Significant Linear Relationship Research Articles

Infrared thermometry-based stress indices as indicators of yield performance and seasonal evapotranspiration in potato plants grown under different moisture and potassium regimes

As the demand for food continues to rise and water availability challenges intensify, the delicate equilibrium between efficient water usage and sustainable agricultural production has become increasingly pivotal. Recognizing the significance of water stress monitoring and nutrient management in the country's agricultural landscape, two years of field trials (2018–2019 and 2019–2020) were conducted at the Regional Research Station, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Gayeshpur, Nadia, to demonstrate the efficiency of canopy temperature-based indices for monitoring crop water stress in potato (cv. Kufri Jyoti) under varied irrigation (IW:CPE = 0.4, 0.8, 1.2 and 1.6) and potassium doses (K2O @ 100, 150 and 200 kg ha−1). The seasonal evapotranspiration of potato plants ranged from 121.0 mm to 320.9 mm during the crop growth period, and it exhibited a quadratic relationship with both the total dry biomass and the tuber yield. In 2019–2020, the highest water use efficiency (WUE) of 12.74 kg m−3 was obtained from the application of IW; CPE= 1.20 with the application of K2O @ 200 kg ha−1. In the following year, the highest WUE of 9.78 kg m−3 was obtained from irrigation at IW:CPE= 1.60, along with K2O application @ 200 kg ha−1. During a major part of the growth period, the canopy air temperature difference (CATD) was greater in the treatments in which irrigation was applied at IW:CPE = 0.4 and 0.8 than in those in which irrigation was applied at higher levels, i.e., IW:CPE = 1.2 and 1.6, implying the effectiveness of CATD as a stress indicator. The stress indices, stress degree days (SDD) and crop water stress index (CWSI) accumulated over the crop growing season showed decreasing trends with increasing irrigation and potassium doses. Both the accumulated SDD and accumulated CWSI showed a strong inverse relationship with tuber yield. The significant linear relationship between tuber yield and the seasonal accumulation of both infrared thermometry-based stress indices (i.e., SDD and CWSI) may help to predict crop yield in response to seasonal moisture stress and thus aid in strategic crop planning under the limited availability of irrigation.

Relationship between glycated hemoglobin levels and three-month outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients with or without diabetes: a prospective Korean cohort study

ObjectiveIn patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke, there is ongoing debate surrounding the connection between chronic hyperglycemic status and their initial clinical outcomes. Our objective was to examine the connection between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and adverse clinical outcomes at both 3-months adverse clinical outcomes in individuals with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with and without diabetes.MethodsThe present prospective cohort study involved 896 AIS patients without diabetes and 628 with diabetes treated at a South Korean hospital from January 2010 to December 2016. The target independent variable is HbA1c. The outcome variable is a modified Rankin scale score ≥ 3. A binary logistic regression model was applied to assess the connection between HbA1c levels and 3-month poor clinical outcomes in AIS patients with and without diabetes. Additionally, a generalized additive model and smoothed curve fitting were utilized to explore potential nonlinear associations between HbA1c levels and 3-month adverse clinical outcomes in AIS patients with and without diabetes.ResultsThe binary logistic regression model could not identify any statistically significant connection between HbA1c and 3-month adverse clinical outcomes in AIS patients, both those with and without diabetes, after correcting for various factors. However, a nonlinear relationship emerged between HbA1c and 3-month adverse clinical outcomes in AIS patients with diabetes. The inflection point for HbA1c was determined to be 6.1%. For HbA1c values ≤ 6.1%, an inverse association was observed between HbA1c and 3-month adverse clinical outcomes in diabetic AIS patients, and each 1% increase in HbA1c in AIS patients with DM was associated with an 87% reduction in 3-month adverse clinical outcomes (OR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.02–0.81). Conversely, when HbA1c exceeded 6.1%, a positive association between HbA1c and 3-month adverse clinical outcomes became apparent in diabetic AIS patients, and each 1% increase in HbA1c in AIS patients with DM was associated with a 23% increase in 3-month adverse clinical outcomes (OR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.03–1.47). However, it’s important to note that no significant linear or nonlinear relationships were observed between HbA1c levels and 3-month adverse clinical outcomes in AIS patients without diabetes.ConclusionOur findings suggest a nonlinear connection and threshold effect between HbA1c and 3-month adverse clinical outcomes in AIS patients with diabetes. AIS patients with diabetes had a lower risk of 3-month adverse clinical outcomes when their HbA1c control was close to 6.1%. Our findings may aid treatment decision-making and potentially guide interventions to optimize glycemic control in AIS patients.

