic carrot‐trimming path recognition solution based on contour analysis and machine learning was proposed in this study to address the above challenges. Specifically, a cascaded model and a parallel model consisting of Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) were constructed to identify fork points, and three trimming path determination methods based on fork points and carrot contours were proposed. The results demonstrated cascaded and parallel models achieved 100% and 92.7% recall rates, respectively, with accuracy rates of 90.4% and 100% and repetition rates of 97.1% and 96.4%. Among the trimming path determination methods, both the dynamic convex hull method and the static convex hull method achieved a convexity of 94.7%, surpassing 93.1% for the slope method. The static convex hull method exhibited the fastest speed in determining the trimming path, taking only 0.0032 s per carat. The parallel model and the static convex hull method could be effectively used for online determination of the trimming path for forked carrots.Practical applicationsTrimming forked carrots enhances usability, reduces resource wastage, and mitigates environmental pollution. Leveraging contour‐based machine learning algorithms, we achieved precise fork point recognition with broad applicability. Using fork point and carrot contour data, we determined trimming paths that render carrots convex for mechanical peeling. This approach contributes to advancing sustainable agriculture by optimizing resource utilization.

Effects of structured and unstructured interventions on fundamental motor skills in preschool children: a meta-analysis.

It has been suggested that higher levels of fundamental motor skills (FMS) promote the physical health of preschool-aged children. The impacts of structured and unstructured interventions on FMS in children aged 10-16 years have been widely acknowledged in previous studies. However, there is a lack of relevant studies in preschool-aged children. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of structured and unstructured interventions on FMS in preschool-aged children. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception to 1 November 2023 to identify experiments describing structured and unstructured interventions for FMS in preschool-aged children. The Downs and Black Checklist was used to assess the risk of bias. A random effects model was used for the meta-analysis to evaluate the pooled effects of interventions on FMS. Subgroup analyses based on the duration and characteristics of the intervention were conducted to identify sources of heterogeneity. A total of 23 studies with 4,068 participants were included. There were 12 studies examining structured interventions, 9 studies examining unstructured interventions, and 6 studies comparing structured vs. unstructured interventions. The risk of bias in the included studies was generally low. All interventions significantly improved FMS in preschool-aged children compared to control treatments (p < 0.05). Structured interventions had more significant effects on locomotor skills (LMSs) in preschool-aged children than unstructured interventions (Hedges' g = 0.44, p = 0.04). The effects of structured interventions were strongly influenced by the total intervention duration, such that long-term interventions were more effective (Hedge's g = 1.29, p < 0.001). Structured interventions play a crucial role in enhancing FMS among young children, especially when considering LMSs. These interventions require consistent and repeated practice over time to reach proficiency. PROSPERO, identifier number CRD42023475088, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023475088.

Impact of tissue-electrode contact force on irreversible electroporation for atrial fibrillation in potato models

Background: Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is an emerging tissue ablation technique that offers advantages over traditional catheter ablation, such as minimal thermal damage and reduced treatment time. However, as this technique also involves delivering energy through a catheter to target tissue, there are still challenges regarding the contact between the catheter and the targeted tissue, and there is a lack of relevant studies. In this study, we examined this issue using potato models with three groups of experiments. Methods: First, the relationship between the effect of biphasic and monophasic output modes and contact force (CF) was studied. Next, the effect of different voltages on biphasic output mode was examined. Finally, impedance analysis was conducted to test the contact impedance under different CFs. Results: The IRE ablation efficacy increased with the increase of CF in both monophasic and biphasic output modes, and there was a strong correlation between the ablation efficacy and the CF. In addition, at three voltage levels, the IRE ablation efficacy increased with increasing CF, and there was a strong correlation between the ablation efficacy and the CF. Conclusion: The results indicate that, under common IRE electrical parameter configuration, the effect of IRE on the tissue has a positive response to the CF of the electrode in the potato model. This finding has important implications for the design of electrodes used in IRE for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Unveiling the Path to Sustainable Behavior in Tourism through a Systematic Literature Review

Environmental sustainability is a crucial focus in the contemporary tourism and hospitality industry due to its potential to protect the environment and benefit society. Despite extensive research on the environmental impact on the industry, there is a need for a comprehensive analysis. The lack of relevant studies on pro-environmental behavior of hospitality and tourism consumers underscores the importance of thorough review. This study utilized the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol to conduct a systematic literature review, focusing on areas such as Local Communities' Commitment, Small Firms in Tourism, Consumer Behavior, and Sustainability Communication. The results of the studies suggest that various independent variables can influence sustainable behavior in tourism, including Difficulty Perception, Eco Concern, Effort Perception, and others. The dependent variables identified in this study are divided into three groups: Technology Adoption, Environmental Attitudes and Beliefs, and Self Expression and Well-being.

