Control Values Research Articles

Construction optimization of spatial arch bridges based on inverse hanging and RGA method

Form-finding and construction process are complex for spatial arch bridge. To facilitate the design and construction of spatial arch bridge, an algorithm with combination of inverse hanging and real-coded genetic algorithm (RGA) method is proposed. The experimental device suitable for inverse hanging experiment of spatial arch bridge is firstly proposed. The experimental results are compared with the numerical results to validate the accuracy of proposed form-finding algorithm. The validated results indicated that the error which is mainly caused by measure error is below 5%. Then, the form-finding algorithm and RGA is combined to perform construction optimization for planar and spatial arch bridge. With the proposed optimization algorithm, the form-finding of spatial arch bridge is completed and the optimization of installation order of hangers can be performed based on the form-finding results. The tensioning force corresponding to different installation sequences is significantly different (546kN and 177kN). By using RGA, the max stress of arch is significantly decreased and generally below 100MPa. The RGA is efficient in optimize the installation sequence. The control value of tension force of all hangers can be computed by using the RGA and reverse construction simulation. The nonlinear effect and the influence of geometrical size on tensioning force can be automatically considered. The results of this study indicate that the proposed algorithm is an efficient and accurate method for the construction optimization of spatial arch bridges.

Rigid ureteroscopic lithotripsy with a pressure-controlling ureteral access sheath for complex steinstrasse

ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of rigid ureteroscopic lithotripsy with a pressure-controlling ureteral access sheath (PC-UAS) for complex steinstrasse.MethodsThirty-one consecutive patients (male: 18; female: 13) with steinstrasse were enrolled, six of whom had concurrent kidney stones. The mean cumulative stone size was 2.7 ± 1.3 cm. The patients were treated with rigid ureteroscopic lithotripsy using a PC-UAS. The cavity pressure parameters were set as follows: control value at -15 mmHg to -2 mmHg, warning value at 20 mmHg, and limit value at 30 mmHg. The infusion flow rate was set at 150–200 ml/min. A holmium laser (550 μm) was used to powderize the stone at 2.0–2.5 J/pulse with a frequency of 20–30 pulses/s. Analyses included cavity pressure, operative time, stone-free rates, and complications.ResultsAmong the 31 patients, 29 were successfully treated with PC-UAS, with nine requiring adjunctive flexible ureteroscopy for stone migration to the kidney. Two procedures were converted to percutaneous nephrolithotomies due to failure of sheath placement. The cavity pressure of all 29 patients was well-maintained below 20 mmHg, with clear vision. The mean operative time was 48.2 ± 17.7 min. No complications, such as ureteral perforation, mucosal avulsion, or hemorrhage, occurred. Two cases of Clavien-Dindo grade I complications occurred. No major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade II–V) occurred. The mean postoperative hospitalization time was 1.7 days. The stone-free rates 1 day and 1 month after surgery were 93.1% and 96.6%, respectively. One patient with residual stones underwent extracorporeal shockwaves.ConclusionsRigid ureteroscopic lithotripsy with PC-UAS can effectively control the cavity pressure, shorten the operation time, and improve the efficiency of broken stones, thus reducing the complication rate.

Diastolic Filling in Patients After Heart Transplantation Is Impaired Due to an Altered Geometrical Relationship Between the Left Atrium and Ventricle.

The geometrical relationship between atrial and ventricular short-axis cross-sectional area determines the hydraulic forces acting on intracardiac blood. This is important for diastolic filling. In patients undergoing heart transplantation (HTx), the left atrium is often enlarged as a result of the standard surgical technique. We hypothesized that diastolic filling in HTx patients is affected by the surgery altering the geometrical relationship between atrium and ventricle. This retrospective, cross-sectional study included 25 HTx patients (median age, 52 [range, 25-70] years), 15 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (median age, 63 [range, 52-75] years), 15 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (median age, 74 [range, 56-82] years), and 15 healthy controls (median age, 64 [range, 58-67] years) who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Left ventricular, atrial, and total heart volumes (THV) were obtained. Atrioventricular area difference at end diastole and end systole was calculated as the largest ventricular short-axis area minus the largest atrial short-axis area. Left atrial minimum volume normalized for THV (LAmin/THV) was larger in HTx patients (median, 0.13 [range, 0.07-0.19]) compared with controls (median, 0.05 [range, 0.03-0.08], P <0.001), whereas left ventricular volume normalized for THV (left ventricular end-diastolic volume/THV) was similar between HTx and controls (median, 0.19 [range, 0.12-0.24] and median, 0.22 [range, 0.20-0.25], respectively). At end diastole, when atrioventricular area difference reached its largest positive value in controls, 11 HTx patients (44%) had a negative atrioventricular area difference, indicating impaired diastolic filling. Diastolic filling is impaired in HTx patients due to an altered geometrical relationship between the left atrium and ventricle. When performing cardiac transplantation, a surgical technique that creates a smaller left atrium may improve diastolic filling by aiding hydraulic forces.

