Positive Linear Correlation Research Articles

Clinical effect of acupuncture based on the specific response of jing-well point for intractable insomnia: a randomized controlled trial

To evaluate clinical effect and safety on the basis of detecting the specific response of jing-well point in treatment of intractable insomnia with acupuncture by meridian differentiation. Sixty-four patients with intractable insomnia were randomized into an observation group (32 cases, 1 case dropped out and 1 case was eliminated) and a control group (32 cases, 1 case was eliminated). In the observation group, the meridian imbalance value detected at the jing-well point was taken as the evidence so that the corresponding yuan-source and back-shu points were stimulated with acupuncture. In the control group, the routine acupuncture was operated at Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), and bilateral Shenmen (HT 7), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Shenmai (BL 62) and Zhaohai (KI 6). Besides, the detection at jing-well point was performed for blindness in the control group. In the two groups, the interventions were delivered once daily, 5 times a weeks and for consecutive 4 weeks. In the two groups, the scores of Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), insomnia severity index (ISI) and the TCM symptom scale were observed before treatment and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment; the clinical effect and safety were evaluated after treatment; the changes of meridian imbalance value were observed before and after treatment and the correlation analysis with the total score of PSQI was conducted. After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, except the scores for hypnotic drug in the two groups and sleep disorder after 2 weeks of treatment in the control group, the scores of the other factors and the total scores of PSQI were all reduced when compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, except the scores for hypnotic drug in the two groups and sleep disorder in the control group, the scores of the other factors and the total scores of PSQI were lower than those after 2 weeks of treatment in the two groups (P<0.05). After 2 weeks of treatment, the scores for time to fall asleep, sleep efficiency and daytime dysfunction in the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05); and after 4 weeks of treatment, except the scores for sleep disorder and hypnotic drug, the scores of the other factors and the total score of PSQI in the observation group were all lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, ISI scores and the scores of TCM symptom scale decreased when compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the scores of these two scales after 4 weeks of treatment were lower than those after 2 weeks of treatment (P<0.05) in the two groups; and the scores in the observation group were lower than thoese in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in the observation group, higher than that (90.3% [28/31]) in the control group (P<0.05). Of 64 cases, there was only 1 case of mild hematoma in the control group; and no any other adverse events occurred. Among 64 cases, the meridians, with the imbalance frequency ≥30 times, included the pericardium meridian of hand-jueyin and the heart meridian of hand-shaoyin; those with the imbalance frequency ≥20 times, were the kidney meridian of foot-shaoyin, the triple energizers meridian of hand-shaoyang, the gallbladder meridian of foot-shaoyang, the spleen meridian of foot-taiyin and the stomach meridian of foot-yangming. Except the lung meridian of hand-taiyin in the control group, the imbalance value of each meridian was reduced after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.001, P<0.01), and the meridian imbalance value presented a linear positive correlation with the total score of PSQI in the two groups . Meridian differentiation acupuncture based on detecting the specific response of jing-well point can significantly improve the sleep quality and reduce the related symptoms in the patients with intractable insomnia. This therapy promotes the conversion of the meridians from the imbalance to the balance and is satisfactory in its safe operation.

