Loss Factor Research Articles

Postoperative body weight change and its influencing factors in patients with gastric cancer

BACKGROUND The high incidence and mortality of gastric cancer (GC) pose a significant threat to human life and health, and it has become an important public health challenge in China. Body weight loss is a common complication after surgical treatment in patients with GC and is associated with poor prognosis and GC recurrence. However, current attention to postoperative weight change in GC patients remains insufficient, and the descriptions of postoperative weight change and its influencing factors are also different. AIM To investigate body weight changes in patients with GC within 6 mo after gastrectomy and identify factors that influence dynamic body weight changes. METHODS We conducted a prospective longitudinal study of 121 patients with GC and collected data before (T0) and 1 (T1), 3 (T2), and 6 (T3) mo after gastrectomy using a general data questionnaire, psychological distress thermometer, and body weight measurements. The general estimation equation (GEE) was used to analyze the dynamic trends of body weight changes and factors that influence body weight changes in patients with GC within 6 mo of gastrectomy. RESULTS The median weight loss at T1, T2, and T3 was 7.29% (2.84%, 9.40%), 11.11% (7.64%, 14.91%), and 14.75% (8.80%, 19.84%), respectively. The GEE results showed that preoperative body mass index (BMI), significant psychological distress, religious beliefs, and sex were risk factors for weight loss in patients with GC within 6 mo after gastrectomy (P < 0.05). Compared with preoperative low-weight patients, preoperative obese patients were more likely to have weight loss (β = 14.685, P < 0.001). Furthermore, patients with significant psychological distress were more likely to lose weight than those without (β = 2.490, P < 0.001), and religious patients were less likely to lose weight 6 mo after gastrectomy than those without religious beliefs (β = -6.844, P = 0.001). Compared to female patients, male patients were more likely to experience weight loss 6 mo after gastrectomy (β = 4.262, P = 0.038). CONCLUSION Male patients with GC with high preoperative BMI, significant psychological distress, and no religious beliefs are more likely to lose weight after gastrectomy.

Case-control study on challenges in loss of follow-up care and the limitations in the reach of HIV policies for women.

HIV has transitioned from a devastating 1980s epidemic to a manageable chronic condition with antiretroviral therapy. In Brazil, challenges persist, including high detection rates and loss of medical follow-up among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). Adherence, engagement, and avoiding loss to follow-up are critical for effective HIV/AIDS prevention and care. This case-control study within longitudinal research on PLHIV linkage and retention in Porto Alegre aims to analyze factors associated with treatment abandonment. The study, based on patients from the Therapeutic Care Service for HIV and AIDS at Sanatorio Partenon Hospital, involved 360 PLHIV in a retention and linkage outpatient clinic. Risk factors for loss to follow-up include cisgender women, diagnosis between 1991 and 2005, and non-adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART). Conversely, cisgender men, diagnosis between 2015 and 2023, and good ART adherence were protective factors. Gender disparities and ART non-adherence pose significant challenges in comprehensive PLHIV care. Cisgender women diagnosed before 2005 face higher risk, while cisgender men diagnosed after 2015 with good ART adherence are more protected, influencing care and prevention strategies for PLHIV.

Risk factors of bone loss after Prestige-LP cervical disc arthroplasty.

Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) is widely employed for patients diagnosed with cervical degenerative disc disease (CDDD). Postoperative bone loss (BL) represents a radiological alteration that is a relatively novel consideration in the realm of CDA. This study endeavors to examine the risk factors associated with BL following CDA, aiming to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and the impact of BL on surgical outcomes. A retrospective study was undertaken, encompassing consecutive patients subjected to one-level CDA, two-level CDA, or two-level hybrid surgery (HS) for the treatment of CDDD at our institution. Patient demographic and perioperative data were systematically recorded. Radiological images obtained preoperatively, at 1-week post-operation, and during the last follow-up were collected and evaluated, following with statistical analyses. A total of 295 patients and 351 arthroplasty segments were involved in this study. Univariate logistic regressions indicated that age ≥ 45years and two-level HS was associated with lower risk of BL; and a greater ΔDA (change of disc angle before and after surgery) was correlated with an increased risk of BL. Multivariate logistic regression determined that two-level HS and greater ΔDA were independent preventative and risk factors for BL, respectively. Further analysis revealed that severe BL significantly elevated the risk of implant subsidence compared to non-BL and mild BL. This study posited bone remodeling and micromotion as potential underlying mechanisms of BL. Subsequent research endeavors should delve into the divergent mechanisms and progression observed between lower- and higher-grade BL, aiming to prevent potential adverse outcomes associated with severe BL.

