Incremental Trend Research Articles

Effects of the Zishen Yutai Pill on live births compared with placebo among infertile women with frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle: A multicentre double-blind randomized controlled trial

BackgroundZishen Yutai Pill exhibited clinical benefit to infertile women undergoing fresh embryo transfer cycles, improving their pregnancy outcomes. However, as the endometrial environment in frozen embryo transfer (FET) is different from fresh cycles, the effects of ZYP on fresh embryo transfer could not be generalized to FET. ObjectiveWe aimed to explore the effects of ZYP on live birth rate in women's FET cycles. MethodsThis multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study was conducted at 11 reproductive medical centres in China. Women were recruited and randomly assigned to ZYP or placebo intervention (5 g once, 3 times per day) around the time of FET. The live birth rate was set as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included implantation rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, pregnancy loss rates. Data was analyzed based on the intention-to-treat principle, with per protocol analysis as sensitivity analysis. ResultsBetween December 2017 and April 2019, 934 women were screened, of whom 880 met all eligibility criteria and were allocated to ZYP (n=441) or placebo (n=439). In ITT analysis, the live birth rates were 38.32% (169/441) in ZYP group and 32.57% (143/439) (absolute difference 5.75%, 95%CI [−0.57%, 12.00%], OR 1.29, 95%CI [0.98, 1.70], P=0.08). The intervention of ZYP did not result in significantly differences in all secondary outcomes compared with placebo (all P>0.05). Similar trends were observed in PP analysis. In post hoc analysis, ZYP resulted in higher rates of live birth than placebo among women in specific subgroups, i.e., with miscarriage history (39.23% vs. 26.45%, P=0.01) or advanced maternal age (33.93% vs. 21.85%, P=0.04). ConclusionIn infertile women undergoing FET cycle, intervention with ZYP led to a trend of live birth rate increment compared with placebo, but without statistical significance. However, women with miscarriage history and advanced age could experience possible benefits from ZYP intervention. RegistrationChiCTR-INR-17010809 (http://www.chictr.org.cn).

Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Metabolic Syndrome.

The metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors, is associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a major contributor to cardiac, cerebrovascular, and metabolic disorders as well as to premature death. This cross-sectional study was done for 1 year in 103 patients of MetS diagnosed by the International Diabetes Federation criteria. All patients were subjected to the STOP-Bang questionnaire, and they were classified into low, intermediate, and high risks depending on the score. Patients falling in intermediate-high risk (score 3-8) were taken for overnight polysomnography to confirm the diagnosis of OSA (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] ≥5) and were considered Group I. Patients with STOP-Bang score ≤2 or score ≥3 with AHI <5 were considered Group II (non-OSA). Out of 103 MetS patients enrolled in the study, only 70 (68.0%) were diagnosed with OSA, so the prevalence of OSA in MetS patients was 68%. The majority of the OSA cases had moderate-to-severe OSA (68.5%), and only 31.4% had mild OSA. The age of patients enrolled in the study ranged between 29 and 78 years, and the mean age of patients was 54.8 ± 9.4 years. Out of 103 MetS enrolled in the study, 59 (57.3%) were male and the rest were female, so the prevalence of severe OSA was higher in males than in females. The prevalence increases with an increase in age groups. Weight, body mass index (BMI), circumference, and waist circumference (WC) of cases of OSA were found to be significantly higher as compared to that of non-OSA. An incremental trend of increase in weight, BMI, neck circumference, and WC was observed with the increase in the severity of OSA. Patients of OSA as compared to non-OSA had significantly increased WC, blood pressure (BP), fasting, postprandial, random blood sugar, and triglyceride (TG) levels. A trend of increase in WC, BP fasting, postprandial, random blood sugar, and TG levels was associated with an increase in the severity of OSA. Snoring and daytime sleepiness were observed in a significantly higher proportion of OSA cases as compared to non-OSA cases. This study shows that OSA has a high prevalence in subjects with MetS. A high index of clinical suspicion is required for early diagnosis.