МИГРАЦИИОННАЯ АКТИВНОСТЬ 137CS В АГРОПРОДУКЦИЮ БИОГЕОЦЕНОЗОВ КРАСНОЯРСКОГО КРАЯ

The purpose of the study is to determine the intensity of 137Cs movement along the trophic chain “soil – diet – livestock products” in the agricultural landscapes of the Krasnoyarsk Region with additional radiation load. A literature review of scientific data characterizing the features of the migration activity of 137Cs in the links “soil – feed – livestock products” in agrobiocenoses with radioactive contamination above established standards is given. Based on the results of a radioecological survey of agricultural landscapes in the central regions of the Krasnoyarsk Region and calculation of absorbed doses, the author identified agricultural landscapes with additional technogenic pollution and determined the specific activity of 137Cs in feed and cow's milk in agricultural landscapes with additional technogenic load. The specific activity values of 137Cs in agricultural landscape feeds with doses of 1.33 and 1.55 mGy/year are higher than the background va¬lue for the Krasnoyarsk Region. The content of 137Cs in livestock products produced in farm biogeocenoses with additional technogenic load is higher than the average for the region, but does not exceed the criterion of regulatory documents; accordingly, radiation-safe agricultural products are produced on the territory of the Krasnoyarsk Region. For agricultural landscapes with absorbed doses of 1.33 and 1.55 mGy/year, a KP for the link “feed – livestock products” has been established. When the radioecological situation changes, the established Kp values can be used to predict the migration of 137Cs in the chain “soil – feed – livestock products”. A direct linear moderate Spearman rank correlation was identified between the specific activity of 137Cs in feed and the concentration of 137Cs in cow's milk. Linear regression equations have been determined to determine the specific activity of cow's milk based on data on the specific activity of 137Cs in feed. The revealed direct linear relationship indicates that even a slight increase in the 137Cs activity of the diet leads to an equivalent increase in the specific activity of technogenic cesium in cow's milk.

Long-Term Continuous Gas Diagnostics For Fuel Cell Systems: Development Of An Automatized Raman Metrology

Knowledge of the composition of gas flows in fuel cell systems is crucial for their understanding. In current research, this data is rarely recorded inline and in real-time due to the lack of suitable metrology. Here, we present an optical gas sensor. Green light (532 nm) from a 450 mW laser excites Raman scattering. A spectrometer analyzes the scattered light and a Python software extracts gas composition data automatized and in real-time. We designed a measurement cell that allows optical inline access to gas flow systems and is easy to implement. Therefore, common signal enhancement methods with more complex setups can not be applied. Literature data on scattering cross sections does not offer a reliable basis for calibration what constitutes the need for a gas conditioning system that allows fast preparation of well defined mixtures. We used it to present two principles of calibration. First, calibration based on relative scattering cross sections is the more stable possibility, because it is still valid in cases where laser power and integration time are changed. However, in consequence the results for one species are not independent from the other species. A poor signal, e.g. following from a low mole fraction in a single component, will introduce uncertainty in all components. We avoid that problem through direct linear correlation of signal strength of one species to its partial pressure, which is the second calibration variant. In this case, there is an influence of laser power and integration time. The additional information on overall pressure can be used in model systems, where the presence of undetected components can be ruled out. We can compare that information to pressure measurements to do plausibility checks on the Raman results in real-time. We apply the sensor in fuel cell system research, where measurement intervals of one second yield results of sufficient precision. Increasing integration time can further decrease the uncertainties where favorable. The measurement and data evaluation routines work stable and constant enough to monitor gas compositions in longterm operation. To date, the sensor can measure mixtures of nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen and water vapor.

Comparing heart PET scans: an adjustment of Kolmogorov-Smirnov test under spatial autocorrelation

The principle of independence is a fundamental yet often disregarded assumption in statistical inference. It is observed that the implications of correlations, if not considered, can lead to a conservative estimation of Type I error in the presence of positive linear correlations when utilizing the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test. Conversely, negative linear correlations may engender a liberal estimation of Type I error. To address the impact of spatial autocorrelation in the analysis of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) images, we have proposed an innovative methodology to reconstruct a grid map of human heart scans using spherical coordinates. We have examined the distribution of the KS test statistic under spatial autocorrelation through Monte Carlo (MC) simulation and have introduced a KS test with a spatial adjustment. The newly proposed KS test with spatial adjustment demonstrates a controlled Type I error and power that is not inferior when compared to the original KS test. This suggests its potential utility in the analysis of spatially autocorrelated data.