#2770 Evaluation of the effect of IV iron therapy on eGFR and Pro-BNP in patients with chronic kidney disease and heart failure with preserved EF

Abstract Background and Aims Iron replacement in treating heart failure (HF) is an issue whose importance has been better understood in recent years. Although controversies exist, randomized controlled studies have shown that IV iron treatment reduces mortality and improves symptomatology in heart failure with low EF (HFrEF). IV iron has not dramatically affected survival in heart failure with preserved EF (HFpEF). However, there is data that it might reduce symptoms and hospitalizations. For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and HF, around 60% of them have HFpEF. Major heart failure and iron studies have often been performed on patients with low EF. Furthermore, in some of these studies, GFR values were not reported, and in the others, GFR was often &amp;gt; 60 ml/minute. We planned this study to evaluate the effects of IV iron therapy on eGFR and Pro-BNP levels in non-dialysis CKD patients with HFpEF. Method This study was conducted between January 2022 and December 2023. Patients with iron deficiency anemia, stage 2-5ND chronic kidney disease, and those with Pro-BNP values of 1000 and above were selected. Two independent cardiologists evaluated them, and the diagnosis of heart failure was confirmed. Patients were given one dose of 500 or 1000 mg of FCM. Control values were obtained at the 1-month follow-up. Hospitalized or transfused patients, cases with primary hematological disease, and cases with conditions affecting ferritin levels were excluded. Patients whose RAAS blockade, SGLT-2 inhibitor, and diuretic doses were changed, were excluded from the analysis. No patients received ESA or HIF stabilizers. Demographic and clinical data of the patients were recorded. The patients' creatinine, eGFR, hemoglobin, ferritin, and pro-BNP levels were evaluated before and after iron treatment Results Seventy-four patients were recruited. Forty-seven patients were women. The average age was 68 ± 11 years. Forty-eight of the patients had diabetes (64.9%) and 47 (63.5%) had coronary artery disease. The etiology of HFpEF was diastolic heart failure in 45 patients (60%). Other patients had valve disease, HFmEF, HFimpEF, isolated right-sided HF, and mixed types of HFpEF. After IV iron treatment, an increase of 3 ± 1 ml/min in GFR and 1.1 ± 0.1 g/dL in hemoglobin was detected. ProBNP levels decreased by 46%. All findings were statistically significant. The findings are summarized in Table 1. Conclusion The decrease in ProBNP levels was similar to the HFrEF literature. No positive or negative effects of iron on GFR were observed in the REVOKE and FIND-CKD studies, which compared oral and IV iron in CKD patients. The small but significant increase in GFR in our study could be attributed to the improvement of cardiac function. However, the small number of patients and the short follow-up period make it difficult to reach a definitive conclusion on this issue. We have shown that IV iron treatment significantly reduces Pro-BNP levels in CKD patients with HFpEF. IV iron has no adverse effects on renal function in the short term, and there is little signal of potential positive effects. Longer-term studies, preferably randomized with oral iron, with appropriate sample size, are needed to evaluate how IV iron affects end-points such as HF symptom score, hospitalization, eGFR slope, need for renal replacement, and mortality in this patient group. Strengths Well-selected patient group, a high Pro-BNP cut-off point, re-evaluation of each patient by the cardiologists Limitations Relatively small cohort, short follow-up period

#683 Utility of urinary soluble CD163 as a novel biomarker for the detection of IgA nephropathy