A-priori framework of viscosity and ionic conductivity estimation of ionogel

A-priori framework has been developed to estimate the viscosity and ionic conductivity of ionogel. Six imidazolium-class of ionic liquids (ILs) form ionogels with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) matrix. Group contribution parameters of TEOS are estimated with the fitting of the density dataset in the predictive Soave−Redlich−Kwong equation of state with the NSM1 alpha function model. Later the parameters are used to estimate the critical property of ILs and TEOS. These facilitate the formulation of the predictive framework of viscosity estimation through the geometric similitude concept with the Valderrama-Patel-Teja cubic equation of state. Later the viscosity of ionogels is estimated through a mixture form of geometric similitude framework as well as the Arrhenius model. Additionally, the estimated viscosities from both frameworks are used to estimate the ionic conductivities of ionogels. The compositional and temperature variance of ionic conductivity reveals the superior ionic conductivity of tetrafluoroborate-based ionogels than the bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide-based counterparts. Both models estimate the decrease in viscosity as well as incremental trends in ionic conductivity with temperature. However, the concentration of IL rather plays a different trend in the estimation model as well as the class of IL. Such a priori framework shall lead to the design of the ionogels focusing on the physicochemical properties.

Short-term effect of a moderate-potency topical corticosteroid on epidermal biophysical parameters in patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis: A randomised controlled study.

Skin barrier dysfunction is an important component of atopic dermatitis (AD) pathophysiology. Topical corticosteroids (TCSs) are the mainstay therapy, but steroid phobia is emerging due to potential side effects. We aimed to determine the short-term effect of clobetasone butyrate on patients with AD. This investigator-blinded, randomised, moisturiser-controlled study evaluated patients with stable mild-to-moderate AD. Clobetasone butyrate ointment plus aqueous cream (Aq) or Aq alone was applied on randomised sites twice daily for 6 weeks. The itch score, modified Eczema Area and Severity Index (M-EASI) and epidermal biophysical parameters were assessed at baseline and 1 h, 3 h, 2 weeks and 6 weeks after application. Sixteen patients, among whom 14 (87.5%) were women and two (12.5%) were men, participated in the study. There were no significant differences in pH, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and hydration between TCS + Aq and Aq from 1 h to 6 weeks. A non-significant trend of pH increment was observed with TCS + Aq from baseline to 6 weeks. TEWL and hydration improved at 6 weeks for both treatment arms. The difference in TEWL from baseline was significant with Aq (P=0.01). The M-EASI at 6 weeks was comparable between the two arms. TCS + Aq improved itch and erythema better than Aq (P=0.02). No cutaneous adverse effects were observed at both sites. Short-term application of clobetasone butyrate with Aq is safe with no significant changes in epidermal biophysical parameters while controlling the symptoms and signs of eczema faster than Aq alone.

Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Overweight and Obese Children; Can Ultrasonography Substitute Laboratory Studies? A Case-Control Study

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises a large burden on the global healthcare system with a high prevalence and lethal outcomes. Moreover, this disease is showing an incremental trend over time, partly due to the rise in obesity rates among children. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to elucidate the correlation of ultrasonographic and laboratory-assisted diagnosis of NAFLD in obese and normal-weight children. Methods: This study assessed 50 pediatric obese or overweight children with BMIs higher than the 85th percentile for their age and sex, as well as 50 age-and sex-matched control counterparts using ultrasonography and a liver enzyme panel. The prevalence of NAFLD and the differences in lab studies were evaluated. Then, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were used to determine the optimal cut-off value for NAFLD based on liver enzymes. Results: A total of 100 participants were included in this study, 58% of whom were male. The mean age of the participants was 10.41 ± 2.224 years. The prevalence of sonographically diagnosed NAFLD in obese and overweight children was 34.0% (95% CI: 21.2% - 48.8%). The prevalence of NAFLD when assessed by lab values in this population was 58.0% (95% CI: 43.2% - 71.8%), with a low measure of agreement (K = 0.239, P = 0.058). High BMI increased the risk of NAFLD to about 8.5 times its baseline in the normal-BMI population. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients had significantly higher values for aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P &lt; 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P &lt; 0.001), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (P &lt; 0.001), but not alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (P = 0.743). The ROC curves for AST, ALT, GGT, and BMI percentile had areas of 0.800, 0.899, 0.807, and 0.874, respectively, all of which could be used for screening NAFLD. A cut-off value of 43.5 IU/L for AST had a specificity and positive predictive value of 100% for the diagnosis of NAFLD in children. Conclusions: Obese and overweight children are 8.5 times more likely to develop NAFLD compared to their normal-BMI peers. For the evaluation of this disease, liver enzyme panels integrated with ultrasonographic assessment should be utilized.

