Multifactorial Model Research Articles

REDUCTION OF OCCUPATIONAL RISKS FOR THE HEALTH OF WORKERS AND IMPROVEMENT OF ECOLOGICAL SAFETY OF THE ENVIRONMENT DURING CLEANING OF INDUSTRIAL EMISSIONS OF METALLURGICAL ENTERPRISES

Purpose: prevention of occupational risks and reduction of the negative impact on the health of workers of industrial flue gases, along with the improvement of environmental safety thanks to mathematical modeling regarding the rationalization of technological indicators of sulfur removal at production enterprises. Design / methodology / approach: the use of regression analysis is implemented as the main research method. Conclusions: a multifactorial mathematical model of the dependence of the degree of reduction of the content of sulfur dioxide in gaseous products on the technological parameters of flue gas filtration was built using industrial data. This makes it possible to rationalize the technological parameters of production with further regulation of the sulfur dioxide purification process to increase its efficiency. Achieving a reduction in flue gas pollution with sulfur dioxide contributes to reducing the harmful effects on the health of workers, preventing occupational risks, and increasing the level of environmental safety. Limitations / implications of the research: the interrelationship of desulfurization production parameters was investigated in certain intervals according to the features of the technological process, which determines the corresponding limitations of the use of the constructed mathematical model. Practical consequences: the interrelationship of technological indicators of industrial production is determined, which allows adjusting the value of the degree of purification of flue gases from sulfur dioxide when changing the technological parameters of filtration with the establishment of the most favorable conditions. The obtained results can be used to improve the production process of enterprises whose activities are accompanied by gaseous emissions: metallurgical plants, thermal power plants, etc. Originality / value: a multifactorial mathematical model of the dependence of the degree of purification of flue gases from sulfur dioxide on the technological parameters of the industrial process was built. The obtained results were presented in the form of a multivariate regression equation. On the basis of the obtained dependence, for a better visual perception, graphs were constructed in the form of surfaces, respectively, for some of the studied technological parameters.

The importance of BUD13 in the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma revealed by pan-cancer analysis.

RNA splicing is an essential process involved in many aspects of cell proliferation, survival and differentiation, and given the importance of RNA splicing in gene regulation, alterations in this biological behavior have been associated with many human cancers. BUD13 as an RNA binding protein (RBP) has been sparsely studied in tumors; consequently, there is a compelling need to further investigate the expression profile of BUD13 in human cancers to provide new molecular clues for the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. For this porpuse, we used a series of bioinformatics methods to synthesize the relationship between BUD13 and prognosis, tumor microenvironment (TME), immune infiltration, tumor mutational load (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI), and tried to find the potential biological processes of BUD13 in tumors by GSEA and GSVA. And the association between the expression of BUD13 gene and prognosis was predicted by constructing a nomogram of hepatocellular carcinoma by multifactorial regression model. Results showed tgat in the present study, we found that elevated expression of BUD13 is associated with poorer OS in a numerous cancers, including ACC, KIRC, LGG, LIHC, READ, THYM, and UCS.More importantly, BUD13 expression levels were also significantly correlated with TME. Our results also indicated that BUD13 expression was closely associated with Pyroptosis genes and immune-related genes. Furthermore, BUD13 expression was associated with TMB, MSI and antitumor drug sensitivity in various cancer types. Functional bioinformatics analysis indicated that BUD13 may be involved in multiple signaling pathways and biological processes in hepatocellular carcinoma. Based on BUD13 expression, a risk factor model was found to predict OS in hepatocellular carcinoma. In conclusion, overall this study suggests that BUD13 expression is associated with poor prognosis and may be involved in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma, which may be further explored as a potential prognostic marker and new targeted therapy.

Associations of Lesbian and Gay Identity with Relationship Status and Satisfaction

ABSTRACT Based on a multifactorial sexual orientation identity model, this study examined how lesbian and gay (LG) identity formation is associated with relationship status and relationship satisfaction. Data stem from a sample of 1,190 LG individuals (18–40 years; 47% female). Using a variable-centered approach, LG identity formation, as indicated by eight factors, was unrelated to relationship status (60% were in a relationship) but substantially related to relationship satisfaction. The correlation pattern, however, was complex. The picture was clearer when using a person-centered approach. Two profiles were identified, indicating affirmed versus struggling LG identities. Participants classified as affirmed identities were more than twice as likely to be in a relationship, and those in a relationship reported substantially higher levels of relationship satisfaction.

