Ratio Index Research Articles

Self-normalization for a 1 mm3 resolution clinical PET system using deep learning

Objective. This work proposes, for the first time, an image-based end-to-end self-normalization framework for positron emission tomography (PET) using conditional generative adversarial networks (cGANs). Approach. We evaluated different approaches by exploring each of the following three methodologies. First, we used images that were either unnormalized or corrected for geometric factors, which encompass all time-invariant factors, as input data types. Second, we set the input tensor shape as either a single axial slice (2D) or three contiguous axial slices (2.5D). Third, we chose either Pix2Pix or polarized self-attention (PSA) Pix2Pix, which we developed for this work, as a deep learning network. The targets for all approaches were the axial slices of images normalized using the direct normalization method. We performed Monte Carlo simulations of ten voxelized phantoms with the SimSET simulation tool and produced 26,000 pairs of axial image slices for training and testing. Main results. The results showed that 2.5D PSA Pix2Pix trained with geometric-factors-corrected input images achieved the best performance among all the methods we tested. All approaches improved general image quality figures of merit peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index (SSIM) from ∼15 % to ∼55 %, and 2.5D PSA Pix2Pix showed the highest PSNR (28.074) and SSIM (0.921). Lesion detectability, measured with region of interest (ROI) PSNR, SSIM, normalized contrast recovery coefficient, and contrast-to-noise ratio, was generally improved for all approaches, and 2.5D PSA Pix2Pix trained with geometric-factors-corrected input images achieved the highest ROI PSNR (28.920) and SSIM (0.973). Significance. This study demonstrates the potential of an image-based end-to-end self-normalization framework using cGANs for improving PET image quality and lesion detectability without the need for separate normalization scans.

Association of adiponectin gene single nucleotide polymorphisms with environmental risk factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus: An updated evidence of haplotype-based analysis study

Background and aimAdiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene is considered to be one of the promising players in deciphering the genetic bases of type 2 diabetes. This study investigated the associations between haplotype combinations of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ADIPOQ gene and two SNPs of the adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) and 2 (AdipoR2) genes with environmental risk factors for the prediction of T2DM disorder susceptibility in the Iranian population. MethodsThis case-control and cross-sectional study was conducted on 182 patients with T2DM and 155 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using amplification refractory mutation system-PCR (ARMS-PCR) for rs17300539G/A, rs2241766T/G, and rs1501299G/T of the ADIPOQ gene, rs1342387C/T of the AdipoR1 gene, and rs10773989T/C of the AdipoR2 gene. ResultsAll polymorphisms met the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p> 0.05). The studied SNPs; rs17300539, rs2241766 of the ADIPOQ gene and rs10773989 of the AdipoR2 gene, were significantly associated with an increased risk of T2DM. Two-way ANOVA analysis indicated that GG carriers of rs2241766T/G had a significantly lower waist-to-hip ratio (P= 0.049) and body mass index (P= 0.011) and higher HbA1c (P= 0.048) compared to TT carriers, while TT genotype carriers of rs2241766T/G showed the higher plasma adiponectin concentration compared to TG and GG carriers (P= 0.009 and P= 0.013, respectively). CC carriers of rs10773989T/C displayed a significantly higher LDL level compared to the TT genotype carries (P= 0.036). Also plasma adiponectin concentrations were significantly lower in AA genotype carriers of rs17300539G/A compared to GG and GA genotypes carriers in the control group only (P= 0.005 and P= 0.016, respectively). According to Combined Haplotype ([rs17300539, rs2241766, rs1501299]/[rs17300539, rs2241766, rs1501299]) analysis, GTT-homozygote carriers displayed the highest plasma adiponectin concentration and in contrast, GGG/GTG, ATG/GTG, and GGG/GGG showed the lowest plasma adiponectin concentration in the controls (p> 0.05). ConclusionThe adiponectin gene haplotype combinations were associated with plasma adiponectin concentration in healthy individuals. In T2DM, adiponectin genetic variants displayed less effect on adiponectin plasma concentration.