PENGELOLAAN KUALITAS AIR ASAM TAMBANG SETTLING POND PADA KEGIATAN PERTAMBANGAN BATUBARA DI KABUPATEN TANAH LAUT

Management of acid mine drainage is necessary to ensure that the seetlingpond outlet meets the required environmental quality standards. This research was conducted at the seetlingpond location of PT. Jorong Barutama Greston. The aim of this research is to analyze the relationship between the seetlingpond inlet discharge and the use of lime using manual and automatic methods with the outlet parameter sizes being pH Fe, Mn and Cd. Data collection was carried out for approximately 1 year. Observations were taken on a monthly average, both discharge, amount of lime and results of chemical analysis of water quality. The results showed that the method of using lime automatically produces a significant linear relationship between the amount of discharge and the use of lime, while the use of lime manually does not occur consistently between the amount of discharge and the amount of lime so that the use, for the results of water quality analysis either manually or using a lime mixing machine, both produce water quality output that meets environmental quality standards based on the standards of South Kalimantan Governor Regulation No. 36 of 2008.

Productivity and Species Diversity of Plant Communities Are Higher inside than outside the West Ordos National Nature Reserve, Northern China.

Nature reserves play an important role in the protection of biological habitats and the maintenance of biodiversity, but the performance and mechanisms of desert steppe nature reserves in improving plant community productivity, biodiversity and soil nutrient content are still largely unknown. To investigate the conservation effects of desert steppe nature reserve management on plant productivity and biodiversity, we compared the plant biomass, diversity and soil nutrient content inside and outside the West Ordos National Nature Reserve through sample survey, biomass determination, diversity index calculation and soil nutrient content determination. We found the following: (1) The aboveground biomass and belowground biomass of plant communities in the nature reserve were significantly larger than those outside the reserve; and the aboveground biomass of plant communities in shrub-steppe was significantly larger than that of herb grassland in both the nature reserve and the outside of the reserve. (2) The Margalef richness index, Shannon-Wiener index and Simpson index were significantly greater in the reserve than outside the nature reserve. In the desert steppe, the establishment of the nature reserve increased the α-diversity of the plant community. (3) The soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil total nitrogen (STN) were greater in the nature reserve than outside the reserve, and for the 10-20 cm and 20-40 cm soil layers, the SOC and STN were significantly greater in the core protected zone of the reserve than outside the reserve. The reserve significantly increased the nutrient content of the deeper soil layers. (4) The aboveground biomass of the plant community had a significant positive linear relationship with the species richness index, the Shannon index, and the Simpson index. There was a positive correlation between the diversity of the plant community and the soil nutrients. In summary, the nature reserve improved local plant productivity, biodiversity and the soil nutrient content, and the soil nutrient content in deeper soil layers may be the driving factor for the increase in productivity and biodiversity, which deepens our understanding of the conservation effectiveness of the nature reserve and its mechanisms.