Sperm capacitation as a predictor of boar fertility.

Prediction of a boar's fertility level has great economic importance for sow herds. After standard sperm morphology and motility metrics are met, approximately 25% of boars have less than 80% conception rates. Due in part to the many factors involved in the fertilization process, a multifactorial model incorporating multiple relevant sperm physiology factors will likely lead to increased understanding of boar fertility. Here we review the current literature on boar sperm capacitation as a predictor of boar fertility. While limited, several studies have provided correlations between the percentage of sperm in an ejaculate that are capable of undergoing sperm capacitation in a chemically defined media and artificial insemination field fertility as well as proteome and other methods. Work summarized here underscores the need for further understanding of boar fertility.

Predictive Value of the Modified GRACE Scoring System for All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

To establish a modified Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) scoring system with an improved predictive performance compared with the traditional GRACE scoring system. We identified 5512 patients who were hospitalized with a definite diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2020, at the Heart Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University through the hospital's electronic medical record system. A total of 4561 patients were enrolled after the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. The mean follow-up was 51.8 23.4 months. The patients were divided into dead and alive groups by endpoint events. The differences between the two groups were compared using the two-sample t test and chi-square test. Adjusted traditional risk factors as well as LogBNP (B-type natriuretic peptide precursor, BNP) and the modified GRACE scoring system were included in a multifactorial COX regression model. The predictive performance of the traditional and modified GRACE scoring systems was compared by (Receiver Operating Characteristic) ROC curves. Significant differences in age, heart rate, creatinine, uric acid, LogBNP, traditional GRACE score, and modified GRACE score were found between the dead and alive groups by the two-sample t test. Comparison of the two groups by the chi-square test revealed that the dead group had a higher incidence of males; higher cardiac function class; a previous history of hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease (CAD), or cerebrovascular disease; a history of smoking; the need for intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support; and more patients taking aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor, and -blockers. The results were analyzed by a multifactorial COX regression model, and after adjusting for confounders, age, cardiac function class, history of CAD, use of aspirin and -blockers, and the modified GRACE scoring system were found to be associated with all-cause mortality (ACM) in patients with AMI. The ROC curve was used to compare the predictive performance of the conventional GRACE scoring system with that of the modified GRACE scoring system, and it was found that the modified GRACE scoring system (Area Under Curve (AUC) = 0.809, p 0.001, 95% (Confidence Interval) CI (0.789-0.829)) was significantly better than the traditional GRACE scoring system (AUC = 0.786, p 0.001, 95% CI (0.764-0.808)), the comparison between the two scores was statistically significant (p 0.001). The change in the C statistic after 10-fold crossover internal validation of the modified GRACE score was not significant, and the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) between the old and new models was calculated with IDI = 0.019 0, suggesting that the modified GRACE score has a positive improvement on the traditional GRACE score. The modified GRACE scoring system, established by combining B-type natriuretic peptide precursor (BNP) and the traditional GRACE scoring system, was independently associated with ACM in patients with AMI, with a larger AUC and higher predictive value than the traditional GRACE scoring system. NCT02737956.

Generic approach to evaluating territorial attractiveness in a bipolar cities system: the case of north-eastern Algeria

Evaluating territorial attractiveness can result in several interpretations due to the multidimensional nature of the concept, starting from economy and expanding into many fi elds such as geography and social studies, in this paper, we attempt to analyze the existing economic-urban dilemma in the north-east region of Algeria by evaluating the attractiveness of its two national metropolises as separate territorial units. Th e main objective of the study was to explore the possibility of evaluating the three facets of attractiveness simultaneously in a bipolar cities system. Our method is not in itself new; it has been used as a model for assessment in many other regions of the developing world suff ering from lack of data and economic-urban issues, but this is the fi rst time it has been used to assess attractiveness. Th is multi-factorial model with synthetic indicators will help us to have a general view of the issue and to defi ne strengths and weaknesses of both territorial units. However, the limits of this methodology will be the percentage uncertainty that lies in the subjectivity of the weighting step performed by experts.