1297 Factors Influencing Lymph Node Retrieval and Staging in Colorectal Cancer Resections: A Single-Centre Study

Abstract Aim The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) recommends examination of a minimum of 12 total dissected lymph nodes to stage rectal cancer accurately. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing lymph node (LN) retrieval and their impact on nodal positivity and N category in colorectal cancer (CRC) staging. Method This retrospective single-centre study included patients with CRC who underwent laparoscopic excision by a single colorectal surgeon between July 2021 and July 2023. Data were extracted from the hospital's electronic database, with exclusion criteria for benign conditions. Results The average number of LNs in this cohort was 17.95±6.55. At least 12 LNs were recovered in 90.91% of the cases. The right colon was the most common tumour site. Right hemicolectomy, transverse colon resection, and sigmoid colectomy achieved 100% compliance with the adequate retrieval criteria. An increase in LN retrieval was observed with higher T stages. A positive linear correlation was observed between the number of harvested LNs and the length of the resected bowel. No significant difference in LN yield was observed between node-positive and node-negative cases. Conclusions Tumour site emerged as a significant factor influencing LN retrieval in CRC resections. While age and sex showed no substantial impact, tumour size and extent of resected bowel positively correlated with LN counts. The overall lymph node yield had no effect on node positivity, indicating that, following a careful inspection of the specimen, a lower lymph node yield may be deemed sufficient.

Correlation of Anti-Phosphatidylserine/Prothrombin and Anti-Phosphatidylserine Antibodies with Pregnancy Outcomes.

The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical relevance of anti-prothrombin antibodies (aPT) and anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin antibodies (aPS/PT) in relation to pregnancy outcomes and coagulation parameters, as well as immune markers. We retrospectively analyzed 477 pregnant women with experienced at least one spontaneous miscarriage who were tested for aPT and aPS/PT antibodies, and compared their clinical characteristics, coagulation indicators, immune biomarkers, and pregnancy outcomes to assess the diagnostic accuracy of these antibodies. We found that the aPT IgG and the aPS/PT IgM were independently associated with increased risk of pregnancy loss, with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.055 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.009-1.103, p=0.017) and 1.041 (95% CI: 1.015-1.067, p=0.002), respectively. Moreover, we found that the aPS/PT IgM had a higher diagnostic performance than the aPT IgG, as indicated by the AUC of 0.663 and 0.593, respectively. The pregnancy loss rate was positively correlated with the level of aPS/PT IgM, while the aPT IgG is not. We also found that in the pregnancy loss group, aPT IgG showed negative correlations with prothrombin time (PT); aPS/PT IgM showed positive correlations with aPS/PT IgG. However, none of aPT IgG, aPT IgM, aPS/PT IgM, or aPS/PT IgG was related to other adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm delivery, fetal growth restriction (FGR), or preeclampsia (PE). Our findings suggest that aPT IgG and aPS/PT IgM are independent risk factors for pregnancy loss, especially aPS/PT IgM, which has a positive linear correlation with pregnancy loss.

Graph theoretical analysis of limestone fracture network damage patterns based on uniaxial compression test

The topological attributes of fracture networks in limestone, subject to intense hydrodynamics and intricate geological discontinuities, substantially influence the mechanical and hydraulic characteristics of the rock mass. The dynamical evolution of fracture networks under stress is crucial for unveiling the interaction patterns among fractures. However, existing models are undirected graphs focused on stationary topology, which need optimization to depict fractures' dynamic development and rupture process. To compensate for the time and destruction terms, we propose the damage network model, which defines the physical interpretation of fractures through the ternary motif. We focus primarily on the evolution of node types, topological attributes, and motifs of the fracture network in limestone under uniaxial stress. Observations expose the varying behavior of the nodes' self-dynamics and neighbors' adjacent dynamics in the fracture network. This approach elucidates the impact of micro-crack behaviors on large brittle shear fractures from a topological perspective and further subdivides the progressive failure stage into four distinct phases (isolated crack growth phase, crack splay phase, damage coalescence phase, and mechanical failure phase) based on the significance profile of the motif. Regression analysis reveals a positive linear and negative power correlation between fracture network density and branch number to the rock damage resistance, respectively. The damage network model introduces a novel methodology for depicting the interaction of two-dimensional (2D) projected fractures, considering the dynamic spatiotemporal development characteristics and fracture geometric variation. It helps dynamically characterize properties such as connectivity, permeability, and damage factors while comprehensively assessing damage in rock mass fracture networks.