Geochemical characteristics and ecological risks of rare earth elements in river sediments of coal-grain composite area in eastern China.

Coal and grain complex areas influence the geochemical characterization of REEs through coal mining activities and agricultural production. However, there is a lack of relevant studies. In this study, we investigated the geochemical characterization and risk assessment of REEs in river sediments of the northern Anhui plain, a typical coal-grain composite area. The results showed that the average concentrations of ∑REE in the sediments ranged from 134.7 to 220.3 μg/g, and LREE was significantly enriched. Among the 14 REEs, Gd and Eu were the most enriched, with enrichment factors of 1.792 and 1.764, respectively. In addition, the differences in REEs content and enrichment between different rivers were related to the location of coal mines and the degree of population concentration. The average values of δCe and δEu in the sediments were 0.990 and 1.080, respectively, and most of the sampling sites showed a weak positive Ce, Eu anomaly. The results of Pearson's correlation and RDA redundancy analyses showed that Fe, Al, Mn and sand contributed more to the enrichment of REEs. The river sediments in the whole area had a slight potential ecological risk, with Eu (Er=13.05) and Lu (Er=14.07) having the highest potential risk. The ADD results also showed that the average daily dose of REEs by children was around 2.000 (μg/(kg·day)), which was significantly higher than that of adults. The results of this study can be used as a basis for the prevention and control of REEs in rivers in northern Anhui Province.

Relationship between eating problems and the risk of dementia: A retrospective study.

Older adults and individuals with decreased cognition often experience appetite changes and weight loss. As weight loss can result in cognitive decline, change in appetite may be an important contributor to the onset of dementia. However, there is a lack of relevant studies on this topic. This study aimed to determine the relationship between appetite changes, weight loss, and dementia onset. A total of 135 patients with normal cognitive function, subjective cognitive impairment, and mild cognitive impairment who were assessed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory 12 item version (NPI-12) and followed up for at least 1 month were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Eating problems were assessed using the NPI Eating Problems Score. Appetite and weight loss were assessed at the first visit by caregivers. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses with a log-rank test were used to compare the time to the onset of dementia between the presence or absence of the NPI eating problems, appetite loss, weight loss, or NPI depression scores. Cox proportional hazards regression models using the forced entry method were employed to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for dementia. Weight loss was significantly related to dementia onset (P = 0.027) in the Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, while eating problems, appetite loss, and depression showed no significant association (P = 0.519, P = 0.326, and P = 0.317, respectively). In the Cox proportional hazards regression models, the MMSE score was found to be a significant factor (P = 0.021, HR = 0.871); moreover, weight loss tended to increase the risk of dementia onset (P = 0.057, HR = 1.694). Weight loss experienced by older adults could contribute to an increased risk of developing dementia.

Efficacy of single-pill combination in uncontrolled essential hypertension: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of single-pill combination (SPC) antihypertensive drugs in patients with uncontrolled essential hypertension. Through Searching Pubmed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science collected only randomized controlled trials on the efficacy of single-pill combination antihypertensive drugs in people with uncontrolled essential hypertension. The search period is from the establishment of the database to July 2022. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment, and statistical analyses were performed using Review Manage 5.3 and Stata 15.1 software. This review ultimately included 32 references involving 16 273 patients with uncontrolled essential hypertension. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that a total of 11 single-pill combination antihypertensive drugs were included, namely: Amlodipine/valsartan, Telmisartan/amlodipine, Losartan/HCTZ, Candesartan/HCTZ, Amlodipine/benazepril, Telmisartan/HCTZ, Valsartan/HCTZ, Irbesartan/amlodipine, Amlodipine/losartan, Irbesartan/HCTZ, and Perindopril/amlodipine. According to SUCRA, Irbesartan/amlodipine may rank first in reducing systolic blood pressure (SUCRA: 92.2%); Amlodipine/losartan may rank first in reducing diastolic blood pressure (SUCRA: 95.1%); Telmisartan/amlodipine may rank first in blood pressure control rates (SUCRA: 83.5%); Amlodipine/losartan probably ranks first in diastolic response rate (SUCRA: 84.5%). Based on Ranking Plot of the Network, we can conclude that single-pill combination antihypertensive drugs are superior to monotherapy, and ARB/CCB combination has better advantages than other SPC in terms of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, blood pressure control rate, and diastolic response rate. However, due to the small number of some drug studies, the lack of relevant studies has led to not being included in this study, which may impact the results, and readers should interpret the results with caution.