Aeroelastic Stability and Design of Laminated Composite Sandwich MRE Plates Using Surrogate Metaheuristics Optimization

Sandwich composite materials with elastomeric cores and high-strength face layers have widespread applications in various engineering sectors as passive damping structural materials. This study examines the dynamic properties of sandwich plate with laminated composite face layers and smart magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) core under the action of the aerodynamic and hygrothermal loads. The dynamic model based on Kirchhoff’s plate theory is employed and the equations of motion are derived using Hamilton’s principle. The flow conditions are assumed supersonic and modeled by the first-order piston theory. The natural frequencies and aerodynamic pressure distributions are obtained from finite element model. Upon validating the model, the effects of various factors such as moisture, temperature and plate geometry on the critical aerodynamic pressure for different boundary conditions and magnetic fields are studied. Using these parametric data, a regression model is developed using Back-Propagation Neural Network to predict the critical aerodynamic pressure as a function of effective geometrical parameters. In order to enhance the aerodynamic stability, the critical aerodynamic pressure is maximized by the optimal selection of plate aspect ratio, face layer ply orientation sequence and core layer thickness ratio via the modified teaching–learning-based optimization (MTLBO) technique employing the trained neural network-based surrogate model. The approach is very convenient and it has been found that nondimensional aerodynamic pressure along with loss factor has improved almost twice. In the sensitivity analysis study, it is noticed that changes in aspect ratio around the optimal point have a relatively drastic effect on the critical aerodynamic pressure at all the face layer ply configurations.

Active Constrained Layer Damping of Beams with Natural Fiber Reinforced Viscoelastic Composites

Abstract Viscoelastic composite reinforced with natural fibers is proposed here for the damping treatment of structures for vibration attenuation. The constrained layer damping (CLD) method is found a prominent structural vibration damping method and as a result of the inclusion of natural fiber, substantial damping could be achieved due to the development of shear as well as extensional strains in the viscoelastic material. Finite element analysis of a substrate beam combined with CLD treatment is used to investigate the corresponding improvement in damping. The influence of various geometry of presently considered natural viscoelastic composite layers on the CLD treatment's damping performance has been evaluated and discussed. Damping performances of natural as well as synthetic fibers have been assessed and compared for using natural fibers in viscoelastic composite for various structural applications. The addition of natural fiber has resulted from enhanced damping capacity due to substantial friction at the natural fiber-matrix interface compared to the case of interface with synthetic fiber. Natural fiber attributes less stiffness and a higher loss factor as compared to synthetic fiber and the insertion of stiff fibers affects the polymer chain's movements, decreasing the matrix phase's damping behavior. The dynamic mechanical analysis test is performed to evaluate the damping characteristics in the form of loss factor, storage, and loss modulus over the temperature range from frozen state to melting state.

Vibration isolation performance of silica aerogel blankets and boards, fumed silica, polymer aerogel and nanofoams