Human EWS-FLI protein levels and neomorphic functions show a complex, function-specific dose-response relationship in Drosophila.

Ewing sarcoma (EwS) is a cancer that arises in the bones and soft tissues, typically driven by the Ewing's sarcoma breakpoint region 1-Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (EWS-FLI) oncogene. Implementation of genetically modified animal models of EwS has proved difficult largely owing to EWS-FLI's high toxicity. The EWS-FLI1FS frameshift variant that circumvents toxicity but is still able to perform key oncogenic functions provided the first study model in Drosophila. However, the quest for Drosophila lines expressing full-length, unmodified EWS-FLI remained open. Here, we show that EWS-FLI1FS's lower toxicity is owed to reduced protein levels caused by its frameshifted C-terminal peptide, and report new strategies through which we have generated Drosophila lines that express full-length, unmodified EWS-FLI. Using these lines, we have found that the upregulation of transcription from GGAA-microsatellites (GGAAμSats) presents a positive linear correlation within a wide range of EWS-FLI protein concentrations. In contrast, rather counterintuitively, GGAAμSats-independent transcriptomic dysregulation presents relatively minor differences across the same range, suggesting that GGAAμSat-dependent and -independent transcriptional upregulation present different kinetics of response with regards to changing EWS-FLI protein concentration. Our results underpin the functional relevance of varying EWS-FLI expression levels and provide experimental tools to investigate, in Drosophila, the effect of the EWS-FLI 'high' and 'low' states that have been reported and are suspected to be important for EwS in humans.

Soil carbon sequestration cannot be enhanced efficiently under all‐straw return in cool semiarid regions: Evidences from a long‐term experiment in a crop rotation system

AbstractCrop straw return is one of the most important measures to increase soil organic carbon (SOC) content in farmland systems. However, the effects of crop straw return amount on SOC sequestration (SCS) in long‐term crop rotation system is unclear, especially in typically cool and dry regions. A field experiment was conducted from 2015 to 2020 in a wheat‐maize‐potato rotation system including four straw treatments: without straw incorporation (CK), 1/3 straw incorporation (LS), 2/3 straw incorporation (MS), and all‐straw incorporation (HS), respectively. After 6 years of cropping, SCS in 0–30‐cm soil layer of CK, LS, MS, and HS increased by 3.6, 7.0, 7.8, and 9.9 Mg ha−1, compared with the beginning of the experiment, respectively. In particular, SCS in 20–30‐cm soil layer of CK was obviously increased by 2.7 Mg ha−1. When compared with CK, straw incorporation increased total dry matter, total evapotranspiration, SCS, and water productivity by 29.3%, 3.4%, 28.8%, and 25.2% on average, respectively, but decreased pure carbon accumulation and water use efficiency of carbon sequestration. Although the carbon input and SCS showed a linear positive correlation with evapotranspiration, the carbon input efficiency was negatively correlated with pure carbon accumulation in HS and MS. When compared with LS, the carbon input efficiency decreased by 64.1% in HS, restricting SCS. These results indicated that 1/3 straw incorporation could increase SCS efficiency as well as decrease carbon loss in the–crop system, making it more suitable for application in cool semiarid region, and revealed that excessively straw returning to the field could not improve SCS efficiency.