Abstract Background and Aims IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is an immune mediated disease and a leading cause of biopsy proven glomerulonephritis (GN) worldwide. CD163 is a membrane protein localised on the surface of monocytes and macrophages. Its soluble form, sCD163, produced by enzymatic splitting of the ectodomain of inflammatory cells when activated, is found in increased concentrations in acute inflammatory diseases such as sepsis and vasculitis. Urinary sCD163 levels have also been reported to be a useful biomarker of glomerular inflammation in lupus nephritis (LN) and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis. Yet, few studies have evaluated the role of urinary sCD163 as a biomarker in IgAN, and comparing it across different GN subtypes. This study aims to explore the utility of urinary sCD163 as a non-invasive biomarker for IgAN, and across different immune mediated GN types. Method This is a retrospective and prospective cohort study from a single tertiary hospital. Frozen urine samples from patients with GN and healthy controls from the Asian Kidney Disease Study and Singapore Kidney Function Study respectively were utilised for the retrospective cohort. The prospective cohort consists patients with biopsy-proven IgAN recruited from May to December 2023 with informed consent taken. Urinary sCD163 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Univariate analyses were performed and urinary sCD163 values were plotted on receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. This study obtained Institutional Ethics Board Approval (DSRB 2022/00698). Categorical variables were represented by n (%). Continuous variables with a parametric distribution were represented by their means ± standard deviation, non-parametric variables were expressed as their medians with interquartile ranges. Chi-square test and ANOVA were performed between categorical variables, while a student's t-test was performed for continuous variables. P-value of &amp;lt; 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. A ROC curve was performed for sCD163 values in IgAN and controls, and the AUC calculated. Results In total, urine samples of 59 subjects were analysed (IgAN n = 10; LN n = 5; healthy controls n = 44). There were 30 male subjects (50.8%) and 29 female subjects (49.2%). Median age was 41.0 (IQR 31.0-52.0) years. Median serum creatinine was 78.0 (IQR: 60.0-91.0) µmol/L. Mean urine sCD163 value was 0.32 (±0.19) ng/ml. There were no baseline differences in demographics, comorbidities and medication between groups. Prospective cohort patients with IgAN were more likely to have received steroids (p = 0.03), and there were no patients of the Malay Ethnicity in the prospective cohort (p = 0.05). Median urine protein (g/day) in IgAN was 0.66 (IQR 0.16 to 3.29)¸ 0.159 in LN (IQR 0.09 to 0.26) and 0.12 in controls (IQR 0.07 to 0.20). Using Mann-Whitney U test to compare median proteinuria between IgAN and controls showed significant difference (p = 0.001), whereas median proteinuria between IgAN and LN was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). On univariate analysis compared to healthy controls, IgAN patients had a significantly higher serum creatinine (p = 0.04), compared to LN patients against controls (p = 0.30). Urine sCD163 levels were significantly higher in IgAN patients compared to controls (0.54 ± 0.26, p = 0.02). Patients with LN do not have a significant urinary sCD163 level difference compared to controls (0.21 ± 0.20, p = 0.40), which also correlates with creatinine and degree of proteinuria. There were no other significant baseline differences against controls. On the ROC curve for IgAN patients, urine sCD163 of 0.38 ng/ml has a 70% sensitivity, and 75% specificity in distinguishing IgAN against controls (AUC 0.77; 95% CI: 0.59-0.96, p = 0.008). For LN, urine SCD163 did not distinguish between LN and controls (AUC 0.29; 95% CI: 0.000-0.58, p = 0.12). Conclusion Urine sCD163 is elevated in patients with IgAN compared to controls and LN. Urine sCD163 is useful in the diagnosis of IgAN. A urine sCD163 level of 0.38 ng/ml has a 70% sensitivity and 75% specificity in identifying IgAN against healthy subjects.