Buildings are often constructed on a continuous layer of vibration isolation to reduce vibrations and structure-borne noise. There are many vibration isolation products (rubber mats, textiles, polymer foams), but none fulfils all requirements in terms of load-bearing capacity, performance, and cost. In previous work, we have shown that silica aerogel particle beds display a low resonance frequency and correspondingly high vibration isolation performance. Loose silica aerogel granules are not a practical vibration isolation solution. In order to guide the future development of dedicated vibration isolation products based on aerogels, we determine the vibro-acoustic properties of a variety of existing commercial and R&D stage mesoporous composites, that have been developed for thermal insulation applications. The sample set includes monolithic aerogels (polyurethane), silica aerogel composites (aerogel – fibers, aerogel impregnated foams, aerogel bound with polymer foam), glued fumed silica-fiber boards, and nanoporous polymer foam composite boards. The silica aerogel and fumed silica composites display low resonance frequencies (down to 8 Hz for 40 mm, strongly dependent on composite type) and a low dynamic stiffness and loss factor over a wide range of static loads. The polymer aerogel, nanoporous foam and polymer-bound silica aerogel granule board all display higher resonance frequencies, consistent with their higher static stiffness. Although optimized for thermal insulation rather than vibration isolation, many of the tested silica aerogel and fumed silica composites are competitive with the best vibration isolation products on the market in terms of vibration isolation performance. The diversity of materials tested informs on which approaches, materials, and materials combinations are most promising to target vibration isolation.

Prognostic Factors in Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: The Experience of Two Audiology Tertiary Referral Centres

Background and Objectives: Although different hypotheses have been proposed over time, there is a dearth of information on factors able to predict the response to treatment for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) and hearing recovery. The aim of this study was to apply univariate and multivariate statistical models in a retrospective clinical setting of patients given therapy for ISSNHL at our tertiary academic audiological centers to investigate the prognostic value of clinical signs, symptoms, and comorbidities in relation to hearing recovery. Materials and Methods: The inclusion criteria were: history of ISSNHL diagnosed and treated at the Padova or Modena tertiary academic audiological centers; age ≥ 18 years; availability of clinical and audiological outcome data. The exclusion criteria were: hearing loss in acoustic schwannoma, endolymphatic hydrops, meningitis, trauma (head trauma, temporal bone fracture, acoustic trauma), barotrauma, perilymphatic fistula; exposure to noise levels ≥ 80 dB in the work environment; any unilateral or bilateral hearing loss (except for presbycusis) prior to ISSNHL diagnosis; any disorders affecting the external or middle ear; any previous ear surgery; refusal to make medical data available for research purposes. Eighty-six consecutive patients (38 females, 48 males; median age: 58 years; interquartile range: 47.00–69.00 years) were included. A systemic steroid therapy was administered to all patients, either orally with prednisone or intravenously with methylprednisolone. Second-line therapy included intratympanic steroid injections and/or hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Results: A multivariate logistic regression model was used, including the non-multicollinear clinical and audiological variables, which showed a p-value < 0.10 at the univariate analyses (namely age at diagnosis, time to diagnosis, oral steroid dose, and PTA on the affected side). Only PTA on the affected side retained its statistical significance (OR: 1.0615, 95% CI: 1.0185–1.1063, p = 0.005). Conclusions: The analysis of our data showed an association between the hearing threshold before treatment and the recovery from ISSNHL. Further studies on larger cohorts (especially in a prospective setting) are needed to shed more light on the prognostic role of clinical parameters in patients with ISSNHL. In a correct counseling setting, with regard to the patient’s concern about not being able to recover hearing, it is important to offer perspectives of appropriate hearing rehabilitation approaches.

Magnetic and dielectric characteristics of rGO modified BFO nanoparticles produced using sol-gel via auto-combustion method

The study examined the structural, optical, dielectric, and magnetic characteristics of Bismuth Ferrite nanoparticles modified by rGO prepared by using the solgel via auto-combustion process. Each sample has a non-uniform surface morphology and a rhombohedral structure with space group R3c. With increasing rGO doping concentrations, the bandgap energy drops, and visible area PL emissions were detected. A frequency dependent dielectric experiment conducted at room temperature (0–1 MHz) reveals that as applied frequencies increase, the dielectric constant and loss factor both drop. The presence of grain and grain boundaries within the particles crystalline structure is shown via impedance analysis. It was discovered that magnetization rise as rGO concentration rise. The BFO and rGO-doped BFO nanoparticles demonstrated strong magnetoelectric coupling.

A nomogram-based predictive model for tooth survival in Chinese patients with periodontitis: An 11-year retrospective cohort study.