P10: CFD Simulation Of Thrombosis In A Catheter Pump Inside The Left Ventricle

Study: Catheter pumps are small axial flow assist devices indicated for temporary use for a variety of indications. Uniquely positioned within the circulation, the pump impeller and motor are situated in the ascending aorta, and blood is pumped from the left ventricle (LV) via a long angled inlet cannula. The interplay of pulsatile LV blood dynamics with hemocompatibility performance of a catheter pump is not well characterized. The purpose of this study is to conduct computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation that includes multifactorial and synergistic models of blood damage to a catheter pump within a virtual in-vivo environment to analyze its hemodynamics. Methods: A generic catheter pump whose shape is inspired by the Impella 5.0 is situated within a static geometry consisting of a semi-realistic LV and aorta. We apply bloodDamageFoam, an OpenFOAM-based CFD code, to predict the hemodynamic flow and blood damage generated by the pump operating at 20 kRPM. The thrombosis model includes seven biochemical and biophysical agonists and accounts for the effects of high shear stress induced activation of von Willebrand factor. Results: CFD predicted 4.43 LPM blood flow rate from the LV delivered into the aorta. Moderate levels of hemolysis were predicted. The thrombosis model showed moderate degrees of platelet deposition on the cage of the inlet cannula and within the catheter pump chamber. Because the LV in this simulation was not beating, unrealistically large regions of flow stagnation and high platelet activation were observed in the LV. To address this, realistic pulsatility of a dilated LV is currently being modeled. Our latest progress will be presented at the meeting.

Development and internal validation of a multifactorial risk prediction model for gallbladder cancer in a high-incidence country.

Since 2006, Chile has been implementing a gallbladder cancer (GBC) prevention program based on prophylactic cholecystectomy for gallstone patients aged 35 to 49 years. The effectiveness of this prevention program has not yet been comprehensively evaluated. We conducted a retrospective study of 473 Chilean GBC patients and 2137 population-based controls to develop and internally validate three GBC risk prediction models. The Baseline Model accounted for gallstones while adjusting for sex and birth year. Enhanced Model I also included the non-genetic risk factors: body mass index, educational level, Mapuche surnames, number of children and family history of GBC. Enhanced Model II further included Mapuche ancestry and the genotype for rs17209837. Multiple Cox regression was applied to assess the predictive performance, quantified by the area under the precision-recall curve (AUC-PRC) and the number of cholecystectomies needed (NCN) to prevent one case of GBC at age 70 years. The AUC-PRC for the Baseline Model (0.44%, 95%CI 0.42-0.46) increased by 0.22 (95%CI 0.15-0.29) when non-genetic factors were included, and by 0.25 (95%CI 0.20-0.30) when incorporating non-genetic and genetic factors. The overall NCN for Chileans with gallstones (115, 95%CI 104-131) decreased to 92 (95%CI 60-128) for Chileans with a higher risk than the median according to Enhanced Model I, and to 80 (95%CI 59-110) according to Enhanced Model II. In conclusion, age, sex and gallstones are strong risk factors for GBC, but consideration of other non-genetic factors and individual genotype data improves risk prediction and may optimize allocation of financial resources and surgical capacity.

Early decrease of blood myeloid-derived suppressor cells during checkpoint inhibition is a favorable biomarker in metastatic melanoma

BackgroundThe need for reliable clinical biomarkers to predict which patients with melanoma will benefit from immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) remains unmet. Several different parameters have been considered in the past,...

Factors Affecting Radial Artery Occlusion After Right Transradial Artery Catheterization for Coronary Intervention and Procedures.

To determine the factors influencing proximal radial artery occlusion (PRAO) right radial artery after coronary intervention. This is a single-center prospective observational study. A total of 460 patients were selected to undergo coronary angiography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via the proximal transradial approach (PTRA) or distal transradial approach (DTRA). The 6F sheath tube were received by all patients. Radial artery ultrasound was performed 1 day before procedure and 1-4 days after procedure. Patients were divided into the PRAO group (42 cases) and the non-PRAO group (418 cases). General clinical data and preoperative radial artery ultrasound indexes of the two groups were compared to analyze related factors leading to PRAO. The total incidence of PRAO was 9.1%, including 3.8% for DTAR and 12.7% for PTRA. The PRAO rate of DTRA was significantly lower than that of PTRA (p < 0.05). Female, low body weight, low body mass index (BMI) and CAG patients were more likely to develop PRAO after procedure (p < 0.05). The internal diameter and cross-sectional area of the distal radial artery and proximal radial artery were smaller in the PRAO group than in the non-PRAO group, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Multifactorial model analysis showed that the puncture approach, radial artery diameter and procedure type were predictive factors of PRAO, and the receiver operating characteristic curve showed a good predictive value. A larger radial artery diameter and DTRA may reduce the incidence of PRAO. Preoperative radial artery ultrasound can guide the clinical selection of appropriate arterial sheath and puncture approach.