Service Readiness of Primary Health Care Facilities for Non-Communicable Diseases Management.

NCDs prevalence and associated risk factors impacts on the burden of disease and premature mortality. Effective NCD service delivery requires well equipped facilities with trained providers and resources. Evaluating readiness and its determinant is crucial for enhancing NCD management. The study examines readiness in primary health care facilities for managing non-communicable disease in Syangja district. A cross-sectional research was conducted among 117 Primary health care facility health workers in Nepal's Syangja District. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews using modified WHO-SARA tool. The chi-square test was used to evaluate the relationship between NCD readiness and its associated factors and multivariable logistic regression was utilized to determine the strength of the correlation. Only 6 percent of the healthcare facilities in Syangja district had developed the system for readiness against non-communicable diseases. The mean percentage scores for service-specific domains ranged from 40% to 58%, indicating variations in readiness across different domains mainly contributed by basic amenities and training. Approximately 80.3% of health facilities received support from the local government, while equipment or commodities support was provided to the third- quarter of the health facilities. Total service readiness was very low in the diagnostic and medicine facilities of Syangja. It demonstrates that there is a discrepancy between the present situation of the incremental trend of NCDs and the related level of service preparedness in primary health care settings. The development of the service readiness mechanism is imperative considering the increasingprevalence of non-communicable diseases in Syangja.

Rapid Evolutionary Characteristics of P1 and T5 Infection in E. coli Strains

The emergence of superbug has once again thrust century-old phage into the spotlight as a hot research topic. While the "phage display" technology has enabled targeted evolution of viruses, the successful application of phage remains uncertain due to their replicative and mutative nature, as well as the complexity of phage-bacteria interactions and evolutionary mechanisms. In this study, we used two rapidly evolving phages, P1 and T5, along with 18 types of E. coli strains, as representatives to explore the evolutionary characteristics of phage-infected bacteria. Our findings confirm that the evolutionary of phages and their hosts is a co-evolutionary process, resembling an "arms race", after the early rapid evolution of P1 and T5, the host range expands to infect different E. coli strains, but continued rapid evolution reaches a certain stage where P1, T5, and E. coli strains all experience a fitness cost, and the host range no longer expands. Three new findings in this study differ from previous studies. Firstly, although E. coli strains were not infected in the same way, there was no statistically significant difference between P1 and T5 infection in different E. coli strains at different evolutionary stages. Secondly, 11 types of E. coli strains that had been infected by T5 during co-evolution all showed E. coli tolerant plaques on the medium at the fifth stage of evolution, whether they had been infected by T5 at that stage of evolution, and at the sixth stage of evolution, all of these tolerant plaques disappeared again. Thirdly, after the fitness cost of the co-evolutionary process had already occurred, although the host range of P1 and T5 no longer continued to expand, the types of E. coli strains infected by P1 and T5 at the same evolutionary stage did not decrease in focus with the continued prolongation of the co-evolutionary time, but instead showed a gradual incremental trend. This study provides experimental evidence for the resolution of phage-bacteria co-evolutionary mechanism and new ideas for phagotherapy strategies for the superbug.