To develop a nomogram-based predictive model of tooth survival by comprehensively analysing clinical and radiographic risk factors of tooth loss (TL). In this study, 3447 teeth of 131 subjects who underwent non-surgical periodontal treatment were examined retrospectively within a mean follow-up period of 11.6 years. The association of risk factors including clinical and radiographic parameters with TL was assessed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. A nomogram-based predictive model was developed, and its validation and discriminatory ability were analysed. In all, 313 teeth were lost in 94 patients in this study (overall tooth loss [OTL] 9.08%; 0.21 teeth/patient/year). Male, heavy smoking, molar teeth, probing depth (PD), attachment loss (AL), tooth mobility and radiographic bone loss were significantly associated with TL (p < .05). A gradient effect of tooth mobility on TL increased from degree I to III versus none (p < .0001). The area under the curve (AUC) of the model was 0.865. Calibration curve and decision curve analysis demonstrated good performance and high net benefit, respectively. Adopting a specific nomogram could facilitate the prediction of tooth survival and the development of tailored treatment plans in Chinese patients with advanced periodontitis.

Effect of temperature and particle size on dielectric property of vanadium-titanium magnetite

The current body of research on microwave-assisted grinding of vanadium-titanium magnetite (VTM) predominantly focuses on the analysis of changes in particle size and dissociation degree of the grinding products. Nonetheless, the microwave heating mechanism of the ore remains inadequately explored. In this study, the dielectric property of VTM with different particle sizes were measured at a frequency of 2.45 GHz and temperatures ranging from ambient to 800 °C. The results indicate that the dielectric constants (ε′) and dielectric loss factors (ε″) of VTM increase with temperature. The loss tangent coefficients (tan δ) initially increase and then decrease, reaching a maximum value of 0.44 at approximately 500 °C. The values of dielectric property parameters increase as the particle size decreases. By calculating the penetration depth equation, it can be determined that the optimal particle size for uniform heating in microwave of VTM is approximately 15 ∼ 30 mm. The heating rate of the ore in the microwave field is divided into two stages. Initially, the heating rate is very fast due to the ore being a strong magnetic mineral. However, when the ore temperature reaches 500 °C, the tan δ of the ore decreases, leading to a decrease in the heating rate.

Decoupling the rheological responses of a soft solid emulsion with liquid inclusions.

Soft solid emulsions are liquid droplets encapsulated in a soft solid material. Typical of dispersed systems, they can combine properties from both the liquid inclusions and the soft solids. The relative importance of the two phases in the rheological response is captured through the elastocapillary number, which compares capillary forces in the liquid inclusions to the matrix rigidity. We work with solid emulsions formed of poly(ethylene glycol) droplets in a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) continuous phase. We create three families of emulsions with varying elastocapillary numbers, and range of inclusion volume fractions from 0 to 0.5. Through oscillatory rheology we probe both the elastic response and the dissipative effects of liquid droplets. In the case of a dominant response from the continuous phase or the drops, the results can be described with Palierne's model. However, for the intermediate elastocapillary series we show that the evolution of the storage and loss moduli decouple with dispersed phase volume fraction. We attribute the increase of loss factor with volume fraction to the high polydispersity in droplet size. We can further modulate the response of the materials by cooling to freeze the droplets. This approach allows us to compare these soft solid emulsions with theories related to solid dispersions.

Prediction of Dielectric Loss Factor of Wood in Radio Frequency Heating and Drying Based on IPOA-BP Modeling

In this paper, an Improved Pelican Optimization Algorithm (IPOA) was proposed to optimize a BP neural network model to predict the dielectric loss factor of wood in the RF heating and drying process. The neural network model was trained and optimized using MATLAB 2022b software, and the prediction results of the BP neural network with POA-BP and IPOA-BP models were compared. The results show that the IPOA-optimized BP neural network model is more accurate than the traditional BP neural network model. After the BP neural network model with IPOA optimization was used to predict the dielectric loss factor of wood, the value increased by 4.3%, the MAE decreased by 68%, and the RMSE decreased by 67%. The results provided by the study using the IPOA-BP model show that the prediction of the dielectric loss factor of wood under different macroscopic conditions in radio frequency heating and drying of wood can be realized without the need for highly costly and prolonged experimental studies.