Risk factors for severe community-acquired pneumonia in infants and preschool children

Introduction. The relevance of studying community-acquired pneumonia in children is associated with its high prevalence, despite timely prevention and effective approaches to the treatment of respiratory diseases. Factors influencing the severity of pneumonia are diverse and include comorbid pathology, early age of the child, the state of the immune system, etc.Objective. To identify and rank risk factors for severe community-acquired pneumonia in infants and preschool children.Materials and methods. This article presents the results of a retrospective analysis of 291 medical histories of children from 3 months to 7 years with community-acquired pneumonia. 83 children had severe CAP, of which 63 patients were hospitalized in the ICU.Results and discussion. The average age of a patient with community-acquired pneumonia was 33 months. Children from families with two or more children fell ill more often. On average, children were hospitalized for 4–5 days of illness. Concomitant diseases in children with CAP were quite common and often complicated the course of pneumonia. According to the results of our study, more than 70% of children were not vaccinated against pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae and influenza. We established significant linear relationships between the presence of bronchial obstruction and complications of CAP such as respiratory failure and transfer to the ICU (odds ratio (OR) 7.1; Cramer coefficient 0.40; relationship 0.005). It was shown that patients who received outpatient antibiotic therapy were less likely to require transfer to the ICU.Conclusion. Risk factors for severe community-acquired pneumonia and hospitalization in the ICU were: male gender, age under 2 years, lack of vaccination against pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae and influenza, combination of bronchial obstruction with CAP, presence of ENT pathology, lack of antibacterial therapy during prehospital stage, as well as the presence of a serious condition already upon admission.

Applicability analysis of flame height estimation based on Byram’s fireline intensity model under flat and windless conditions

Forest fire have a serious impact on forest ecosystems, the safety of people’s lives and property, and social stability. The height of surface flames, as the main indicator of forest fire behavior, which is an important parameter for forest fire management. The relationship between fireline intensity and flame height proposed by Byram has been widely used in estimating flame height; however, its applicability to the surface fuel of typical forest stands in the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau of China has not yet been analyzed. In this study, the surface fuel in the area was taken as the research object, and the flame height of different fuel bed characteristics was measured through an indoor burning experiment. The applicability of three methods—the directly used Byram’s model, corrected model, and re-established prediction model—was analyzed to estimate the flame height in the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau. We found that the flame height of the typical forest stands in the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau ranged from 0.05 to 1.2 m and was significantly affected by the moisture content, load, and height of the fuel bed. Although the fireline intensity exhibited a significant linear relationship with the flame height, directly using Byram’s method to predict the flame height of surface fires was impractical, as its mean prediction error exceeded 150%. The mean relative errors of the prediction model obtained by modifying Byram’s method and that based on the characteristics of the fuel bed were both within 15%, which is significantly lower than that of the original Byram’s method. Based on the results of this study, we propose two methods that are suitable for predicting the flame height of surface fires in the typical forests of the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau in China, which is of great significance for further understanding the relationship between flame height, fireline intensity, and scientific forest fire management.

Mercury distribution in organisms, litter, and soils of the Middle Araguaia floodplain in Brazil.

Mercury (Hg) is a chemical element that, depending on its concentration, may become toxic to living organisms due to the ability of Hg to bioaccumulate in food chains. In this study, we collected samples of soil, litter, and organisms in the Middle Araguaia floodplain, Brazil. Total mercury (THg) concentrations in litter were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than that in soil, ranging from 10.68 ± 0.55 to 48.94 ± 0.13 and 20.80 ± 1.07 to 55 .19 ± 1.59 ng g-1, respectively. Total mercury concentration levels in soil showed a linear, inversely proportional relationship with soil organic matter (SOM) contents and soil pH, consistent with the geochemical behavior of chemical elements in flooded environments. Ten orders of organisms were identified, and the average THg concentrations determined in their bodies were up to 20 times higher than those in soil and litter. We found a significant linear relationship between the levels of THg in litter and those found in soil organisms, thereby allowing the prediction of THg concentration levels in soil organisms through the analysis of litter at the sample units. The different dynamics and feeding habits of soil organisms and the concentration of THg in these organisms may be influenced by the river's course. This study provides evidence of the bioaccumulation of THg in soil organisms in the floodplain of the Middle Araguaia River, an important river basin in the Brazilian savanna.