Quantifying the Pore Heterogeneity of Alkaline Lake Shale during Hydrous Pyrolysis by Using the Multifractal Method

Distinguishing itself from marine shale formations, alkaline lake shale, as a significant hydrocarbon source rock and petroleum reservoir, exhibits distinct multifractal characteristics and evolutionary patterns. This study employs a combination of hydrous pyrolysis experimentation, nitrogen adsorption analysis, and multifractal theory to investigate the factors influencing pore heterogeneity and multifractal dimension during the maturation process of shale with abundant rich alkaline minerals. Utilizing partial least squares (PLS) analysis, a comparative examination is conducted, elucidating the disparate influence of mineralogical composition on their respective multifractal dimensions. The findings reveal a dynamic evolution of pore characteristics throughout the maturation process of alkaline lake shale, delineated into three distinct stages. Initially, in Stage 1 (200 °C to 300 °C), both ΔD and H demonstrate an incremental trend, rising from 1.2699 to 1.3 and from 0.8615 to 0.8636, respectively. Subsequently, in Stages 2 and 3, fluctuations are observed in the values of ΔD and D, while the H value undergoes a pronounced decline to 0.85. Additionally, the parameter D1 exhibits a diminishing trajectory across all stages, decreasing from 0.859 to 0.829, indicative of evolving pore structure characteristics throughout the maturation process. The distinct alkaline environment and mineral composition of alkaline lake shale engender disparate diagenetic effects during its maturation process compared with other shale varieties. Consequently, this disparity results in contrasting evolutionary trajectories in pore heterogeneity and multifractal characteristics. Specifically, multifractal characteristics of alkaline lake shale are primarily influenced by quartz, potassium feldspar, clay minerals, and alkaline minerals.

Peri-device leakage and delayed endothelialization of the Watchman device: a computed tomography study.

This study aimed to explore the endothelialization process and assess the potential association between endothelialization and peri-device leak (PDL) following Watchman implantation via a quantitative method. This is a single-center retrospective study of consecutive patients undergoing LAAO between December 2015 and November 2021. Device endothelialization, compared between PDL and non-PDL group, were quantitatively analyzed based on hypoattenuated thickening in cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Advancement in endothelialization over time were explored using the Cochran-Armitage test and generalized estimating equation approach. Potential risk factors of delayed endothelialization were analyzed using the Cox proportional-hazards model. A total of 172 patients (mean age, 68 years ± 10 [standard deviation], 114 men) were finally included. The average endothelialization ratio of the study population was 89.8 ± 7.2 percent. In the follow-up period of postprocedural 3 months to more than 12 months, an incremental trend of endothelialization over time was observed with the ratio of 85.8 ± 8.0, 89.6 ± 7.6, 92.2 ± 4.5, 94.3 ± 2.9 percent, respectively (p < 0.0001). Notably, patients without PDL exhibited a swifter advancement in endothelialization compared to those with PDL, irrespective of device size. The multivariable Cox regression model showed that PDL (HR = 2.113, 95%CI: 1.300-3.435, p = 0.003), DSP (HR = 1.717, 95%CI: 1.113-2.647, p = 0.014) were independent risk factors of delayed endothelialization. CCTA holds promise as an effective means of quantitatively assessing device endothelialization. Endothelialization advanced gradually over time, with PDL potentially impeding device endothelialization. A comprehensive understanding of the correlation between endothelialization ratio, time, and residual shunt can establish a more dependable foundation for determining the appropriate anticoagulation treatment following left atrial appendage closure. Current recommendations for postleft atrial appendage occlusion anti-platelet and anticoagulation therapy are based on animal studies. Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) combined with the UNet neural network model enables the quantitative assessment of device endothelialization. This technique will allow for additional studies to better understand device endothelialization to optimize treatments in this population.

Optimization of irrigation (ETc) and nitrogen levels under drip fertigation in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) using response surface methodology (RSM)