System Inflammation Response Index and Serum Glucose-Potassium Ratio as Prognostic Indicators for Hemorrhagic Moyamoya Disease

Hemorrhagic moyamoya disease (HMMD) can result in poor outcomes. Serum biomarkers may play a significant role in predicting HMMD outcomes. This study retrospectively analyzed the correlation between serum biomarkers at the time of admission and outcomes for patients with HMMD. We evaluated 270 patients with HMMD admitted to Yijishan Hopital of Wannan Medical College between July 2017 and April 2023. The patients were categorized into 2 groups according to their modified Rankin Scale scores at 3months after discharge. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the associations between biomarkers and clinical outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic curves were obtained to investigate the potential of the biomarkers for predicting prognosis. Of the 270 patients analyzed, 96 (35.6%) had unfavorable outcomes. The potential predictors were identified using the univariate analysis. The subsequent multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) (odds ratio 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.75-0.98, P=0.028] and serum glucose to potassium ratio (GPR) (odds ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.38-0.76, P<0.001) were independent risk factors of poor outcomes. The receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that patients with a higher SIRI (≥2.12) and GPR (≥1.75) levels were more likely to have unfavorable outcomes. An elevated GPR and SIRI at admission were associated with a poor clinical outcome at the 3-month follow-up for patients with HMMD. Therefore, these biomarkers could be considered in future management decisions for these patients.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and prognostic nutritional index in predicting composite endpoint of early safety following transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

The incidence of composite endpoint of early safety (CEES) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been a topic of focus within the cardiovascular field due to its impact on long-term patient outcomes. Timely prophylactic interventions are crucial for patients identified as high risk for CEES through preoperative risk stratification. This study aimed to explore the connection between inflammatory and nutritional markers, specifically the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and CEES occurrence. A cohort of 134 patients undergoing TAVR in a single center was studied. The study endpoint was the occurrence of CEES, which was defined according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium 3. The CEES was reached in 25.4% of patients at 30 days. A high NLR was associated with a 5.55-fold increased risk of CEES (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.52-20.29; p < 0.05), while a low PNI was linked to a 4.43-fold increased risk (95% CI: 1.55-12.65; p < 0.01). Combining NLR and PNI provided additional risk stratification for high-risk patients (hazard ratio (HR), 95% CI: 2.24-43.37; p < 0.005). A high NLR and low PNI were shown to be significant predictors of CEES following TAVR. These findings underscore the significance of NLR and PNI in the risk assessment of TAVR patients, offering valuable insights for preventive measures.

Flood detection in the Upper Krishna Basin through integrated geospatial analysis: leveraging decision frameworks and statistical measures

ABSTRACT Floods threaten the environment and human settlements across river basins globally, including the Upper Krishna Basin in India. This research delves into evaluating flood hazard areas within the Upper Krishna Basin utilizing the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Frequency Ratio (FR), and Statistical Index (SI). These methodologies prioritize and classify flood-prone regions by integrating spatial and non-spatial criteria. The findings reveal significant variations in flood risk classification across the Upper Krishna Basin based on the three models. The AHP model identifies 3.37% of the region as low flood risk, with 22.90% classified as moderate risk, and 68.27% as high risk. In contrast, the FR model designates 3.76% as low risk, 10.50% as moderate risk, and 42.21% as high risk. Meanwhile, the SI model identifies 1.04% of areas with low risk, 35.38% with under-high risk, and 57.87% with very high risk. Validation using Receiver Operating Characteristic-Area Under the Curve (ROC-AUC) values demonstrates the superior reliability of the SI model. These findings offer valuable insights for decision-makers to allocate resources and implement effective flood mitigation measures.