The Impact of Vaccination, Infection and Fatality Rate on ASEAN Air Transport Industry in the Pandemic Period

This study aims to determine the impact of COVID-19 on air connectivity in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, specifically focusing on infection, vaccination and fatality rates. To examine the impact of COVID-19 on the ASEAN air transport industry, a panel data series was created. The panel covered data from 57 airlines with different business models in the 10 ASEAN member states from January 2019 to July 2022 (31 months). The results of the study have shown that there is a significant inverse linear relationship between full-service and low-cost international flight movements, passenger demand and vaccination rate, infection rate and fatality rate. At the country level, Brunei experienced the lowest drop in air passenger demand, followed by the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia. Other countries (Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam) were not significant predictors of passenger demand. The study’s results have indicated that an increase in infection rate has a greater impact on the international air travel market compared to the domestic market. The reduction rate of the domestic market is only half that of the international market, while the fatality rate demonstrated no differences. This study represents a valuable contribution to the existing knowledge of the pandemic’s impact on the air transport industry, focusing on Southeast Asian countries. It provides evidence to help stakeholders in the aviation industry prepare for future related crises. The study concludes that fostering greater cooperation and coordination among ASEAN member states in managing health crises and facilitating the aviation industry can promote economic growth, enhance resilience and strengthen regional integration in the long run. JEL Classification: F02, I30

Brain activation during processing of mouth actions in patients with disorders of consciousness.

In the past 2 decades, several attempts have been made to promote a correct diagnosis and possible restorative interventions in patients suffering from disorders of consciousness. Sensory stimulation has been proved to be useful in sustaining the level of arousal/awareness and to improve behavioural responsiveness with a significant effect on oro-motor functions. Recently, action observation has been proposed as a stimulation strategy in patients with disorders of consciousness, based on neurophysiological evidence that the motor cortex can be activated not only during action execution but also when actions are merely observed in the absence of motor output, or during listening to action sounds and speech. This mechanism is provided by the activity of mirror neurons. In the present study, a group of patients with disorders of consciousness (11 males, 4 females; median age: 55 years; age range: 19-74 years) underwent task-based functional MRI in which they had, in one condition, to observe and listen to the sound of mouth actions, and in another condition, to listen to verbs with motor or abstract content. In order to verify the presence of residual activation of the mirror neuron system, the brain activations of patients were compared with that of a group of healthy individuals (seven males, eight females; median age: 33.4 years; age range: 24-65 years) performing the same tasks. The results show that brain activations were lower in patients with disorders of consciousness compared with controls, except for primary auditory areas. During the audiovisual task, 5 out of 15 patients with disorders of consciousness showed only residual activation of low-level visual and auditory areas. Activation of high-level parieto-premotor areas was present in six patients. During the listening task, three patients showed only low-level activations, and six patients activated also high-level areas. Interestingly, in both tasks, one patient with a clinical diagnosis of vegetative state showed activations of high-level areas. Region of interest analysis on blood oxygen level dependent signal change in temporal, parietal and premotor cortex revealed a significant linear relation with the level of clinical functioning, assessed with coma recovery scale-revised. We propose a classification of the patient's response based on the presence of low-level and high-level activations, combined with the patient's functional level. These findings support the use of action observation and listening as possible stimulation strategies in patients with disorders of consciousness and highlight the relevance of combined methods based on functional assessment and brain imaging to provide more detailed neuroanatomical specificity about residual activated areas at both cortical and subcortical levels.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Accumulation in Freshwater Fishes in Irrigation Tanks, Anuradhapura