A comprehensive field investigation was conducted to enhance the productivity, profitability, and water use efficiency (WUE) of summer okra through the optimization of irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer application. The study involved 3 irrigation levels – 0.75 Epan (pan evaporation) as I1, 1.00 Epan as I2, and 1.25 Epan as I3 – as the main plot factors, and 4 nitrogen concentrations – 75% recommended nitrogen dose (RDN) as N1, 100% RDN as N2, 125% RDN as N3, and 150% RDN as N4 – as the subplot variables. The results of the study revealed a significant influence of irrigation and nitrogen levels on various key parameters. Above-ground dry matter, yield, plant height, WUE, net returns, and benefit-to-cost ratio (B:C) exhibited an incremental trend with increasing irrigation and nitrogen levels, up to a certain threshold. Beyond this threshold, further increments in irrigation and nitrogen led to diminishing returns. The models developed for estimating crop yield, above-ground dry matter, plant height, WUE, net returns, and B:C demonstrated impressive accuracy, with high coefficients of determination (R2) and satisfactory precision. The optimized irrigation level (crop evapotranspiration, ETc) ranged from 418.39–441.23 mm. At the same time, the ideal nitrogen application rate was found to be in the range of 167.04–176.13 kg N/ha. These optimal conditions resulted in peak crop yield of 28 295 kg/ha, above-ground dry matter of 6 709.1 kg/ha, plant height of 66.3 cm, WUE of 5.26 kg/m3, B:C of 4.54, and net returns amounting to 441 133 INR/ha. In conclusion, the application of response surface methodology facilitated the identification of the impact of each factor on individual responses, as well as the determination of optimal conditions that simultaneously maximize multiple desirable outcomes. These findings hold significant promise for improving the cultivation of summer okra while optimizing resource use and economic returns.

Children under attack: trends and patterns of sexual offences against children in India

Introduction: Recently, the United Nations declared November 18 as the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence. Despite sexua l offences against children being frequently reported in Indian media, scientific studies analysing the annual trends and re gional patterns of these crimes are scarce in India. Objectives: To describe annual trends and regional patterns of sexual crimes against children (CAC) in India Methods: National Crimes Record Bureau (NCRB) data on sexual c rimes for years 2014-2021 were analysed to describe annual trends and regional patterns of sexual offences against childr en in India. Results: An incremental trend in sexual offences was reported dur ing the 2014-2021 period. Sexual offences had the highest crime rate in 2021 (12.1%). There was a continuous increase in sexual offences in each succeeding year during the 2014-2021 period. The highest year-over-year increase was reported in 2017 (142%). The proportion of sexual offences in all CAC increased from 10% in 2014 to 36% in 2021. A higher num ber of cases were reported among girls (mean=25112; SD=5371) than boys (mean=241; SD=47). In 2021, Delhi had the highest crime rate for all CAC, while Andaman and Nicobar Islands had the highest crime rate for sexual offences. Conclusions &amp; Recommendations: Despite the legal framework av ailable to protect children, there is still an increase in sexual offences against children in India. Regional patterns suggest a diverse distribution of sexual offences across India. A higher concentration of sexual offences was reported on remote, g eographically smaller Indian islands as well as on the densely populated mainland of India. Interventions aimed at providi ng knowledge about reporting sexual offences, altering community attitudes, and encouraging a safe and healthy childhood a re recommended.

Application of clinical decision support tools for predicting outcomes with vedolizumab therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A KASID multicentre study.

We aimed to validate clinical decision support tools (CDSTs) to predict real-life effectiveness of vedolizumab (VDZ) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. We retrospectively enrolled patients with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) treated with VDZ at 10 tertiary referral centres in Korea between January 2017 and November 2021. We assessed clinical remission (CREM) and response (CRES), corticosteroid-free clinical remission (CSF-CREM) and response (CSF-CRES), biochemical response based on C-reactive protein (BioRES[CRP]) and faecal calprotectin (BioRES[FC]), endoscopic healing (EH), and the need to optimise or switch drugs based on CDST-defined response groups. Additionally, the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) for the CDSTs was calculated. We included 143 patients with CD and 219 with UC. We observed incremental trends on CSF-CRES at week 14 (W14) (ptrend = 0.004) and decreasing trends for the need to optimise or switch drugs (ptrend = 0.016) in CD from the low to high probability groups. Except for CSF-CREM at W54, we noticed incremental trends for all clinical responses at W14, W26 and W54 (ptrend <0.001) in UC. W26 and W54 BioRES[CRP] and W14 EH also showed increasing trends (ptrend <0.05) in UC. With increasing probabilities of response, drug optimisation or switching was less frequently required in UC (ptrend = 0.013). With 26 points cut-off, CDSTs effectively identified W14 CSF-CRES, W26 BioRES[CRP], BioRES[FC] and W54 BioRES[CRP] in UC, all with AUCs >0.600, whereas CDSTs showed poor accuracy in CD. CDSTs for VDZ had acceptable accuracy in predicting effectiveness outcomes including clinical and biochemical outcomes in UC. However, their utility in CD was limited.