Ratio of immune indices in women of the semi-arid region

Environmental and climatic factors have a significant impact on the immune system, shaping its composition and functions. The semiarid region of Aleppo, characterized by hot, dry summers and moderate, wet and cold winters, is also characterized by environmental pollution such as air pollutants and industrial chemicals. The interaction of these environmental and climatic factors can impair immune function by causing inflammatory responses, compromising the integrity of immune cells, and impairing the body’s ability to mount an effective immune response. To date, the physiological characteristics of the parameters of the human blood system and the development of physiological reactions of adaptive immune homeostasis depending on the territory of residence have not been sufficiently studied. In this work, we studied the state of immune indices in women living in the semi-arid region. Thirty women aged from 20 to 60 years without chronic and acute diseases were examined. Immunocompetence was assessed using white blood cell count, lymphocyte subset analysis and calculation of immune indices including neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), immunoregulatory index (CD4+/ CD8+) and lymphoproliferation ratio and apoptosis (CD10+/CD95+ and CD71+/CD95+). The results of the analysis showed that the median NLR was 2.18 (1.50-2.90), LMR 6.66 (5.47-8.87), SIRI 0.64 (0.45-0.98), immunoregulatory index 0.99 (0.84-1.27) and the ratio of lymphoproliferation processes to apoptosis (CD10+/ CD95+ and CD71+/CD95+) 0.95 (0.65-1.29) and 0.94 (0.78-1.11), respectively, which indicates a stressful state of immune homeostasis and signs of premature aging of the immune system. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), immunoregulatory index (CD4+/CD8+) and lymphoproliferation-apoptosis ratio were determined. (CD10+/ CD95+ and CD71+/ CD95+) in the examined women of the semiarid climate zone of residence, emphasizes the stressful level of immune homeostasis. The results obtained highlight the need for systematic individual biomedical monitoring to maintain immune homeostasis in populations inhabiting similar environmental conditions.

Construction and validation of a preoperative prognostic model integrating the novel aspartate aminotransferase-albumin score for hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing liver resection.

Patients undergoing liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often possess good liver reserve, which may limit the prognostic effectiveness of existing liver function scores. This study aimed to develop a novel liver function score and a preoperative prognostic model specifically for HCC resection patients. Eight hundred twenty-seven HCC patients undergoing initial liver resection were segregated into training and validation cohorts in a 6:4 ratio. Cox regression analysis was employed to identify significant parameters influencing overall survival. The efficacy of the liver function score and prognostic model was evaluated using metrics such as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and albumin emerged as significant prognostic indicators. The AST-albumin (ASAL) score, calculated as exp [AST (IU/L) × 0.005 - albumin (g/dL) × 1.043] × 100, outperformed existing scores such as Child-Turcotte-Pugh, albumin-bilirubin, platelet-albumin, and AST-platelet ratio index in both training and validation cohorts. Additionally, a scoring model that combined the ASAL score with alpha-fetoprotein and the up-to-seven criterion exhibited superior discriminatory capabilities compared to the American Joint Committee on Cancer tumor, node, metastasis stage, and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage. The proposed prognostic model that integrates the novel ASAL score offers promising prognostic potential for HCC patients undergoing liver resection.

First-principles study of the stability and mechanical properties for binary Mo–Re alloys

Mo–Re alloys are highly suitable as core materials in nuclear reactor applications due to their excellent radiation resistance, high melting point, superior mechanical strength, and low neutron absorption characteristics. In this study, we investigate the stability and mechanical properties of eight Mo–Re alloys by first-principles calculations, including Re24Mo5, ReMo3-1, ReMo3-2, Re3Mo2, ReMo, Re3Mo-1, Re3Mo-2, Re3Mo-3. The results of formation enthalpy, elastic stability criteria and phonon dispersion curves indicate that all Mo–Re alloys are stable except for the ReMo3-2. Subsequently, the mechanical parameters of the remaining seven Mo–Re alloys, including bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, B/G ratio, and anisotropy index are investigated. The bulk modulus of Re24Mo5 is the highest, at 344.597 GPa, the Young's modulus and shear modulus of Re3Mo-3 are the highest, measuring 390.617 GPa and 149.294 GPa, respectively. Furthermore, all Mo–Re alloys exhibit ductile characteristics. This study is of great significance for the selection of suitable Mo–Re alloys with sufficient mechanical strength for use as core materials.