A dried sweat spot paper (DSSP) method based on novel mass spectrometry probe labeling for detection and resolution of DL-lactate enantiomers as potential biomarkers for diabetes mellitus

BackgroundHuman sweat can be collected non-invasively with low infectivity; however, its application as a determination method has been challenged due to the presence of trace amounts of chiral metabolites. Moreover, its application as a biological fluid for disease diagnosis has not been previously reported. In this study, the human dried sweat spot paper (DSSP) method was proposed for the derivatization of a novel mass spectrometric chiral probe, N-[1-Oxo-5-(triphenylphosphonium) pentyl]-(S)-3-aminopyrrolidine (OTPA), determination and resolution of DL-lactic acid (DL-LA) enantiomers in human elbow sweat. ResultsThe methodological validation revealed the resolution (Rs) as 1.78, the limit of detection (S/N = 3) as 20.83 fmol, good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9996), and the intra-day and intra-day stability with RSD ranging from 0.53 to 10.85 %, while the average recovery rate of D-LA and L-LA were 104.00 % ± 4.68 % and 107.41 % ± 8.34 %, respectively, with high accuracy. In addition, the method was applied for the determination of DL-LA in the sweat on elbow of 10 healthy volunteers and 30 diabetic patients. The results demonstrated that the D/L ratio and L/D ratio were significantly different (p < 0.0001). In addition, a moderate positive linear correlation between the D/L-LA ratio in human sweat and fasting blood glucose level (r = 0.7744, p < 0.0001) was observed, thereby suggesting that the D/L ratio of lactate in human sweat correlate the glucose level in human fasting blood. Significance and noveltyThe D/L lactate ratio in human sweat could be used as a potential biomarker for diabetes screening. The method can be used to screen for diabetes by providing a dry sweat paper to test equipment and has the potential to be a non-invasive early-warning diagnostic tool for diabetes.

Pengaruh Sifat Fisik Terhadap Nilai Uniaxial Compressive Strength Batuan Dengan Kondisi Natural, Jenuh dan Kering Pada Formasi Balikpapan dan Pulaubalang Provinsi Kalimantan Timur

The uniaxial compressive strength value is one of the important parameters that is widely used in rock engineering projects in determining rock mass. The strength of rocks is greatly influenced by the water content and degree of saturation in the rock. Reduction of strength in rock is associated with an increase in water content, a slight increase in water content will cause a significant deviation in the compressive strength test value.This research is quantitative research, so to obtain accurate calculation data, testing methods are used in the form of compressive strength tests on rocks and physical properties tests in the treatment of samples of original rock, saturated rock and dry rock before testing. In this research, 2 types of rock were used, including limestone and sandstone in 2 rock formations, namely the Balikpapan formation and the Pulaubalang formation, so that the accuracy of the test result values ​​could be obtained well. Based on the results of observations and calculations that have been carried out, the water content values ​​of limestone in natural, saturated and dry conditions in the Balikpapan formation are obtained with average values ​​of 1.709%, 2.262% and 0.961% respectively. The water content of sandstone in natural, saturated and dry conditions is the Pulaubalang formation with average values ​​of 2.491%, 9.425% and 0.463% respectively. The UCS value of limestone in natural, saturated and dry conditions in the Balikpapan formation has an average value of 25.29 Mpa, 37.57 Mpa and 40.70 Mpa respectively. The UCS value of sandstone in natural, saturated and dry conditions in the Pulaubalang formation has an average value of 9,565 Mpa, 6,537 Mpa and 12,730 Mpa. It can be concluded that the correlation between uniaxial compressive strength values ​​and water content values ​​in limestone and sandstone shows a positive linear correlation, which means they have a strong relationship. The higher the compressive strength value of limestone and sandstone, the lower the water content value.

In severe acne vulgaris, TNF-α gene variants are connected to increased TNF-α gene expression and insulin resistance.

Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting the pilosebaceous unit, commonly presenting as comedones, papules, pustules, or nodules on the face, upper limbs, torso, and back, with comedones formation being the primary pathology leading to disfiguring inflammation, hyperpigmentation, scarring, and psychological impact. The purpose of this study was to investigate the significance of two genetic variants in the promoter region of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) gene and their association with insulin resistance (IR) in acne patients. To understand how these variants contribute to AV and its associated IR. An analytical cross-sectional study with a case-control design and research evaluation was carried out on 87 AV patients and 73 healthy volunteers. The medical histories of both groups were obtained, as well as the severity and duration of inflammation among acne sufferers, as well as demographic data. Biochemical analysis was performed on both sets of participants, including fasting blood glucose levels, insulin levels while fasting, IR, and serum TNF-α. PCR-RFLP analysis identified -863 G>A (rs1800630) and -308 G>A (rs1800629) variations, and real-time PCR analysis evaluated TNF-α gene expression in both patients and healthy people. Acne patients exhibited significantly higher levels of IR, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, serum TNF-α, and TNF-α folding change, when compared to healthy controls. The co-dominant model for -863 G>A and -308 G>A variants exhibited significant variations between the two groups. Severe acne patients who had the A/A genotype for -308 variants exhibited higher levels of IR, serum TNF-α, and TNF-α folding change. Highly significant positive linear correlation between IR, serum TNF-α, and TNF-α folding change in severe AV. There is a correlation between AV, especially severe acne, and the -863 G>A and -308 G>A polymorphism, which influences TNF-α gene expression and serum TNF-α levels.

Nutritional, anthropometric and behavioral aspects of nutrition students that consume alcoholic beverages

Upon entering university, students face changes in their lifestyle that can alter the type of food they eat and lead to addictions, such as alcohol consumption. The aim of this study was to assess the eating habits and behavioral profile associated with alcohol consumption among university students. Anamnesis, anthropometric indices and data from alcohol consumption (AUDIT) and food consumption frequency questionnaires were collected. A moderate rate of overweight people was observed (22%) and only the oils food group showed a difference between the underweight, eutrophic, overweight and obese categories. In addition, body mass index showed a significant positive linear correlation with waist circumference. With regard to alcohol intake, 46% of the total sample was in the high-risk zone. There is an abnormal distribution in the consumption of foods from all food groups and there are indications that students have been consuming all types of food without stipulating an adequate and balanced diet, in parallel with a relatively high consumption of alcohol.

Associations between systemic inflammation indicators and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: evidence from a prospective study.

Although inflammation has been linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), most studies have focused only on a single indicator, leading to inconsistent results. Therefore, a large prospective study that includes a variety of well-documented single and composite indicators of inflammation is needed. This study aimed to thoroughly investigate the potential associations between different systemic inflammatory indicators and NAFLD in the UK Biobank cohort. After excluding ineligible participants, 378,139 individuals were included in the study. Associations between systemic inflammatory indicators and hepatic steatosis were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. The relationships between systemic inflammatory indicators and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease were analysed using Cox proportional hazards models, and nonlinear associations were investigated using restricted cubic splines. According to the cross-sectional analysis, systemic inflammatory indicators significantly correlated with hepatic steatosis. Over a median follow-up of 13.9 years, 4,145 individuals developed NAFLD. After sufficient adjustment for confounding factors, CRP levels were found to be nonlinearly positively associated with NAFLD risk (P<0.001), representing the strongest correlation among the tested relationships; lymphocyte count and the LMR showed an L-shaped correlation; monocyte count and neutrophil count showed a linear positive correlation (all P< 0.001); and the NLR, PLR, and SII showed a U-shaped correlation (all P<0.001). Multiple systemic inflammatory indicators are strongly associated with the development of NAFLD, and aggressive systemic inflammation management may have a favourable impact on reducing the burden of NAFLD; further randomized controlled studies are needed.

The roles of lipids and inflammation in the association between the triglyceride-glucose index and arterial stiffness: evidence from two large population-based surveys