The tigecycline resistance gene tetX has an expensive fitness cost based on increased outer membrane permeability and metabolic burden in Escherichia coli

Livestock-derived tetX-positive Escherichia coli with tigecycline resistance poses a serious risk to public health. Fitness costs, antibiotic residues, and other tetracycline resistance genes (TRGs) are fundamental in determining the spread of tetX in the environment, but there is a lack of relevant studies. The results of this study showed that both tetO and tetX resulted in reduction in growth and an increased in the metabolic burden of E. coli, but the presence of doxycycline reversed this phenomenon. Moreover, the protection of E. coli growth and metabolism by tetO was superior to that of tetX in the presence of doxycycline, resulting in a much lower competitiveness of tetX-carrying E. coli than tetO-carrying E. coli. The results of RNA-seq showed that the increase in outer membrane proteins (ompC, ompF and ompT) of tetX-carrying E. coli resulted in increased membrane permeability and biofilm formation, which is an important reason for fitness costs. Overall, the increased membrane permeability and metabolic burden of E. coli is the mechanistic basis for the high fitness cost of tetX, and the spread of tetO may limit the spread of tetX. This study provides new insights into the rational use of tetracycline antibiotics to control the spread of tetX.

Potential influences of leakage through a high permeability path on shallow aquifers in compressed air energy storage in aquifers

The potential leakage influences of compressed air energy storage in aquifers, especially on the overlying shallow aquifer environment, need more attention, but there is still a lack of relevant studies. In this research, a coupled wellbore-reservoir underground anticline model is simulated using T2Well/EOS3. Two-phase non-Darcy flows, different from the multiphase Darcy flow in porous media, are considered in both the central working wellbore and a highly permeable leakage path. In an anticline, the results show that the leakage rate will decline and reach a relatively steady state as the cycles continue. The final continuous small periodic oscillations of leakage rate occur with a hysteresis effect with respect to cycle injection-production. When air leakage occurs in the initial gas bubble process, it gradually disappears and gets replaced by brine leakage. A decrease in the reservoir permeability can result in a larger initial leakage rate, but a smaller rate and fluctuation during the cycle process. However, in a horizontal reservoir, strong gas fingering increases the risk of air leakage, which, once occurs, can last during the rest of the process. This research can deepen the understanding of the leakage process and help evaluate and prevent incidents of environmental contamination in gas storage in aquifers.

Current situation and influencing factors for suicidal intent in patients with intentional acute pesticide poisoning.

Since pesticides have been widely used in agricultural production, acute pesticide poisoning (APP) has gradually become a worldwide public health problem. Recently, the number of APP cases has been high in China, and the intentional self-administration of pesticides is the main cause of APP. However, there is a lack of relevant studies on the factors influencing suicidal intent in patients with intentional APP. This study aimed to explore the current situation and influencing factors for suicidal intent among patients with intentional APP. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled a total of 225 patients with intentional APP admitted to the emergency department of our Grade A comprehensive hospital in Shandong Province between June 2019 and January 2021. Patients were investigated using a health status interview questionnaire, Beck Suicidal Intent Scale, Duke Social Support Index, psychological stress scale, Dickman Impulsivity Inventory, Trait Anxiety Inventory, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and Beck Hopelessness Scale. Descriptive statistics, single-factor analysis, and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. Suicidal intent scores were collected and averaged (14.23 ± 6.22). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that marital status, residential area, impulsivity, hopelessness, depression, psychological strain, and social support impact suicidal intent. Patients with intentional APP have high suicidal intent. Therefore, different interventions should be tailored to different patients.