Decreased Delta/Beta ratio index as the sleep state-independent electrophysiological signature of sleep state misperception in Insomnia disorder: A focus on the sleep onset and the whole night

PurposeSleep State Misperception (SSM) is described as the tendency of Insomnia Disorder (ID) patients to overestimate Sleep Latency (SL) and underestimate Total Sleep Time (TST). Literature exploring topographical components in ID with SSM is scarce and does not allow us to fully understand the potential mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. This study aims to evaluate the existence of sleep EEG topography alterations in ID patients associated with SSM compared to Healthy Controls (HC), focusing on two distinct periods: the Sleep Onset (SO) and the whole night. MethodsTwenty ID patients (mean age: 43.5 ± 12.7; 7 M/13F) and 18 HCs (mean age: 41.6 ± 11.9; 8 M/10F) underwent a night of Polysomnography (PSG) and completed sleep diaries the following morning upon awakening. Two SSM indices, referring to the misperception of SL (SLm) and TST (TSTm), were calculated by comparing objective and subjective sleep indices extracted by PSG and sleep diary. According to these indices, the entire sample was split into 4 sub-groups: ID +SLm vs HC –SLm; ID +TSTm vs HC –TSTm. ResultsConsidering the SO, the two-way mixed-design ANOVA showed a significant main effect of Groups pointing to a decreased delta/beta ratio in the whole scalp topography. Moreover, we found a significant interaction effect for the sigma and beta bands. Post Hoc tests showed higher sigma and beta power in anterior and temporo-parietal sites during the SO period in IDs +SLm compared to HC –SLm.Considering the whole night, the unpaired t-test revealed in IDs +TSTm significantly lower delta power during NREM, and lower delta/beta ratio index during NREM and REM sleep compared to HCs –TSTm.Finally, we found diffuse significant negative correlations between SSM indices and the delta/beta ratio during SO, NREM, and REM sleep. ConclusionThe main finding of the present study suggests that higher SL overestimation and TST underestimation are both phenomena related to diffuse cortical hyperarousal interpreted as a sleep state-independent electrophysiological correlate of the SSM, both during the SO and the whole night.

Intensity Analysis Method of Acoustic Emission Signals for the Damage Monitoring of Post-Tensioned Concrete Beams.

Acoustic emission (AE) is well suited for the real-time monitoring and detection of damage in reinforced concrete structures. In this study, loading/unloading cycles up to failure were applied on three different full-scale beams, each with varying defect morphologies. An intensity analysis method was employed to assess the damage sensitivities of the defective structures under stress conditions. Specifically, the calm ratio, load ratio, severity, and historical index were identified as statistical parameters that can provide global information on the damage level. Consequently, they can be easily used as damage evolution indexes for reinforced concrete structures. Correlations between these parameters were investigated to better discriminate between their potentials and identify critical levels that might not be evident using parametric analysis. The AEI chart helps locate damaging areas, aiding focused repairs. For defected beams with broken strands, at low load, HI and SI fall in zone B (damage detected). At cycles 4 and 6, with significant deflection, they fall into a critical zone, E (severe damage). Comparing post-tensioned beams revealed defects correlating with damage susceptibility. B3 beams with diffused defects displayed high activity at higher loads. Applying a load-calm ratio chart, initial minor damage worsened progressively. Severe damage was prominent in defective B2 and B3 beams, reaching zone 3. The variation in the acquired parameters over time can then be considered as an affordable and reliable indicator of damage progression.

Factors predicting the need for liver transplantation in biliary atresia patients after 18years of age.

We aimed to identify factors predicting the need for future liver transplantation (LT) at 18years of age in patients with biliary atresia (BA). BA patients with native liver survival at > 18years of age were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical characteristics, outcomes, hepatobiliary function, and liver fibrosis markers of native liver survivors (NLS group) were compared with patients who subsequently underwent LT (LT group). The study population included 48 patients (NLS, n = 34; LT, n = 14). The male-to-female ratio, age at Kasai procedure, and type of BA in the two groups did not differ to a statistically significant extent. There was no significant difference in the MELD scores between the groups at 18years of age. The aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), albumin-bilirubin (ALBI), and BA liver fibrosis (BALF) scores at 18years of age were significantly higher in the LT group. The AUCs for APRI, ALBI, and BALF were 0.91, 0.79, and 0.85, respectively. Adult BA patients have limited options for LT owing to the lack of donor candidates and the low prevalence of deceased donors. The elucidation of prognostic factors for LT in adulthood is important. APRI was the most useful marker in this study.