&#x0D; Sri Lanka is well known for its dense freshwater irrigation tanks, especially in dry zones, which play an important role in sustaining both the environment and human livelihoods by providing essential resources such as drinking water, irrigation for agriculture, and nutrition through fish proteins. However, heavy metal contamination poses a significant threat to the sustainability of these valuable freshwater irrigation tanks due to their persistence and non-biodegradability. These heavy metals tend to accumulate in living organisms and biomagnified and have harmful effects on high tropic level organisms like humans who rely on aquatic fish species via food chains. This study was carried out to assess the heavy metal accumulation in muscle and liver parts of freshwater fishes, Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.), and striped snakehead; Lula (Channa striata) in Kammalakkulama, Hammillewa, Kirindegama, and Madawalagama tanks in Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka. The Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to analyse the randomly collected fish samples for total Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), and Mercury (Hg) in the tanks. The results indicated a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in the detected concentrations of heavy metal levels in tested samples among the four tanks. The highest concentrations of Cd (2.098 mg/kg) and As (0.366 mg/kg) were recorded in the liver of Tilapia in the Kammalakkulama tank. The highest Pb (5.509 mg/kg) and Hg (2.015 mg/kg) concentration was recorded in the Tilapia muscle in the Hammillewa tank and the Lula muscle in the Madawalagama tank respectively exceeding the WHO/FAO standards. The accumulation levels of these heavy metals were higher in the fish liver compared to their muscle in most of the samples. Arsenic (As) showed a significant positive linear relationship (R2=0.531) between their dry body weight and accumulated concentration in the Tilapia muscle. The canonical discriminant analysis showed a significant differentiation among the four tanks concerning heavy metal levels in fish tissues.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Channa striata, Heavy metals, Irrigation tanks, ICP-MS, Oreochromis sp.

Normal triglyceride concentration and the risk of diabetes mellitus type 2 in the general population of China.

Hypertriglyceridemia and its derivatives are independent predictors of diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM). However, the relationship between triglyceride concentrations within the normal range and the incidence of T2DM remains to be clarified. This study investigated the potential relationship between variations in plasma triglyceride levels within the normal range and T2DM onset using data from a longitudinal study of health and retirement in China. Between, 2010 and, 2016, we conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 36,441 individuals with normal triglyceride levels. Using a Cox proportional hazards regression model, we examined the connection between normal triglyceride levels and T2DM incidence. We employed this method with smooth curve fitting to investigate potential nonlinear associations. Subgroup analyses were performed based on age, sex, body mass index, smoking and drinking status, hypertension, and family history of diabetes. A significant linear relationship was observed between normal triglyceride levels and the incidence of T2DM. The hazard ratio for T2DM in individuals with normal triglycerides was 1.81 (95% confidence interval: 1.39, 2.36); P<0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis further demonstrated a prospective association between the higher tertiles of normal triglyceride levels and the development of T2DM (P<0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed a stronger positive correlation between normal triglyceride levels in females and the risk of T2DM. An increase in triglyceride levels within the normal range is related to a continuous increase in the incidence of T2DM in the general population. These findings show that almost everyone can benefit from reducing triglyceride levels, further emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes in the general population.

Leveraging Technology Integration in Kenya's Food &amp; Beverage Industry for Competitiveness.

Leveraging Technology Integration in Kenya's Food &amp; Beverage Industry for Competitiveness.

Bisphenol A and its alternatives bisphenol S and F exposure with serum uric acid levels, hyperuricemia, and gout prevalence among US adults: a nationally representative cross-sectional study.

Recent studies suggested inconclusive associations between bisphenols exposure and hyperuricemia risk. Our objective was to assess the potential association of bisphenol A (BPA) and its substitutes bisphenol S and F (BPS and BPF) exposure with serum uric acid (SUA) levels, hyperuricemia, and gout prevalence among US adults within the NHANES 2013-2016 datasets. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to explore the associations of urinary bisphenols concentrations with SUA levels, hyperuricemia, and gout prevalence, in total population and different sex groups. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) model was used to explore the dose-response relationship. In total population, doubling of urinary BPS and ∑BPs concentrations showed associations with an increase of 2.64 μmol/L (95% CI: 0.54, 4.74) and 3.29 μmol/L (95% CI: 0.59, 5.99) in SUA levels, respectively. The RCS model indicated a significantly "J"-shaped dose-response relationship between BPS exposure and SUA levels. Compared to the reference group of urinary BPS, males in the highest quartile displayed a 13.06 μmol/L (95% CI: 0.75, 25.37) rise in SUA levels. For females, doubling of urinary BPS concentrations was associated with a 3.30 μmol/L (95% CI: 0.53, 6.07) increase in SUA levels, with a significant linear dose-response relationship. In total population, doubling of urinary BPA concentrations showed a 1.05-fold (95% CI: 0.97, 1.14) adjusted risk of having hyperuricemia, with an inverted "U" curve. Doubling of urinary ∑BPs concentrations was associated with a 1.05-fold (95% CI: 0.96, 1.14) adjusted risk of hyperuricemia in total population, with a significant monotonic dose-response relationship. In females, doubling of urinary BPS concentrations was associated with a 1.45-fold (95% CI: 1.01, 2.08) adjusted increased risk of having gout, with a "J" shaped relationship. BPA and BPS exposure to some extent were associated with elevated SUA levels and increased risk of hyperuricemia, with different dose-response relationships and sex differences.