Static load identification of nonlinear structure based on internal force estimation exemplified by underground straight-wall arch structure

Due to the complexity of the interaction between surrounding rock and support structure, underground structures have complex and time-varying boundary conditions that is difficult to determine in advance. It is necessary to perform damage/load identification of underground structures in real time, but there is a lack of relevant studies. Therefore, a load inversion method of nonlinear structure based on internal force estimation is proposed in this paper. First, a static damage experiment of straight-wall arch model was conducted to analyze its crack development pattern and damage mode. Then, interpolation and integration method (IIM) was used to calculate the internal force of the section through numerous strain data, and its estimation accuracy was verified by experiment and simulation. Finally, a new method of load identification, IVW-LAD (Incremental Variable Weighted - Least Absolute Deviation), using internal forces as optimization variables was proposed and validated. In summary, the findings of this paper can provide a reference for health diagnosis and load identification of nonlinear underground structures.

Sucrose non-fermenting1-related protein kinase VcSnRK2.3 promotes anthocyanin biosynthesis in association with VcMYB1 in blueberry.

Sucrose non-fermenting1-related protein kinase-2 (SnRK2) is a plant-specific protein kinase family and an important component of the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway. However, there is a lack of relevant studies in blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). In this study, we identified six SnRK2 family members (from VcSnRK2.1 to VcSnRK2.6) in blueberries for the first time. In addition, we found that VcSnRK2.3 expression was not only positively correlated with fruit ripening but was also induced by ABA signaling. Transient expression in blueberry fruits also proved that VcSnRK2.3 promoted anthocyanin accumulation and the expression of anthocyanin synthesis-related genes such as VcF3H, VcDFR, VcANS, and VcUFGT. Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana seeds and seedlings overexpressing VcSnRK2.3 showed anthocyanin pigmentation. Yeast two-hybrid assays (Y2H) and Bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays (BiFC) demonstrated that VcSnRK2.3 could interact with the anthocyanin positive regulator VcMYB1. Finally, VcSnRK2.3 was able to enhance the binding of VcMYB1 to the VcDFR promoter. Via regulation transcription of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, VcSnRK2.3 promoted anthocyanin accumulation in blueberry. The above results suggest that VcSnRK2.3 plays an important role in blueberry anthocyanin synthesis, is induced by ABA, and can interact with VcMYB1 to promote anthocyanin biosynthesis in blueberry.

Five-hub genes identify potential mechanisms for the progression of asthma to lung cancer.

Previous studies have shown that asthma is a risk factor for lung cancer, while the mechanisms involved remain unclear. We attempted to further explore the association between asthma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) via bioinformatics analysis. We obtained GSE143303 and GSE18842 from the GEO database. Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) groups were downloaded from the TCGA database. Based on the results of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between asthma and NSCLC, we determined common DEGs by constructing a Venn diagram. Enrichment analysis was used to explore the common pathways of asthma and NSCLC. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to screen hub genes. KM survival analysis was performed to screen prognostic genes in the LUAD and LUSC groups. A Cox model was constructed based on hub genes and validated internally and externally. Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) was used to evaluate the association of prognostic gene models with the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune cell infiltration. Nomogram model was constructed by combining prognostic genes and clinical features. 114 common DEGs were obtained based on asthma and NSCLC data, and enrichment analysis showed that significant enrichment pathways mainly focused on inflammatory pathways. Screening of 5 hub genes as a key prognostic gene model for asthma progression to LUAD, and internal and external validation led to consistent conclusions. In addition, the risk score of the 5 hub genes could be used as a tool to assess the TME and immune cell infiltration. The nomogram model constructed by combining the 5 hub genes with clinical features was accurate for LUAD. Five-hub genes enrich our understanding of the potential mechanisms by which asthma contributes to the increased risk of lung cancer.