Multi-objective optimization of forest structure for broadleaf mixed forest under different CMIP5 scenarios

Climate change is an important global research topic and one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. It significantly impacts forest distribution, species composition, stand structure, growth, and other functions, therefore, it is crucial to simulate the dynamic changes of forest structure under future climate change and develop optimized solutions to adapt to it. Combined with the various stand structural parameters, based on the equal or unequal weights of each parameter at the stand level, to establish a dynamic stand spatial structure multi-objective optimization index (L-index) under different climate changes, and to implement broadleaf mixed forest spatial structure optimization research in Yanan Forest Farm under RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, RCP 8.5 climate scenarios after 5 years. The results indicated that the L-index showed an increase ranging from 13.8 % to 35.7 % under equal weights in different climate scenarios. Additionally, the optimal harvesting intensity ranged from 13.2 % to 20.5 %, with the highest intensity observed in the RCP4.5 climate scenario; compared to the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate scenarios, the RCP2.6 scenario shows the largest trend and magnitude of change in the indicators, suggesting that the state of stand growth is more sensitive under the RCP2.6 scenario. The L-index showed an increase ranging from 13.7 % to 34.4 % under the unequal weights in different climate scenarios, in which the optimal harvesting intensity ranged from 14.6 % to 19.8 %. More importantly, it should be noted that the values of the increases in the L-index and the relative increased proportion (RIP) were both higher than those when unequal weights were employed. Moreover, it should be highlighted that the increments in the L-index and RIP were both greater than those observed when unequal weights were applied for all three plots under different climate scenarios. Overall, the adjusted the complete mixing degree index (Mc) increased, angle index (W), dominance ratio index (U), and Hegyi competition index (CI) decreased compared to before optimizing with the equal or unequal weights of the stand structural variable, which is evident that the adjustments made to the stand’s structure have resulted in a significant improvement. Thus, the multi-objective optimization for forest spatial dynamics constructed is both reasonable and effective, and it more scientific forest management under different climatic scenarios.

Assessment of the utility of two-dimensional shear wave elastography and superb microvascular imaging in postoperative patients with biliary atresia.

We aimed to investigate whether prediction of liver fibrosis using two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) and vascular tree grading using superb microvascular imaging (SMI) are useful for postoperative follow-up in patients with biliary atresia (BA). We retrospectively collected data from medical records of 134 patients who underwent ultrasound examination with 2D-SWE or SMI, including 13 postoperative patients with BA and 121 non-BA patients. We investigated the distribution of liver stiffness values with SWE and vascular tree grading with SMI and evaluated correlations between these findings and biochemical indices of liver fibrosis in postoperative BA patients. The SWE values of the BA group were not significantly different from that of any other disease groups in non-BA patients. In postoperative BA patients, SWE values correlated significantly with aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (Spearman rank correlation coefficient [rs] = 0.6380, p = 0.0256) and with the Fib-4 index (rs = 0.6526, p = 0.0214). SMI vascular tree grading of the BA group was significantly higher than that of the choledochal cyst group (p = 0.0008) and other hepatobiliary disorder group (p = 0.0030). In postoperative BA patients, SMI vascular tree grading was not positively correlated with any biochemical marker of fibrosis. 2D-SWE appears to be useful for follow-up in postoperative BA patients.