AVOIDANCE OF OCCUPATIONAL RISKS OF WORKERS AND MAN-MADE EMERGENCY SITUATIONS DURING CLEANING OF METALLURGICAL EMISSIONS

The article highlights the problem of increasing the level of flue gas filtration at industrial enterprises using the example of the metallurgical industry with the determination of technologically possible ways to increase the level of sulfur removal from gaseous emissions into the atmosphere. This can prevent occupational risks for employees of enterprises due to the reduction of the harmful effects of the components of industrial emissions on occupational health. Increasing the level of understanding of the impact of technological parameters on the target result opens up opportunities for organizing a more balanced and stable flue gas cleaning process. This, in turn, increases the ability of factories to comply with sanitary standards and prevent emergencies of a man-made nature when the maximum permissible concentrations of harmful components in gaseous emissions are exceeded. Solving this problem is possible when using mathematical modeling based on determining the relationship between the level of sulfur removal and the technological indicators of the desulfurization process. Regression analysis was used as a method for building a mathematical model. At the same time, the construction of a multifactorial mathematical model was carried out, based on the industrial parameters of the production of the metallurgical enterprise. The visualization of the obtained results is carried out by presenting the constructed mathematical model as three-dimensional graphs in the form of surfaces with the involvement of some of the technological indicators. The obtained results make it possible to optimize the production indicators to increase the efficiency of the desulfurization of gaseous emissions of the industrial enterprise. At the same time, additional aspects of the relationship between filtration indicators and the degree of purification from harmful components in flue gases are revealed, which allows to establish the most favorable process conditions and can be used not only in the metallurgical industry, but also in the thermal power industry. Keywords: industrial gases, desulfurization, labor hygiene, risks, occupational diseases, environmental safety.

APPLICATION OF DISCRIMINANT MODELS FOR EVALUATING THE PROBABILITY OF BANKRUPTCY ON THE EXAMPLEOF JSC "UKRZALIZNYTSYA"

The purpose of the article is to study the features of the application and approval of foreign and domestic multifactor discriminant models for assessing the probability of bankruptcy on the example of the joint-stock company "Ukrzaliznytsia" in order to determine the level of their reliability and justify the possibilities of their practical use.A comparative analysis of discriminant models developed by foreign and domestic scientists was conducted. The leading indicators of assessing the probability of bankruptcy of the joint-stockcompany "Ukrzaliznytsia" were calculated using the models of E.Altman, R.Lees, G.Springate, R. Tuffler, G.Tishou, V.Biver, O.Tereshchenko, O.Matviychuk.The models chosen for analysis generally assess the enterprise's financial state with a reasonably high degree of accuracy, which is a determining factor in anti-crisis management. A comparative analysis of the financial condition of JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia" for the years 2018-2020 and the results of assessing the probability of bankruptcy with the helpof the researched discriminant models of foreign and domestic scientists showed that the most reliable result, which reflects the actual state of the enterprise, obtained according to the coefficient of V.Beaver and the models of R.Tuffler and G.Tishou, O.Tereshchenko.While researching the possibilities of using various multifactorial discriminant models, it was established that their main advantage is the express diagnosis of the enterprise's financial state based on a limited group of indicators to promptly identify the threat of bankruptcy. It was found that the studied models also have certain shortcomings. However, despite the identified shortcomings, using multivariate discriminant models to assess the probability of bankruptcy allows us to monitor changes in the enterprise's financial condition. Improving and developing new models for diagnosing a crisis state and assessing the probability of bankruptcy of enterprises, searching for and substantiating optimal factors to adapt already developed discriminatory models and increase their reliability remains a relevant direction of further research.