Impact of a smart‐clothes home nursing program in Taiwan during heightened COVID‐19 restrictions

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has required restrictions of daily activities, which has been found to impact the lives of persons with dementia and their family caregivers, who have multiple care demands. The lack of relevant studies in Taiwan emphasized the need to explore the experiences of family caregivers of older persons with dementia faced with the intensified restrictions to control COVID‐19, and the impact of the availability of a smart‐clothes home nursing program.MethodThis qualitative study used semi‐structured interviews with family caregivers of older persons with dementia. Participants were recruited from dementia clinics of a medical center in northern Taiwan from a subset sample of a larger study on smart clothes assisted home nursing care. A total of 12 family caregivers who participated in the original study were interviewed during the follow‐up period; seven were caregivers of a person with dementia wearing a smart vest, which transmitted information to a home care nurse. Interviews were conducted by telephone because the conditions of the pandemic prevented face‐to‐face interviews. Recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis.ResultInterview data showed family caregivers’ felt the care recipient’s health was compromised and functional conditions intensified as Covid‐19‐related pandemic restrictions increased. Specific concerns included a lack social interactions, decreased daily activity levels, loss of interest and lack of motivation for activities, increased mood and behavioral problems, a decline in physical function and an increase in health problems. Family caregivers were also impacted by these restrictions, with significant increases in severity of caregiver role strain, including feeling trapped, a lack of in‐home support, profound powerlessness, and worries about the person with dementia contracting the coronavirus. The smart‐clothes assisted home nursing care program offered supplementary support to family caregivers by providing on‐time interactions, helping them manage health problems, enhancing predictability of the care recipient’s behaviors, and providing caregivers with emotional support.ConclusionThe findings of this study support alternative care such as implementation of technology‐assisted home health services to meet caregiver needs to facilitate family caregiving of persons with dementia during the necessary restrictions in activities during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 as a Biomarker in Hepatitis B Virus-Related Liver Disease

Background: Past research has found that fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) is associated with several hepatic disorders, such as alcoholic liver disease and primary biliary cirrhosis. However, there is currently a lack of relevant studies on the relationship between FGF19 and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver disease. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the role of serum FGF19 as a new biomarker for HBV-related liver disease and provide scientific data to show the clinical value of this biomarker. Methods: A retrospective study included 37 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 33 patients with HBV-related cirrhosis (HBV-cirrhosis), and 32 patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC). Furthermore, 33 normal people were randomly selected as healthy controls. The serum levels of FGF19 were measured by ELISA. Results: Serum FGF19 levels were increased sequentially in the CHB group, HBV-cirrhosis group, and HBV-HCC group. Furthermore, serum FGF19 levels positively correlated with alpha-fetoprotein, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl-transferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bile acid, serum markers for liver fibrosis, ascites, cirrhosis, Child-Pugh classification and model for end-stage liver disease sodium (MELD-Na) score, while negatively correlated with platelet count, prothrombin activity, and albumin. The diagnostic threshold of serum FGF19 for HBV-related HCC was 165.32 pg/mL, with a sensitivity of 81.25% and specificity of 58.57%. Conclusions: Serum FGF19 levels are positively associated with cholestasis, hepatocyte damage, and liver fibrosis but negatively correlated with liver synthetic function and liver functional reserve in HBV-related liver disease. Diverse changes in serum FGF19 may be used as a predictive marker for the progression of HBV-related liver disease. In addition, serum FGF19 has a potential role in monitoring carcinogenesis in patients with HBV-related liver disease.

Detection of various microplastics in placentas, meconium, infant feces, breastmilk and infant formula: A pilot prospective study

Pregnancy and infancy are sensitive windows for environmental exposures. However, no study has investigated the presence of microplastics (MPs) in mother-infant pairs, and the exposure sources. Therefore, we aim to assess MPs exposure in placenta, meconium, infant feces, breast milk and infant formula samples, and assess the potential sources of pregnancy and lactational exposure to MPs. A total of 18 mother-infant pairs were recruited, and placentas and meconium samples were collected. Infant feces, breast milk and infant formula samples were collected at 6 months of age. We also collected data on plastic use and feeding habits through two questionnaires to determine the source of exposure. We used an Agilent 8700 laser infrared imaging spectrometer to analyze samples. Sixteen types of MPs were identified, and polyamide (PA) and polyurethane (PU) were dominant. >74 % of the MPs found were 20–50 μm in size. The water intake and usage of scrub cleanser or toothpaste may be exposure sources of pregnant women. The breastfeeding and usage of feeding bottles and plastic toys may be exposure sources for infants. Given the lack of relevant studies, our results highlight the need of investigating the contribution of plastic products to the MPs exposure during the lactational period.