Flooding tolerance, biomass production, and leaf nitrogen assimilatory efficiency in 29 diverse willows (Salix spp.) genotypes during early growth

ABSTRACT Willows are frequently planted as unrooted cuttings in flood-prone areas. The occurrence of a flooding episode during the early stages of the plantation causes diverse morphological and physiological changes in willows. Thus, it is important to identify traits correlating to flooding tolerance to be used to breed genotypes with enhanced tolerance to this stress. In addition, flooding can change nitrogen absorption in plants, altering leaf nitrogen concentration. These changes could influence the photosynthetic activity, and ultimately, the growth of plantations. The aims of this work were: (i) to identify traits that increase flooding tolerance in willows during early growth and (ii) to analyze the effects of flooding on Assimilatory Nitrogen Use Efficiency (ANUE, measured as foliar biomass: foliar nitrogen concentration ratio). Two-month-old plants growing in pots of 29 willow genotypes were flooded with water covering 80% of the stem, for 43 days. At the end of this period, the flooding tolerance index (ratio between the flooded plant biomass to the non-flooded plant biomass) ranged between 39% and 103%. Flooding tolerance had a significant and positive correlation to plant height, diameter, total biomass, growth rate, leaf area, leaf number, and basic wood density. ANUE decreased in flooded plants in most genotypes, despite the increase in leaf nitrogen concentration. This implies that flooded plants were less efficient in the use of nitrogen to produce leaf biomass than the non-flooded treatment. These results are relevant for the selection of flooding tolerance in young willow plants obtained from rootless cuttings.

The association of inflammatory markers with frailty and in-hospital mortality in older COVID-19 patients

IntroductionDuring the COVID19 pandemic, older patients hospitalized for COVID-19 exhibited an increased mortality risk compared to younger patients. While ageing is associated with compromised immune responses and frailty, their contributions and interplay remain understudied. This study investigated the association between inflammatory markers and mortality and potential modification by frailty among older patients hospitalized for COVID-19. MethodsData were from three multicenter Dutch cohorts (COVID-OLD, CliniCo, Covid-Predict). Patients were 70 years or older, hospitalized for COVID-19and categorized into three frailty groups: fit (Clinical frailty score (CFS) 1–3), pre-frail (CFS 4–5), and frail (CFS 6–9). Immunological markers (lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic inflammation index (SII)) were measured at baseline. Associations with in hospital mortality were examined using logistic regression. ResultsA total of 1697 patients were included from COVID-OLD, 656 from Covid-Predict, and 574 from CliniCo. The median age was 79, 77, and 78 years for each cohort. Hospital mortality rates were 33 %, 27 % and 39 % in the three cohorts, respectively. A lower CRP was associated with a higher frailty score in all three cohorts (all p < 0.01). Lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, NLR, PLR, or SII, were similar across frailty groups. Higher CRP levels were associated with increased in-hospital mortality risk across all frailty groups, across all cohorts (OR (95 % CI), 2.88 (2.20–3.78), 3.15 (1.95–5.16), and 3.28 (1.87–5.92)), and frailty did not modify the association between inflammatory markers and in-hospital mortality (all p-interaction>0.05). ConclusionWhile frailty is a significant factor in determining overall outcomes in older patients, our study suggests that the elevated risk of mortality in older patients with frailty compared to fit patients is likely not explained by difference in inflammatory responses.