BackgroundThe triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a risk marker for arterial stiffness; however, the extent to which the TyG index is associated with arterial stiffness via lipids and inflammation remains unknown. The first aim was to probe the relationship between the TyG index and arterial stiffness in two surveys. The second aim was to clarify whether lipids and inflammation mediate this relationship.MethodsThe sample size of 13,726 U.S. individuals from the National Examination Survey (NHANES) and 3,964 Chinese individuals from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS 2015) were enrolled. Weighted multivariate logistic and linear regression models, as well as restricted cubic spline (RCS) and mediation analyses, were utilized to estimate complex relationships between the TyG index, arterial stiffness, lipids (non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [non-HDL-C]) and inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP]) biomarkers.ResultsA total of 3,420 U.S. patients and 992 Chinese patients were diagnosed with increased arterial stiffness. Regression analyses demonstrated that higher quartiles of the TyG index were associated with a greater incidence of increased arterial stiffness (NHANES: OR = 2.610, 95% CI = 2.043–3.334, P < 0.001; CHARLS: OR = 1.579, 95% CI = 1.057–2.360, P < 0.001). Participants with a higher TyG index/higher CRP level or with a higher TyG index/higher non-HDL-C level had the highest incidence of increased arterial stiffness in the two surveys. The results were still consistent when the sensitivity analysis was implemented with stricter clinical cut-off values of non-HDL-C. Mediation analysis verified that lipids (mediated effect: β = 0.012, P < 0.001 in NHANES; β = 0.020, P < 0.001 in CHARLS) and inflammation (mediated effect: β = 0.003, P < 0.001 in NHANES; β = 0.006, P < 0.001 in CHARLS) partially mediated this relationship.ConclusionsThese results indicated a positive linear correlation between the TyG index, non-HDL-C level, CRP level and increased arterial stiffness in two surveys. Furthermore, lipids and inflammation could partly mediate the correlation of the TyG index with arterial stiffness in both surveys.

Applicability of machine learning techniques to analyze Microplastic transportation in open channels with different hydro-environmental factors

This research utilized machine learning to analyze experiments conducted in an open channel laboratory setting to predict microplastic transport with varying discharge, velocity, water depth, vegetation pattern, and microplastic density. Four machine learning (ML) models, incorporating Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT), Extreme Gradient Boost (XGB) and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) algorithms, were developed and compared with the Linear Regression (LR) statistical model, using 75% of the data for training and 25% for validation. The predictions of ML algorithms were more accurate than the LR, while XGB and RF provided the best predictions. To explain the ML results, Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) was employed by using Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) to predict the global behavior of variables. RF was the most reliable model, with a coefficient of correlation of 0.97 and a mean absolute percentage error of 1.8% after hyperparameter tuning. Results indicated that discharge, velocity, water depth, and vegetation all influenced microplastic transport. Discharge and vegetation enhanced and reduced microplastic transport, respectively, and showed a response to different vegetation patterns. A strong linear positive correlation (R2 = 0.8) was noted between microplastic density and retention. In the absence of dedicated microplastic transport analytical models and infeasibility of using classical sediment transport models in predicting microplastic transport, ML proved to be helpful. Moreover, the use of XAI will reduce the black-box nature of ML models with effective interpretation enhancing the trust of domain experts in ML predictions. The developed model offers a promising tool for real-world open channel predictions, informing effective management strategies to mitigate microplastic pollution.

Multi-factor numerical simulation and response characteristics of two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance in digital cores

Two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D NMR) logging is an important technology for reservoir evaluation in oil and gas exploration and development, and it has unique advantages in fluid identification. However, in oil shale reservoirs, the mechanisms of 2D NMR logging are complex, and the response characteristics of various factors are unclear. Numerical simulation based on digital core is a significant method to study the influences of multiple factors on 2D NMR. This manuscript introduces the construction method of high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) digital core models, and expounds the principle and workflow of 2D NMR numerical simulation. High-resolution 3D digital cores were constructed based on X-CT, MAPS, and QEMSCAN data of Berea sandstone and Daqing Gulong shale, respectively. Based on 3D digital cores, 2D NMR numerical simulations were carried out on temperature/viscosity, echo spacing, and frequency. Then, 2D NMR mechanisms were analyzed and the response characteristics of multiple factors were summarized. The results show that the T2 and T1 of the water peak have a linear negative correlation with temperature/viscosity, and the T2 and T1 of the oil peak have a linear positive correlation. For Daqing Gulong shale, the T2 of the water peak has a linear positive correlation with echo spacing, while for Berea sandstone, echo spacing has little effect. For Berea sandstone, the T1 of the water peak is linearly positively correlated with frequency. For Daqing Gulong shale, the T1 of the water peak and oil peak are both linearly positively correlated with frequency. The response characteristics of multiple factors could provide a reference and basis for the interpretation and evaluation of 2D NMR logging under complex conditions.