Long-Term Visual Quality and Pupil Changes after Small-Incision Lenticule Extraction for Eyes without Preoperative Cylinder Refraction.

To investigate the long-term changes in visual quality and pupil size after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for eyes without preoperative cylinder refraction. Thirty-three myopic eyes (33 patients) without preoperative cylinder refraction were corrected using SMILE. Refractive outcomes, corneal curvature, aberrations, contrast sensitivity (CS), and pupil diameter were evaluated preoperatively, and 30 months postoperatively. The 30-month postoperative uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA, LogMAR) were -0.10 ± 0.09 and -0.14 ± 0.06, respectively, whereas the preoperative CDVA (LogMAR) was -0.07 ± 0.05. Cylinder refraction of -0.11 ± 0.21 D (ranging from -0.50 to 0.00) was observed at 30 months postoperatively, increasing from the preoperative cylinder refraction of 0.00 ± 0.00 D (P=0.004). Moreover, the centroid coordinates x, y of corneal anterior astigmatic vectors were -0.19 ± 0.22, 0.81 ± 0.33 at 30 months postoperatively, and 0.02 ± 0.28, 0.76 ± 0.51 preoperatively (Px < 0.001 and Py=0.810, respectively). Furthermore, a 15° axis change in the mean anterior corneal astigmatic vector was observed at 30 months postoperatively from the preoperative state, as measured by Pentacam. At 30 months postoperatively, the photopic Log CS reduced significantly with glare at three and six cycles/degrees (P < 0.001 and P=0.015, respectively), a decreased photopic pupil diameter (3.27 ± 0.55 mm vs. 3.10 ± 0.66 mm, P=0.030), and an increased Coma (Z31) and Trefoil (Z3-3) at 4 mm diameter area analysis. However, a significant linear regression relationship was only observed between changes in photopic pupil diameter and changes in photopic Log CS with glare at 12 cycles/degree (P=0.038 and β = 0.282). Slight cylinder regression was observed with thicker corneal lenticular extraction after SMILE correction of nonastigmatic eyes 30 months postoperatively. This regression was mainly because of the axis changes in anterior corneal astigmatism power. Therefore, a cylinder nomogram modification of 0.25 to 0.50 D is considerable for correcting nonastigmatic myopic eyes with a predicted spherical lenticular thickness over 100 µm.

Model-Based Benefit/Risk Analysis for the Copanlisib Intermittent Dosing Regimen.

Copanlisib is an intravenously administered phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, which is approved as monotherapy for relapsed follicular lymphoma in adult patients who have received at least two systemic therapies. In an April 2022 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Oncology Drug Advisory Committee (ODAC), the benefit-risk profile of the class PI3K inhibitors were scrutinized for use in hematological malignancies. Specifically, their unique toxicities may contribute to the high incidences in reported serious and high-grade treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs), thereby reducing their overall tolerability and potentially limiting their successful use. These tolerability concerns may be contributed by or compounded by inadequate dose optimization. The recommended dosing regimen of copanlisib 60 mg administered on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle was selected as the maximal tolerated dose (MTD) during phase I. Thus, this analysis sought to justify the copanlisib dose regimen selection. Copanlisib exposure-efficacy relationships were considered from its large phase III trial, CHRONOS-3, whereas copanlisib safety was investigated by pooling data across its two large clinical trials to comprehensively assess its exposure-safety relationships. Results demonstrated a statistically significant positive linear exposure-efficacy relationship at the MTD. Exposure-safety analyses revealed a borderline significant linear relationship for grade ≥3 TEAEs and no significant exposure-safety relationships for other investigated safety end points. The model-based benefit/risk framework considered the established exposure-response models and defined clinical utility function which confirmed the appropriateness of the copanlisib dosing regimen across the range of its achieved exposures.