Digital Content for Libraries considering Extended Reality, Physical Interaction Disabilities, Universal Design for Learning and User-Centered Design: A Systematic Review

A systematic review of Digital Content for Libraries, Extended Reality, Physical Interaction Disabilities, Universal Design for Learning and User-Centered Design is presented to find the basis for a software development methodology that covers these characteristics. A protocol oriented to studies in software engineering is used, which consists of the following stages: 1. Defining research questions, 2. Conducting the search for articles, 3. Selecting inclusion and exclusion criteria, 4. Keywords for abstracts, and 5. Data extraction and mapping process. This review is performed through search engines such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, IEEE Xplore, and ACE Library and is limited to publications between 2016 and 2021. Results show an incremental trend in Extended Reality articles but low scientific productivity in Digital Content for Libraries, demonstrating the availability of services that consider the previously exposed topics. Finally, the article defines elements aiming to a future methodological proposal for the construction of Digital Content for Libraries and Extended Reality.

Elevation-dependent tree growth response to climate in a natural Scots pine/downy birch forest in northern Sweden.

Forests dominate the landscape at high latitudes in the boreal regions and contribute significantly to the global carbon stock. Large areas are protected and provide possibilities to analyze natural forest dynamics including resilience to climate change. In Fennoscandia, Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and downy birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) often coexist in natural forests close to the limits of their ecological ranges. Tree growth in these forests is generally thought to be limited by temperature, and changes in growth trends can therefore serve as early indicators of the impact of global warming on natural ecosystems. We sampled 592 Scots pine and downy birch trees along two elevational gradients spanning the transition from the forest zone to the coniferous treeline in Tjeggelvas nature reserve, northern Sweden. Based on the tree-ring data, we compared annual basal area increment (BAI) trends from 1902 to 2021, analyzed the ring-width indices (RWI) in relation to local climate data, and investigated trends in climate-growth relationships. We found that the mean annual growth of both species was higher in more recent years than at the beginning of the 20th century. The RWI were positively correlated with summer temperatures, however, we found a much stronger relationship for Scots pine than downy birch. We noticed a decrease in the importance of summer temperature for Scots pine growth, whereas the importance of late spring temperatures increased over the 120-year-long study period. Due to strongly positive BAI trends combined with a decrease in temperature sensitivity, the overall conclusion of our study is that the influence of increasing temperatures is still positive and outweighs the negative impacts of climate change on Scots pine growth in natural forests in northern Sweden, particularly at higher elevations. Natural forests are important natural experiments that contrast the managed forests and are key to understanding the latter.

Insights into the role of VOCs properties on thermal desorption behaviors of two porous polymeric resins

Desorption is a critical process in the recovery or post-treatment of adsorbents saturated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In this study, the thermal desorption behaviors for eight VOCs on hypercrosslinked polymeric resin (HPR) and macroporous polymeric resin (MPR) were investigated through isothermal desorption and temperature programmed desorption (TPD). Compared with MPR, HPR with more micropores exhibited a lower desorption rate constant, lower desorption efficiency and higher desorption activation energy due to the strong binding energy generated between VOCs molecules and narrow micropores. As the polarizability of VOCs increased, the desorption rate constants on two porous polymeric resins decreased, while the desorption activation energy showed an incremental trend. Excellent linear correlations were observed between VOC polarizability and desorption rate constants (R2 = 0.957 for HPR and R2 = 0.940 for MPR) as well as between VOC polarizability and desorption activation energy (R2 = 0.981 for HPR and R2 = 0.969 for MPR). Furthermore, a polyparameter linear free energy relationship (PP-LFER) was developed to explore the influences of intermolecular interactions on desorption behaviors of VOCs on porous polymeric resins. The results indicated that the dispersive interaction, which is directly related to polarizability of VOCs, was the primary factor influencing the desorption activation energy of VOCs on porous polymeric resins. The find from this study helps evaluate fleetly and availably the desorption properties of VOCs based on their polarizability.