Cross-disciplinary Prevalence and Associated Factors for Work-Related Discomfort in Users of Ultrasonography: Implications for Sonography Professionals and Health Care Administrators

Objective: Work-related discomfort is a pervasive issue among ultrasonography users. The Sonography Work Systems (SWS) framework was constructed as a means of examining relationships within and across components of the sonography work systems, work processes, and work/worker outcomes. A database of ultrasonography users was established as a foundation for a longitudinal survey study to examine worker health and well-being and explore the most salient work systems and process factors associated with work-related discomfort. Materials and Methods: An estimated 100 000 unique ultrasonography users were invited to complete the online questionnaire through an e-mail campaign. Snowball sampling occurred through social media posts and encouragement for respondents to share the survey link with colleagues. The questionnaire included items that examined participant demographics, selected constructs from the SWS, and the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort, visual discomfort, and headaches. Individual and multi-factorial regression models were conducted to examine SWS factors associated with the likelihood of experiencing the three types of work-related discomfort. Results: A total of 3659 valid responses were included in the analysis, with 86% of respondents reporting that they regularly experienced musculoskeletal discomfort that they directly attributed to their work. About half (54.2%) of the respondents have engaged in sonography-related ergonomics training, and respondents indicated using adjustable equipment approximately 74% of the time. Workplace culture was rated as primarily positive, but respondents indicated that employers implement only two of seven commonly recommended ergonomic policies and procedures. Working in an organization with more policies, using adjustable equipment more frequently, taking more work breaks, engaging in a positive work culture, and minimizing interruptions to workflow were key factors associated with reduced likelihood of work-related discomfort. Conclusion: This study provides a new framework for examining and addressing factors that contribute to ultrasonography users’ experience of work-related discomfort. Despite increased participation in ergonomics training and the use of adjustable equipment, the prevalence of work-related discomfort remains high among ultrasonography users. The findings highlight the need for attention to be directed at organizational factors and work processes to identify and implement evidence-based solutions to improve the health and well-being of medical ultrasound users.

Correlation and clinical significance of VISTA expression and cervical squamous cell carcinoma

Objective: To explore the relationship between the expression of the T-cell activation suppressor-immunoglobulin variable region (VISTA) and the development of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), and the impact on the prognosis of CSCC patients. Methods: Cervical tissue samples from 116 CSCC, including 23 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade I, 23 CIN grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ, and 23 chronic cervicitis patients, were collected from the First Hospital of Soochow University between March 2014 and April 2019. The expression of VISTA in each group was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Survival data of CSCC patients were obtained by follow-up. The survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier method, and survival differences between groups were compared by Log rank test. Prognostic impact factors were analyzed using a multifactorial Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The positive rate of VISTA expression in CSCC group was 32.8% (38/116), and which of grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ was 17.4% (4/23). VISTA expression results showed no positive expression patients in the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade I and chronic cervicitis groups. The differences between the CSCC group and other groups were statistically significant (P<0.01). In 116 CSCC patients, VISTA expression was associated with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage and lymph node metastasis (P<0.01). The mean survival time of patients in the VISTA positive expression group was 30.7 months, and the 3-year survival rate was 44.7% (17/38). However, the mean survival time of the patients in the VISTA negative expression group was 49.1 months, and the 3-year survival rate was 87.2% (68/78). The Cox regression model found that VISTA expression positivity (P=0.001) and FIGO stage (P=0.047) were prognostic factors for CSCC, and patients with VISTA-positive CSCC had a 4.130-fold risk of death higher than those with VISTA-negative expression. Conclusions: The VISTA protein is highly expressed in CSCC tissues, and its expression level is closely related to the occurrence and development of CSCC. The expression of VISTA can be used as an independent predictor of CSCC prognosis and can provide a strong basis for the treatment of CSCC with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Assessment of the diagnostic value and prognosis of different detection markers in endocervical adenocarcinoma