Aptasensor based on high surface area covalent organic framework for simple and ultrasensitive detection of sarcosine in the diagnosis of prostate cancer

In this study, an electrochemical aptasensor was developed for the specific detection of sarcosine using a covalent organic framework (COF). The imine-based two-dimensional COF was synthesized through a solvothermal process using terephthaldehyde and melamine. This resulted in the formation of a structure that is highly porous and has a unique surface area of 908 m2/g. The produced biosensor demonstrated a significant linear relationship between charge transfer resistance (Rct) and various concentrations of sarcosine in blood serum samples. The aptasensor had two linear ranges, spanning from 0.5 fM to 700 fM and 10 pM to 0.12 nM, respectively, with a detection limit of 0.15 fM. The incorporation of high surface area COFs in the aptasensor design offers a promising combination of sensitivity, stability, and specificity. This combination creates a valuable device for diagnosing and monitoring of prostate cancer and potentially other diseases.

Non-Invasive Estimation of Intracranial Pressure-Derived Cerebrovascular Reactivity Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Sensor Technology in Acute Neural Injury: A Time-Series Analysis.

The contemporary monitoring of cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) relies on invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring which limits its application. Interest is shifting towards near-infrared spectroscopic regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2)-based indices of CVR which are less invasive and have improved spatial resolution. This study aims to examine and model the relationship between ICP and rSO2-based indices of CVR. Through a retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected physiologic data in moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, linear mixed effects modeling techniques, augmented with time-series analysis, were utilized to evaluate the ability of rSO2-based indices of CVR to model ICP-based indices. It was found that rSO2-based indices of CVR had a statistically significant linear relationship with ICP-based indices, even when the hierarchical and autocorrelative nature of the data was accounted for. This strengthens the body of literature indicating the validity of rSO2-based indices of CVR and potential greatly expands the scope of CVR monitoring.

Carbon Emission Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Typical Processes in Drinking Water Treatment Plant

Based on the actual operating conditions and data monitoring, the carbon emission characteristics of typical processes of a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) in Tianjin were studied. The total carbon emission intensity measured by CO2-eq was 0.254 kg·m-3, and the proportion of carbon emissions from electricity consumption and reagent consumption was 81.76% and 9.15%, respectively. The key carbon emission sectors of electricity consumption were the water supply pump house, ultrafiltration membrane process, and inlet pump house, which accounted for 50.99%-73.51%, 17.64%-20.70%, and 17.97%-22.40% of the total carbon emission from electricity consumption in the DWTP, respectively. The contribution of sodium hypochlorite to the carbon emission of reagent consumption was 89.12%-90.30%, followed by ferric chloride, PAC, and ammonium sulfate. In the traditional water purification process, the carbon emission intensity of the process unit was in the order of inlet pump house &gt; rapid filter &gt; sedimentation tank. The order in the ultrafiltration membrane advanced treatment process was inlet pump house &gt; ultrafiltration membrane &gt; mechanical coagulation &gt; clarification tank. The carbon emission intensity of the rapid filter process and the ultrafiltration membrane process were 0.070 9 kg·m-3 and 0.109 0 kg·m-3, respectively. The ultrafiltration membrane process could save 23% of the reagent consumption, and its carbon emission of electricity consumption was twice that of the traditional treatment process. The analysis of factors affecting carbon emission in key sectors showed that the raw water quality parameters such as turbidity, pH, ammonia nitrogen, temperature, etc., were significantly correlated with the carbon emission intensity of sodium hypochlorite. There was a significant linear regression relationship between ex-factory water pressure, daily water supply, and carbon emission intensity of the water supply pump house. The control measures of water quality and water pressure can effectively reduce the carbon emissions of the DWTP.