The global prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men with thyroid gland disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

fluctuation in serum levels of thyroid hormones or thyroid-associated dysfunction can negatively affect the sexual behaviors or performance, and disruption in couples` relationship or satisfaction. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis study was aimed to investigate the global prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men with thyroid gland disorders (TGD). this systematic review and meta-analysis study conducted based on PRISMA statement criteria regarding the available evidences representing the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men with TGD. The initial searching process was applied on July, 2023. In this era, the main keywords of "Prevalence", "Sexual disorders", "Sexual disorder", "Sexual dysfunction", "Male sexual dysfunction", "Erectile dysfunction", "Males", "Men", "Thyroid disorders", "Thyroid diseases", "Hyperthyroidism", "Thyroid", and "Thyroiditis" were hired. Also, "AND" and "OR" operators were used for keywords combination. All intended studies were searched using the databases of Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Embase. Random effects model was used to perform the analysis and the heterogeneity of the studies was assessed through I2 index. Data analysis was applied with CMA software (v.2). following the assessment of 17 eligible studies with a sample size of 501 individuals, the global prevalence of male sexual dysfunction with TGD was found 51.5% (95% CI:38.7-64). Also, the prevalence of male sexual dysfunction in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism cases was 59.1% (95% CI:37.2-77.8) and 41.5% (95% CI:25.9-59.1), respectively. The meta-regression analysis showed that following incremental trend in sample size, the global prevalence of male sexual dysfunction with TGD decreases. This assessment also revealed that the prevalence of male sexual dysfunction increases with the year of study conduction, significantly (p < 0.05). the global prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men with TGD was found relatively high. also, the highest prevalence of sexual disorders was reported in hypothyroid cases. Thus, health policymakers are suggested to inform the individuals prone to this pathology regarding the negative effects of TGD on sexual dysfunction. Besides, TGD-affected cases can prevent sexual disorders and unpleasant consequences through timely medical treatments.

Ill-fitting prosthesis is associated with an increased risk of elevated blood pressures.

Previous studies focused on the benefits of adequate prosthodontic treatment, while few studies have investigated the prosthodontic-related risks to health. As a modifiable oral health indicator, the association of ill-fitting prosthesis (IFP) with hypertension has not been fully explored. This cross-sectional study involved 158,659 adults in Beijing (2009-2017) receiving intra-oral examinations and blood pressure measurements. Logistic regression models were applied to assess the association of IFP with the prevalence of hypertension, systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≧ 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≧ 90 mmHg, as well as subgroup analyses by different fixed IFP subgroups (according to involved teeth number) and removable IFP subgroup. We further investigated effect modifications among stratified populations. 158,659 individuals were included for analysis, 346 (26.86%) in IFP group and 27,380 (17.40%) in non-IFP group (p < 0.001) were hypertensive. After adjustment of sex, age, obesity, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, hsCRP, family history of CVD, self-reported smoking, self-reported drinking and WC, ORs of hypertension, SBP ≧ 140 mmHg and DBP ≧ 90 mmHg were 1.330 (95% CI: 1.162-1.522), 1.277 (95% CI: 1.098-1.486) and 1.376 (95% CI: 1.186-1.596), respectively (p < 0.05). Furthermore, after full adjustment, the number of involved teeth showed a significant incremental trend with hypertension risk in the population with and without IFP (p for trend <0.001). The IFP-blood pressure associations were more pronounced in females, 18-60 years, non-obese and diabetic participants. As a modifiable oral indicator, IFP was significantly associated with a higher risk of hypertension.