Substructure-based topology optimization design method for passive constrained damping structures

Abstract This work presents a generalized substructure-based topology optimization method for passive constrained layer damping (PCLD) structures. Here, the model of PCLD structure is obtained by the Kirchhoff-Love thin plate formulation. And the whole structure is assumed to be composed of substructures with different yet connected scales and artificial lattice geometry features. Each substructure is condensed into a super-element to obtain the associated density-related matrices under the different geometry feature parameters. And the surrogate model for the stiffness and mass matrix of PCLD substructures with different densities has been particularly built. Using cubic spline interpolation, the derivatives of super-element matrices to the associated densities can be evaluated efficiently and accurately. The modal loss factor is defined as objective functions and topology optimization for the PCLD structures is formulated based on the model for PCLD plates which are described by combining the condensed substructures. Numerical examples under two lattice patterns of substructures and their corresponding physical tests show that the correctness and superiority of this substructure-based topology optimization approach for PCLD plates are verified.

Effect of microcapsules’ mechanical stability on the encapsulated cells’ behavior

Stem cell microencapsulation offers immunoprotection, utilizing natural polymers such as sodium alginate (SA), chitosan, and derivatives such as trimethyl chitosan (TMC). Additive minerals improve microcapsule properties and cell differentiation. Layering increases mechanical strength and shields cells from the host’s immune system. This study explores the impact of incorporating nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) and graphene oxide (GO) into the three-layer alginate–TMC–alginate microcapsules housing human adipose mesenchymal stem cells (haMSCs). The experimental design focused on optimizing the mechanical stability, with the ideal GO and nHA contents identified as 0.81% and 34% w/w, respectively. Rheological analysis revealed enhanced mechanical consistency, evidenced by higher storage modulus and lower loss factor in the optimized sample. Viability of the microencapsulated haMSCs, assessed through acridine orange/propidium iodide staining and MTT assays, affirmed the nontoxic nature of the microcapsules. Osteogenic potential was evaluated via alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity measurement and immunocytochemistry staining. Microcapsules containing nHA and GO exhibited significantly elevated ALP activity, underscoring the pivotal role of these additives in enhancing mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. The highest osteocalcin deposition occurred in the optimized and SA/nHA 40% w/w groups in the differentiation medium. This comprehensive investigation highlights the potential of three-layer microcapsules with nHA and GO for bone tissue engineering applications.

Bioinspired stiff–soft gradient network structure for high-performance impact-resistant elastomers

Traditional impact-resistance materials relying on the combination of supporting materials and energy-dissipation elastomers can effectively reduce shock load, yet the sharp interface between two types of materials causes discontinuous stress transfer and cracking. Here, inspired by the squid beak, we report a type of high impact-resistance gradient elastomers with large-scale modulus gradient with about three orders of magnitude (modulus range of 7 × 103 ∼ 7 × 106 Pa) and high energy dissipation (loss factor > 0.6) over a wide temperature range by diffusively introducing stiff polymers in a highly damping elastomer with controlled mechanical properties. Under the action of an external force, our gradient elastomers exhibit soft-while-stiff attributes, combining cushioning and support. In drop hammer impact tests, our gradient materials can reduce impact strength by 80 %, significantly better than commercial protective gear. It is worth mentioning that the modulus of the bottom layer matches that of the tissues for better protection.

Potential association of rheumatic diseases with bone mineral density and fractures: a bi-directional mendelian randomization study