Study on novel inflammatory indicators in marathon exercise monitoring

To analyze the changes in lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, creatine kinase isoenzyme, high-sensitivity troponin T, N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide precursor, homocysteine, and novel inflammatory indices (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, systemic immune-inflammation index) before and after competitions in amateur marathon runners, and to assess the effects of myocardial injury due to acute exercise and the value of novel inflammatory indices in marathon exercise monitoring. This paper is an analytical study. Amateur athletes recruited by Beijing Hospital to participate in the 2022 Beijing Marathon and the 2023 Tianjin Marathon, and those who underwent health checkups at the Beijing Hospital Medical Checkup Center from January to June 2023 were selected as the study subjects, and 65 amateur marathon runners (41 males and 24 females) and 130 healthy controls (82 males and 48 females) were enrolled in the study according to the inclusion criteria. Peripheral blood was collected one week before, immediately after, and one week after running, and routine blood tests, cardiac enzymes, infarction markers, N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide precursor, and homocysteine were performed to calculate the values of novel inflammatory indexes. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Spearman's rank correlation analysis were used to compare the differences in the levels of each index between the amateur marathon population and the health checkup population, and to compare the changes and correlations of each index at the three time points in the amateur marathoners.The results showed that the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios of the healthy physical examination population and 65 amateur marathoners 1 week before running were 1.73 (1.33, 2.16) and 1.67 (1.21, 2.16), the platelet-lymphocyte ratios were 122.75 (96.69, 155.89) and 120.86 (100.74, 154.63), and the systemic immune inflammation index was 398.62 (274.50, 538.69) and 338.41 (258.62, 485.38), etc.; on 1 week before running, immediately after running and 1 week after running, lactate dehydrogenase of 65 amateur marathon runners was 173.00(159.00, 196.50)U/L,284.00(237.50, 310.50)U/L, 183.00(165.50, 206.50)U/L, creatine kinase was 131.00(94.30, 188.20)U/L,318.00(212.00, 573.15)U/L,139.00(90.55, 202.40)U/L, creatine kinase isoenzyme was 2.50(1.76, 3.43)μg/L,6.24(4.87, 10.30)μg/L,2.73(1.57, 4.40)μg/L.In 65 amateur marathon runners, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, creatine kinase isoenzyme, high sensitivity troponin T, N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide precursor, homocysteine, and novel inflammation markers were significantly elevated in the immediate post-run period compared with 1 week before the run, and the differences were statistically significant (Z=-7.009, Z=-6.813, Z=-6.885, Z=-7.009, Z=-7.009, Z=-6.656; P<0.05 for the above indicators).Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune-inflammatory index all showed significant positive correlation with the pre-and post-run rates of change of high-sensitivity troponin T (ρ=0.28, P=0.03;ρ=0.31, P=0.01;ρ=0.27, P=0.03); these 3 markers were also significantly and positively correlated with the pre-and post-run rates of change in a collection of myocardial-related markers such as lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, creatine kinase isozymes, high-sensitivity troponin T, N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide precursor, and homocysteine, respectively(r=0.446, P=0.039; r=0.452, P=0.033; r=0.449, P=0.036).In addition, the platelet-lymphocyte ratio was positively correlated with the pre-and post-run rates of change in creatine kinase and creatine kinase isoenzymes(ρ=0.27, P=0.03;ρ=0.28, P=0.02).In conclusion, acute myocardial injury may be triggered during marathon exercise. Changes in novel inflammatory markers were significantly associated with changes in myocardial enzymes, infarction markers, N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide precursors, and homocysteine, which may be of value for the prediction of myocardial injury during exercise.

Tectonic evolution of Bursa Yenişehir Basin, Turkey from the Neogene to the Quaternary using a morphotectonic approach

In this study, the morphotectonic features of the Yenişehir pull‐apart basin in Bursa in northwestern Turkey were analysed. The faults in the region are the most important structural elements that characterize the morphology of the Yenişehir pull‐apart basin. The aim of this study is to show the deformation effects of these active faults on the geomorphology with some basic morphometric indices. The morphotectonic features were evaluated using the hypsometric curve and hypsometric integral (Hi), drainage basin asymmetry (the asymmetry factor (AF) and the transverse topographic symmetry factor (T)), river length gradient index, mountain front sinuosity, and valley floor ratio. The morphometric indices that play an important role in the analysis of catchment areas are the Hi, AF, and T indices, which indicate tilting and erosion activities. According to the results of the hypsometric curve and hypsometric integral, the Yenişehir Basin is a young basin with a uniform topography as expected in an active pull‐apart basin formed by faulting in the Quaternary. The relative tectonic activity index (Iat) of the study area was calculated using the values of hypsometric integral, transverse topographic symmetry factor, asymmetry factor, mountain front sinuosity, valley floor ratio and stream length gradient index. The Iat values indicate the tectonic activity of the basin from Pliocene to Recent. Three different tectonic classes were identified in the study area. These are class 1 (high relative tectonic activity), class 2 (moderate relative tectonic activity), and class 3 (low relative tectonic activity). The Iat classification data show that the impact of tectonic activity on the geomorphology is lower in the Iat class 3 indices than in the others. The Iat data show high tectonic activity in the region where active faults of the North Anatolian Fault Zone southern branch are located.