Quantitative differences in volumetric calculations for radiation dosimetry in segmental Y90 treatment planning using hybrid angiography-CT compared with anatomic segmentation.

To compare treatment volumes reconstructed from hybrid Angio-CT catheter-directed infusion imaging and Couinaud anatomic model as well as the implied differences in Y-90 radiation dosimetry. Patients who underwent transarterial radioembolization (TARE) using Y-90 glass microspheres with pretreatment CT or MRI imaging as well as intraprocedural angiography-CT (Angio-CT) were analysed. Treatment volumes were delineated using both tumoural angiosomes (derived from Angio-CT) and Couinaud anatomic landmarks. Segmental and lobar treatment volumes were calculated via semi-automated contouring software. Volume and dose differences were compared by the two-tailed Student t test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Factors affecting volume and dose differences were assessed via simple and/or multiple variable linear regression analysis. From September 2018 to March 2021, 44 patients underwent 45 lobar treatments and 38 patients received 56 segmental treatments. All target liver lobes and all tumours were completely included within the field-of-view by Angio-CT. Tumour sizes ranged between 1.1 and 19.5 cm in diameter. Segmental volumes and treatment doses were significantly different between the Couinaud and Angio-CT volumetry methods (316 vs 404 mL, P < .0001 and 253 vs 212 Gy, P < .01, respectively). Watershed tumours were significantly correlated with underestimated volumes by the Couinaud anatomic model (P < .001). There was a significant linear relationship between tumour diameter and percent volume difference (R2 = 0.44, P < .0001). The Couinaud model overestimated volumes for large tumours that exhibited central hypovascularity/necrosis and for superselected peripheral tumours. Angio-CT may confer advantages over the Couinaud anatomic model and enable more accurate, personalized dosimetry for TARE. Angio-CT may confer advantages over traditional cross-sectional and cone-beam CT imaging for selective internal radiation therapy planning.

Effect of ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block on inflammatory cytokines and postoperative recovery after partial hepatectomy: a randomised clinical trial

BackgroundStellate ganglion block (SGB) has been shown to reduce perioperative complications in various surgeries. Because laparoscopic techniques and instruments have advanced during the past two decades, laparoscopic liver resection is being increasingly adopted worldwide. Lesser blood loss, fewer postoperative complications, and shorter postoperative hospital stays are the advantages of laparoscopic liver resection, as compared to conventional open surgery. There is an urgent need for an effective intervention to reduce perioperative complications and accelerate postoperative recovery. This study investigated the effect of ultrasound-guided SGB on enhanced recovery after laparoscopic partial hepatectomy.MethodsWe compared patients who received SGB with 0.5% ropivacaine (group S) with those who received SGB with 0.9% saline (group N). A total of 58 patients with partial hepatectomy were enrolled (30 S) and (28 N). Before induction of anesthesia, SGB was performed with 0.5% ropivacaine in group S and 0.9% saline in group N. Main outcome: Comparison of serum inflammatory cytokines concentration at each time point.ResultsMain outcome: When comparing IL-6 and IL-10 concentrations among groups, group S showed less variation over time compared to group N. For comparison between groups, the serum IL-6 concentration in group S was lower than that in group N at 6 and 24 h after operation (P < 0.01), and there was a significant linear relationship between serum IL-6 concentration at 24 h after operation and hospitalization situation.ConclusionsUltrasound-guided SGB can stabilize perioperative inflammatory cytokines plays a positive role in the enhanced recovery of patients after laparoscopic partial hepatectomy. The serum IL-6 level within 24 h after surgery may be used as a predictor of hospitalization.Trial registrationThe study was registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov (Registration date: 13/09/2021; Trial ID: NCT05042583).