BackgroundPrevious studies have implicated rheumatoid arthritis as an independent risk factor for bone density loss. However, whether there is a causal relationship between rheumatic diseases and bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures is still controversial. We employed a bidirectional Mendelian analysis to explore the causal relationship between rheumatic diseases and BMD or fractures.MethodsThe rheumatic diseases instrumental variables (IVs) were obtained from a large Genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis dataset of European descent. Analyses were performed for the three rheumatic diseases: ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (n = 22,647 cases, 99,962 single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n = 58,284 cases, 13,108,512 SNPs), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (n = 14,267 cases, 7,071,163 SNPs). Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were carried out by using R language TwoSampleMR version 0.5.7. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median methods were used to analyze the causal relationship between rheumatic diseases and BMD or fracture.ResultsThe MR results revealed that there was absence of evidence for causal effect of AS on BMD or fracture. However, there is a positive causal relationship of RA with fracture of femur (95% CI = 1.0001 to 1.077, p = 0.046), and RA and fracture of forearm (95% CI = 1.015 to 1.064, p = 0.001). SLE had positive causal links for fracture of forearm (95% CI = 1.004 to 1.051, p = 0.020). Additionally, increasing in heel bone mineral density (Heel-BMD) and total bone mineral density (Total-BMD) can lead to a reduced risk of AS without heterogeneity or pleiotropic effects. The results were stable and reliable. There was absence of evidence for causal effect of fracture on RA (95% CI = 0.929 to 1.106, p = 0.759), and fracture on SLE (95% CI = 0.793 to 1.589, p = 0.516).ConclusionsRA and SLE are risk factors for fractures. On the other hand, BMD increasing can reduce risk of AS. Our results indicate that rheumatic diseases may lead to an increased risk of fractures, while increased BMD may lead to a reduced risk of rheumatic diseases. These findings provide insight into the risk of BMD and AS, identifying a potential predictor of AS risk as a reduction in BMD.

Identification of water transitions using a combination of moisture sorption characteristics and dielectric properties of different parts of jasmine rice (Oryza sativa).

In this work, water transition points (first transition: monolayer-multilayer water; and second transition: multilayer-free and solvent water) of different parts of jasmine rice including white rice, brown rice and bran were identified through the integration of sorption isotherm and dielectric properties data. Desorption isotherm data were fitted to four established models to select the optimal model for describing the sorption behaviors. Then, dielectric properties such as dielectric constant (ε') and dielectric loss factor (ε″) were measured across various moisture content levels within the frequency range of 200-20 000 MHz. A type III isotherm was observed for all samples and the Peleg model was the best fit with the experimental data. Monolayer moisture content of the samples, estimated using the GAB model, ranged from 3.25% to 4.17% dry basis. For dielectric properties, frequency and moisture dependencies were evident for all sample types. Moreover, the sorption isotherm models effectively described the relationship between water activity (aw) and dielectric properties as reflected by their goodness of fit, and their strong correlation through principal component analysis and Pearson's correlation results. The first water transition occurs at aw values of 0.11, 0.12, and 0.22, while the second transition appears at aw values of 0.9, 0.9 and 0.75-0.85 for white rice, brown rice and bran, respectively. This knowledge will be useful for food processors, providing insights into the optimization of food processing and storage conditions to extend food products' shelf life. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

P-010 Impact of paternal occupational exposures on fetal loss in the female partner: a systematic review