The predictive value of TyG and lipid ratios on the development of complications and hyperuricemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Investigate the predictive value of TyG and lipid ratios on the development of complications and HUA in patients with T2DM. A retrospective cross-sectional study involving 9488 T2DM patients was conducted. They were divided into HUA and NUA group base on SUA level and divided into with and without complications groups according to the diagnosis of the endocrinologist. Necessary information and biochemical parameters were recorded during outpatient visit. TyG index and lipid ratios were calculated, and statistical analysis was carried out to correlate the calculated values and HUA using SPSS version 26.0 for Windows. TyG and lipid ratios were significantly higher in T2DM with HUA or with complications than those with NUA or without complications (p < 0.05). Regression analysis adjusting for confounding factors found TyG (adjusted OR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.31-1.82; p < 0.05), TG/HDL-C (adjusted OR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.04-1.40; p < 0.05) and TC/HDL (adjusted OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.17-1.57; p < 0.05) was risk factor of HUA in T2DM patients. TyG (adjusted OR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.02-1.44; p < 0.05), TG/HDL (adjusted OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.03-1.38; p < 0.05) and Apo A/Apo B (adjusted OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.26-1.58; p < 0.05) was risk factor of complications in T2DM patients. TyG, TG/HDL-C, and TC/HDL can be used as early sensitive target in the occurrence of HUA in T2DM patients and TyG was the most influential risk factor. TyG, TG/HDL-C, and Apo A/Apo B can be used as early sensitive target in the occurrence of complications in T2DM patients and Apo A/Apo B was the most influential risk factor.

Therapeutic Value of Low-Dose Acetylsalicylic Acid for the Prevention of Preeclampsia in High-Risk Bulgarian Women.

Introduction Preeclampsia (PE) is a syndrome that affects pregnant women after 20 weeks of gestation and involves numerous organ systems. Screening for PE is essential to prevent complications and guide management. Some existing guidelines for screening have limitations in terms of detection rates and false positives. The aim of this study is to assess the therapeutic value of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) for the prevention of PE in high-risk Bulgarian women. Methodology A prospective cohort research was carried out, encompassing women who were recruited from several routine consultations, such as booking, scanning, and regular prenatal visits. We utilized the purposive sampling technique to carefully choose potential participants. The study was conducted by a maternal-fetal medicine center located in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The data-gathering period spanned from January 2018 to November 2020. At the appointment, the following procedures were conducted: 1) recording history; 2) assessing height, weight, and blood pressure; 3) collecting blood specimens for biochemical markers; and 4) ultrasound examination. Results A total sample size of 1,383 individuals was categorized into two distinct groups: high-risk patients (n = 506) and low-risk patients (n = 877). The mean uterine arterypulsatility index (UtA-PI) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) ratios were all greater in high-risk group women (p < 0.05). The data revealed that a significant number of high-risk women failed to adhere to the prescribed dosage or regular use of ASA as recommended by their doctor. There were only 384 (75.9%) high-risk women who took low-dose ASA regularly. Conclusion The findings emphasize the importance of personalized prenatal care and early risk assessment to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial to educate pregnant women, considering the benefits and risks of low-dose ASA when appropriately indicated.

Oceanic Precipitation Nowcasting Using a UNet-Based Residual and Attention Network and Real-Time Himawari-8 Images

Qualitative precipitation forecasting plays a vital role in marine operational services. However, predicting heavy precipitation over the open ocean presents a significant challenge due to the limited availability of ground-based radar observations far from coastal regions. Recent advancements in deep learning models offer potential for oceanic precipitation nowcasting using satellite images. This study implemented an enhanced UNet model with an attention mechanism and a residual architecture (RA-UNet) to predict the precipitation rate within a 90 min time frame. A comparative analysis with the standard UNet and UNet with an attention algorithm revealed that the RA-UNet method exhibited superior accuracy metrics, such as the critical ratio index and probability of detection, with fewer false alarms. Two typical cases demonstrated that RA-UNet had a better ability to forecast monsoon precipitation as well as intense precipitation in a tropical cyclone. These findings indicate the greater potential of the RA-UNet approach for nowcasting heavy precipitation over the ocean using satellite imagery.