Mechanical, metallurgical and corrosion analysis of forced cooling assisted laser bending of duplex-2205

Laser bending with a small bend angle poses challenges in manufacturing applications. Despite various proposed strategies, the achievable bend angle typically ranges from 0.1 to 2° per scan. This study focuses on enhancing the bend angle of duplex stainless steel by introducing forced cooling (FC). The application of FC aims to reduce the number of scans required, thereby saving time, cost, energy, and controlling material degradation due to excessive heating. The investigation compares the effects of process parameters under natural cooling (NC) and FC conditions. Metallurgical, mechanical, and corrosion properties of the bent specimens are investigated. Results indicate a significant enhancement in the bend angle with FC, showing an improvement of up to 1592 % for specific parameters and sheet geometries. For a 2 mm sheet thickness, the maximum bend angles achieved in five scans are 14.02° and 22.34° under NC and FC conditions, respectively. The influence of process parameters on the bend angle is significantly affected by FC compared to the NC condition. Additionally, the trend of bend angle increment in each scan is almost opposite in FC condition compared to NC. FC results in increased hardness and tensile strength of the bent specimens at the expense of ductility. Microstructural analysis reveals phase rearrangement and grain refinement. Corrosion resistance remains mostly unaffected, although a slight reduction in pitting potential is observed under FC, which is compensated by the formation of a passivation layer. Interestingly, the bend angle achieved in one scan was up to three times higher than the published literature, which could be beneficial for various industries.

Influence of a 7-day Transalpine Trail Run on cardiac biomarkers and myocardial function.

Intense physical exercise is known to increase cardiac biomarkers; however, it is unclear, whether this phenomenon is physiological, or if it indicates myocardial tissue injury. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of seven consecutive days of excessive endurance exercise on continuous assessment of cardiac biomarkers, function, and tissue injury. During a 7-day trail-running competition (Transalpine Run, distance 267.4 km, altitude ascent/descent 15556/14450 m), daily blood samples were obtained for cardiac biomarkers (hs-TnT, NT-proBNP, and suppression of tumorigenicity-2 protein (ST2)) at baseline, after each stage and 24-48 h post-race. In addition, echocardiography was performed every second day, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) before (n = 7) and after (n = 16) the race. Twelve (eight males) out of 17 healthy athletes finished all seven stages (average total finish time: 43 ± 8 h). Only NT-proBNP increased significantly (3.6-fold, p = 0.009) during the first stage and continued to increase during the race. Hs-TnT revealed an incremental trend during the first day (2.7-fold increase, p = 0.098) and remained within the pathological range throughout the race. ST2 levels did not change during the race. All cardiac biomarkers completely returned to physiological levels post-race. NT-proBNP kinetics correlated significantly with mild transient reductions in right ventricular function (assessed by TAPSE, tricuspid annular plane systolic function; r = -0.716; p = 0.014). No significant echocardiographic changes in LV dimensions, LV function, or relevant alterations in CMR were observed post-race. In summary, this study shows that prolonged, repetitive, high-volume exercise induced a transient, significant increase in NT-proBNP associated with right ventricular dysfunction without corresponding left ventricular functional or structural impairment.

Experiment and simulation study on energy flow characteristics of a battery electric vehicle throughout the entire driving range in low-temperature conditions

To comprehensively investigate the energy distribution and performance of a battery electric vehicle (BEV), an integrated simulation model based on energy flow test data was developed and validated, and the energy flow characteristics of the BEV throughout the entire driving range in low-temperature conditions were studied. The results show that the battery heat loss and motor energy loss first increase and then decrease with an increment in cycle number, while the transmission loss first decreases and then remains constant. The energy recovery efficiency demonstrates an incremental trend with the number of cycles post-battery charging, while the energy utilization efficiency experiences a decline due to escalating energy losses within the power distribution unit (PDU). The energy flow characteristics of the BEV exhibit a pronounced connection with the speed properties inherent in the driving cycle. The battery charge energy is maximal under Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS), whereas the electricity consumption per 100 km is minimized under China light-duty vehicle test cycle-passenger (CLTC-P). Conversely, the energy utilization and recovery efficiency are the highest under Worldwide Light-duty Test Cycle (WLTC). These findings provide directional insights, theoretical support and data basis for rational performance evaluation and optimal energy distribution of BEVs.