Abstract Study question Are paternal occupational exposures associated with a higher risk of fetal loss in the unexposed female partner? Summary answer Significant positive associations between paternal occupational exposures and fetal loss were retrieved, for chemical and physical agents and for several occupations. What is known already Adverse pregnancy outcomes are frequent and, in its recently updated guidelines, the ESHRE reinforced the interest of exploring the father’s exposures. Nevertheless, causes of fetal loss are still most often investigated only in mothers. Paternal risk factors for fetal loss have been scarcely explored, particularly occupational exposures. Though, males appear to be more exposed to occupational reprotoxic agents than females and are not always aware or sufficiently informed of these exposures. Reprotoxic mechanisms of father’s occupational exposures may include sperm nucleus alteration, seminal fluid contamination and/or indirect exposure of the mother to paternal occupational environment (via linen, dust…). Study design, size, duration A systematic review of the literature using PRISMA 2020 methodology was performed for full text English and French language articles in the Pubmed MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Embase databases. Participants/materials, setting, methods We included only original studies published until December 2022, performed in humans, including a control group and performing a multivariate analysis. The fetal losses analysed were early and/or late and we did not exclude studies analysing stillbirths. We excluded studies in which the female partner was also occupationally exposed. The dose-response relationship and mechanisms of action were noted where described. Main results and the role of chance The 33 studies included analysed a total of 540,246 pregnancies from 8,183 couples or 114,093 exposed male workers, and were classified into 3 groups according to the occupational hazards studied. Regarding chemical agents, the risk of miscarriage was significantly increased in cases of paternal occupational exposure to Thiocarbamate(OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.3), Carbaryl (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.9-3.1), Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.13-2.18), printing solvents (OR = 5.5, 95% CI 1.8-17.2), ethylene oxide (OR = 4.7, 95% CI 1.2-18.4), petroleum refinery solvents (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.8) and stainless steel welding fumes (RR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.3-9.1). Regarding physical agents, the risk of stillbirth or perinatal mortality was significantly increased with exposure to ionising (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.21-2.76) and nonionising radiation (RR = 2.23, 95% CI 1.08-4.62). Regarding the type of occupation, the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth was significantly increased among crushers, grinders and calenders (OR = 2.20, 95% CI 1.13-4.30), to seamstresses (OR = 2.54, 95% CI 1.29-5), sheet metal workers and commercial aircrew (OR = 2.85, 95% CI 1.30-6.23). The dose-response relationships showed divergent results. The mechanisms of action hypothesized were mainly germ cell mutations. Limitations, reasons for caution The publications selected were mostly published before 2010 and showed high variation in the population sizes, types of male occupational exposure, and in the nature and number of confounding factors used for the multivariate statistical analysis. Due to the various nature of exposures analysed, no meta-analysis could be performed. Wider implications of the findings Men should be made more aware of male-mediated occupational reproductive risks. Occupational health professionals should participate in the investigation of the causes of foetal loss and act on male occupational exposures that may impact pregnancy outcomes. Further high-powered prospective studies are needed, which should include paternal current occupational exposures. Trial registration number not applicable

Kinetics of crystallization and soft magnetic properties of Co72Fe8B10Si10 amorphous alloys

Co72Fe8B10Si10 amorphous alloy was prepared in an Ar atmosphere using a single roller rapid quenching technique at a wheel speed of 25 m/s. The prepared ribbons were annealed for 1 h at temperatures ranging from 473 to 773 K. X-ray diffractometer was used to observe the microstructure transformation. Field emission scanning electron micrographs exhibit mosaic type structures that become more prominent with increasing annealing temperature. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was also utilized to observe the concentrations of elements. The Kissinger and Ozawa equations were utilized to determine the amorphous alloy's crystallization activation energy. The two methods revealed consistent findings in their calculations. At 473 K, the obtained maximum real initial permeability (μ′max) is 376 which remains unchanged up to 10 kHz, whereas for 573 K, μ′max is noted to be 361 to 100 kHz. Other magnetic parameters such as loss factor, quality factor, and relative quality factor were also investigated for the Co72Fe8B10Si10 amorphous alloy to elucidate its suitability in such materials based devices.

The relationship between Sjögren's syndrome and recurrent pregnancy loss: a bioinformatics analysis

Research QuestionSjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease and also an essential factor in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). What are the gene-related relationships between SS and RPL pathogenesis? DesignWe obtained the SS- and RPL-related gene datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and identified the co-expression modules and shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in diseases through the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and limma analysis based on sample size. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were applied to reveal the hidden biological pathways. Additionally, shared hub gene identification, gene set enrichment analysis, hub gene's association with ferroptosis and immunity, drug sensitivity analysis, single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, and construction of ceRNA network were conducted. ResultsBy intersecting the genes from the WGCNA and limma analysis, one shared hub gene (KCNN3) was derived, exhibiting upregulation in SS and RPL. There was a positive relationship between KCNN3 and the immune-related gene TLR2. The ceRNA network revealed that XIST was the most shared lncRNA and could competitively bind with 8 miRNAs to regulate the expression of KCNN3. Forty-eight drugs were found to be strongly associated with KCNN3 expression, such as Estramustine and cyclosporine. Moreover, KCNN3 exhibited high expression in RPL endothelial cells of villus tissue. ConclusionsThis research is one of the initial studies to reveal that SS shares common biological pathways with RPL. KCNN3 was identified as the one hub gene correlated with SS and RPL, and it may be a new target for mechanistic studies on SS and RPL.