Objective: To study the diagnostic value of different detection markers in histological categories of endocervical adenocarcinoma (ECA), and their assessment of patient prognosis. Methods: A retrospective study of 54 patients with ECA in the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from 2005-2010 were performed. The cases of ECA were classified into two categories, namely human papillomavirus-associated adenocarcinoma (HPVA) and non-human papillomavirus-associated adenocarcinoma (NHPVA), based on the 2018 international endocervical adenocarcinoma criteria and classification (IECC). To detect HR-HPV DNA and HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA in all patients, we used whole tissue section PCR (WTS-PCR) and HPV E6/E7 mRNA in situ hybridization (ISH) techniques, respectively. Additionally, we performed Laser microdissection PCR (LCM-PCR) on 15 randomly selected HR-HPV DNA-positive cases to confirm the accuracy of the above two assays in identifying ECA lesions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyze the efficacy of markers to identify HPVA and NHPVA. Univariate and multifactorial Cox proportional risk model regression analyses were performed for factors influencing ECA patients' prognoses. Results: Of the 54 patients with ECA, 30 were HPVA and 24 were NHPVA. A total of 96.7% (29/30) of HPVA patients were positive for HR-HPV DNA and 63.3% (19/30) for HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA, and 33.3% (8/24) of NHPVA patients were positive for HR-HPV DNA and HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA was not detected (0/24), and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). LCM-PCR showed that five patients were positive for HR-HPV DNA in the area of glandular epithelial lesions and others were negative, which was in good agreement with the E6/E7 mRNA ISH assay (Kappa=0.842, P=0.001). Analysis of the ROC results showed that the AUC of HR-HPV DNA, HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA, and p16 to identify HPVA and NHPVA were 0.817, 0.817, and 0.692, respectively, with sensitivities of 96.7%, 63.3%, and 80.0% and specificities of 66.7%, 100.0%, and 58.3%, respectively. HR-HPV DNA identified HPVA and NHPVA with higher AUC than p16 (P=0.044). The difference in survival rates between HR-HPV DNA (WTS-PCR assay) positive and negative patients was not statistically significant (P=0.156), while the difference in survival rates between HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA positive and negative patients, and p16 positive and negative patients were statistically significant (both P<0.05). Multifactorial Cox regression analysis showed that International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) staging (HR=19.875, 95% CI: 1.526-258.833) and parametrial involvement (HR=14.032, 95% CI: 1.281-153.761) were independent factors influencing the prognosis of patients with ECA. Conclusions: HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA is more reflective of HPV infection in ECA tissue. The efficacy of HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA and HR-HPV DNA (WTS-PCR assay) in identifying HPVA and NHPVA is similar, with higher sensitivity of HR-HPV DNA and higher specificity of HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA. HR-HPV DNA is more effective than p16 in identifying HPVA and NHPVA. HPV E6/E7 mRNA and p16 positive ECA patients have better survival rates than negative.

Hydrogen sulfide alleviates heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in mice by targeting mitochondrial abnormalities via PGC-1α

AimIncreasing evidence has proposed that mitochondrial abnormalities may be an important factor contributing to the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been suggested to play a pivotal role in regulating mitochondrial function. Therefore, the present study was designed to explore the protective effect of H2S on mitochondrial dysfunction in a multifactorial mouse model of HFpEF. MethodsWild type, 8-week-old, male C57BL/6J mice or cardiomyocyte specific-Cse (Cystathionine γ-lyase, a major H2S-producing enzyme) knockout mice (CSEcko) were given high-fat diet (HFD) and l-NAME (an inhibitor of constitutive nitric oxide synthases) or standardized chow. After 4 weeks, mice were randomly administered with NaHS (a conventional H2S donor), ZLN005 (a potent transcriptional activator of PGC-1α) or vehicle. After additional 4 weeks, echocardiogram and mitochondrial function were evaluated. Expression of PGC-1α, NRF1 and TFAM in cardiomyocytes was assayed by Western blot. ResultsChallenging with HFD and l-NAME in mice not only caused HFpEF but also inhibited the production of endogenous H2S in a time-dependent manner. Meanwhile the expression of PGC-1α and mitochondrial function in cardiomyocytes were impaired. Supplementation with NaHS not only upregulated the expression of PGC-1α, NRF1 and TFAM in cardiomyocytes but also restored mitochondrial function and ultrastructure, conferring an obvious improvement in cardiac diastolic function. In contrast, cardiac deletion of CSE gene aggravated the inhibition of PGC-1α-NRF1-TFAM pathway, mitochondrial abnormalities and diastolic dysfunction. The deleterious effect observed in CSEcko HFpEF mice was partially counteracted by pre-treatment with ZLN005 or supplementation with NaHS. ConclusionOur findings have demonstrated that H2S ameliorates left ventricular diastolic dysfunction by restoring mitochondrial abnormalities via upregulating PGC-1α and its downstream targets NRF1 and TFAM, suggesting the therapeutic potential of H2S supplementation in multifactorial HFpEF.