Active drug-coated flow diverter in a preclinical model of intracranial stenting

BackgroundFlow diverters carry the risk of thromboembolic complications (TEC). We tested a coating with covalently bound heparin that activates antithrombin to address TEC by locally downregulating the coagulation cascade. We...

The underestimated role of manganese in modulating the nutrient structure in a eutrophic seasonally-stratified reservoir

Accumulation and subsequent release of nutrients have great potential to trigger algal blooms in lakes and reservoirs. We conducted high vertical resolution (2 m interval) monitoring at ∼monthly intervals over a year for hydrological parameters, Chl-a, ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3−) and different species of phosphorus (P) and manganese (Mn) in a 40-meter-deep subtropical reservoir (Shanmei Reservoir) in Fujian, southern China. In this seasonally stratified reservoir featured with high nutrient loading, the consistent trend in the ratio of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) to dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) between the euphotic zone and the hypolimnion, coupled with its mirrored correlation with Chl-a concentration indicates that upward flux from the hypolimnion affects phytoplankton growth in the euphotic zone. The monthly variation of the depth-integrated multiple species of N and P indicates that during the stratification period in the hypoxic hypolimnion, approximately 80% of the DIP is removed, leading to a remarkable decoupling phenomenon between NH4+ and DIP. This process effectively increases the ratio of DIN to DIP in the hypolimnion, thereby significantly reducing the potential of algal blooms caused by the upward flux. A robust positive linear correlation between iron-manganese bound phosphorus (CBD-P) and particulate Mn was observed during stratification period implying that DIP was scavenged by sediment-released Mn throughout the water column. Vertical profiles during stratification showed that upward diffusion of Mn2+ facilitated the formation of Mn oxide zones near the oxycline. The most significant decrease in DIP inventory occurs when Mn oxide zones migrate either upwards from the bottom or downwards from the oxycline, indicating that the migration of Mn oxides on the vertical profile is a key factor in the decoupling of NH4+and DIP.Our findings underscore the importance of Mn cycling as an underappreciated DIP self-immobilization process in the water column of reservoirs characterized by high nutrient loading. Furthermore, we propose that denitrification and Mn cycling establish a consecutive feedback mechanism, preventing excessive nutrient accumulation in low oxygen bottom water. In the context of global changes, we anticipate a heightened prominence of this feedback mechanism.

Awareness and practical evaluation of correct use of iron chelators; a study to track the ambiguities of thalassemia patients on their medications in Iran

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward iron chelating agents (ICAs) in Iranian thalassemia major patients.MethodsA total of 101 patients with thalassemia major were involved in this cross-sectional survey. A deep medication review was done, and participants’ knowledge, attitude, and practice were evaluated by a validated instrument based on a 20-scoring system.ResultsStatistical analyses showed 52 patients (51.5%) had a poor knowledge level (scores < 10) about their medications, 37 (36.6%) had a moderate level (scores 10–15), and 12 (11.9%) had a satisfactory level (scores > 15). Seventy-seven (76.2%) patients have positive beliefs regarding the dependence of their current health status on taking iron chelators, and 63 (62.4%) believed that they would become very ill without taking medication. The results also showed that the mean practice score in patients who received deferoxamine was 5.81 ± 3.50; in the patients who received deferiprone and those who received deferasirox, the mean scores were 7.36 ± 5.15 and 14.94 ± 4.14. Also, the knowledge and practice level had a direct linear correlation based on the regression analyses (P < 0.001).ConclusionIn conclusion, results of the present research suggests that the patients’ knowledge about the administration, adverse events, and necessity of ICAs was not satisfactory. Improving the knowledge of thalassemia patients toward their medicines through educational interventions is highly recommended to improve their practice level.