Improving financial diagnostics of the emergence and development of crisis situations in agricultural organizations

The study of the crisis situations features in agricultural organizations is a crucial task, the solution of which will allow further understanding of the essence of crisis phenomena in agroindustrial complex and develop effective measures to overcome crises in agricultural organizations.Based on the systematization and refinement of the theoretical and methodological foundations and the identified practical trends and patterns on the issues under study, the authors develop a system for assessing the financial condition of agricultural organizations to determine the likelihood of a crisis situation, including the use of multifactorial indicator models of the financial status and performance of an agricultural organization.

How can nonprofit boards innovate for growth? An integrative‐systematic review

AbstractDespite the nonprofit sector's significance in economic contribution, workforce, and social impact, it faces unique innovation hurdles and is not well positioned for sustainability, growth, and prosperity. However, with only a partial, disconnected view from the extant research, we do not understand the relationship between boards and nonprofit innovation for growth. To address this problem, we conducted a systematic literature review drawing on 27 studies published since 2000 to provide a first‐in‐field and comprehensive integration of disparate, mono‐factorial research. We conceptualize a new, multifactorial model that depicts a blend of board composition, relations and practice factors, and organizational and environmental characteristics that influence nonprofit innovation for growth.

Risk Assessment of Allergic Diseases Among Preschool Children in Guangzhou, China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To investigate the lifestyle and stress of mothers during pregnancy to analyze the risk factors for the disease in early childhood. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 2022 to June 2022 in a sub-district in Guangzhou, China. A total of 3437 valid questionnaires were eventually collected. The questionnaire consisted of 56 questions in three sections included questions on child's birth conditions and early life environment, questions on mother's lifestyle during pregnancy, and questions about father. 49.75% of the children were likely to have allergic diseases (suspected allergy group). There were more boys in the suspected allergy group (58% vs 50%), and the percentage of children born at first birth was also higher in the suspected allergy group (61% vs 51%). 67% to 69% of children had suspicious allergies when one parent claimed an allergy, and 80.1% when both parents reported an allergy. The results of the multifactorial logistic model showed that male had 1.49 (1.28 to 1.73) times the risk of allergic diseases than female, and preterm births increased the risk of allergic diseases by 1.53 (1.13-2.07) times compared to full-term births. Both unplanned pregnancies and pregnancy complications increased the risk of allergic diseases in children before school age [1.34 (1.15-1.55) and 1.82 (1.46-2.26)]. Among pregnant women who reported regular passive smoking, the risk of the disease was increased 2.43 (1.71 to 3.50) times in preschool children. Reported allergies in all family members were significant risk factors for allergic diseases in children, especially mother [2.88 (2.41~3.46)]. In the prenatal period, maternal negative emotions are more common in children with suspected allergies. Nearly half of the children in the region suffer from allergic diseases. Sex, birth order and full-term delivery all contributed to early childhood allergy. Family history of allergy, especially maternal, was the most important risk factor, and the number of family members with allergy was significantly associated with the allergy in children. Maternal effects are also reflected in prenatal conditions such as unplanned pregnancy, smoke exposure, pregnancy complications, and prenatal stress.

Aging Mitigation for Battery Energy Storage System in Electric Vehicles

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) have been extensively investigated to improve the efficiency, economy, and stability of modern power systems and electric vehicles (EVs). However, it is still challenging to widely deploy BESS in commercial and industrial applications due to the concerns of battery aging. This paper proposes an integrated battery life loss modeling and anti-aging energy management (IBLEM) method for improving the total economy of BESS in EVs. The quantification of BESS aging cost is realized by a multifactorial battery life loss quantification model established by capturing aging characteristics from cell acceleration aging tests.Meanwhile, a charging event analysis method is proposed to deploy the built life loss model in vehicle BESS management. Two BESS active anti-aging vehicle energy management models: vehicle to grid (V2G) scheduling and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) power distribution, are further designed, where the battery life loss quantification model is used to generate the aging cost feedback signals. The performance of the developed method is validated on a V2G peak-shaving simulation system and a hybrid electric vehicle. The work in this paper presents a practical solution to quantify and mitigate battery aging costs by optimizing energy management strategies and thus can further promote transportation electrification.