Effects of miR-306 Perturbation on Life Parameters in the English Grain Aphid, Sitobion avenae (Homoptera: Aphididae)

MicroRNAs (miRNA) play a vital role in insects’ growth and development and have significant potential value in pest control. Previously, we identified miR-306 from small RNA libraries within the English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae, a devasting insect pest for wheat. miR-306 not only involves in wing morphogenesis, but also is critically important for aphid survival. Its specific impacts on the life history traits, however, remain unclear. Here, we evaluate the impact of miR-306 perturbation on S. avenae populations using a two-sex life table approach. This comprehensive analysis revealed that miR-306 perturbation significantly prolongs the developmental stages (9.64% and 8.20%) and adult longevity of S. avenae, while decreasing pre-adult survival rate (41.45% and 38.74%) and slightly reducing average fecundity (5.80% and 13.05%). Overall, miR-306 perturbation negatively affects the life table parameters of the aphid population. The population prediction models show a significant decline in the aphid population 60 days post interference, compared to the control groups (98.14% and 97.76%). Our findings highlight the detrimental effects of miR-306 perturbation on S. avenae population growth and suggest potential candidate genes for the development of RNAi-based biopesticides targeted specifically at this pest species.

Prevalence of insulin resistance and its associated factors in drug-naïve patients with bipolar disorder among Han Chinese population

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (Mets) is commonly seen in bipolar disorder (BD). As the key component and early biological index of Mets, insulin resistance (IR) among BD has received more and more attention. However, little is known about the prevalence of IR and its associated factors in drug-naïve patients with (BD), especially among Han Chinese population.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 125 drug-naïve patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and 85 healthy controls (HC). The Homeostatic Model Assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated, and IR was defined as HOMA-IR greater than the 75th percentile value for health controls (2.35). Clinical characteristics of BD were collected through semi-structural interview performed by a trained interviewer with background of psychiatric education.ResultsAmong the measured anthropocentric variables including BMI, waist circumference, abdomen circumference, hipline, and hip-waist ratio, waist circumference was found to be the most closely related to IR (0R = 1.070, 95%CI = 1.031–1.110, P < 0.001). Male was another factor that was associated with IR (OR = 2.281, 95%CI = 1.107–4.702, P = 0.025). After adjusted for gender and waist circumference, the risk of IR was significantly higher in bipolar disorder than in healthy controls (OR = 2.66, 95%CI = 1.364–5.214, P = 0.004). No significant association was found between IR and any of the observed physical and mental comorbidities, any characteristic of illness course including age onset, number of mixed episodes, types of current state, duration of current episode, duration of illness course, rapid cycling, number of mood episodes, and subgroup of BD. Hypersomnia was the only symptomatic feature that was significantly associated with IR (OR = 0.316, 95%CI = 0.124–0.803, P = 0.016).ConclusionsBipolar disorder increases two-to-three-fold risk of IR, both circumference and male are the risk factors of IR but hypersomnia act as a protective factor.

Differences in the epidermal pain threshold between different needle puncture sites.

Puncture of the skin by a needle, such as for peripheral nerve block or for intravenous or arterial catheter placement, may cause pain to the patient, so that analgesic method may be required to reduce pain caused by needle puncture. Nevertheless, there is little information as to which puncture sites are more painful than the other. After obtaining an approval of the study by a research ethics committee and written informed consent from all the participants, we studied 30 volunteers to quantify pain threshold at 13 skin sites of the body, using an algometer. Compared with pain threshold at the cubital fossa (which was regarded as the control value), the relative pain threshold was significantly lower (with clinically meaningful difference) at the lateral carpus (median (interquartile range): 0.66 (0.56-0.73)) and the medial carpus (0.80 (0.73-0.94)); and was significantly higher (with clinically meaningful difference) at the olecranon (2.08 (1.93-2.42)), the forehead (1.59 (1.46-1.74)), the upper shoulder (1.52 (1.38-1.79)), and the dorsal shoulder (1.39 (1.18-1.55)). We conclude that there are significant differences in pain threshold between different puncture sites. Analgesic method before needle puncture may be required at the sites where the pain threshold is relatively low.

Influence of a Modified versus a Typical Microcycle Periodization on the Weekly External Loads and Match Day Readiness in Elite Academy Soccer Players

A typical weekly periodization strategy in soccer positions the most demanding sessions four and three days before the match-day (MD−4/MD−3). However, a modified periodization strategy could intersperse the two most demanding sessions with a low-load training session. This study aimed to investigate the impact of these periodizations on external loads and MD readiness. Twenty academy players were tested. The modified weekly periodization strategy included a low-load training session between the two most demanding sessions, while the typical periodization implemented them consecutively. Players wore a GPS and rated their perceived exertion (RPE) during the most demanding sessions. Players were also tested using a CMJ, a 20-m sprint, the Illinois agility test (IAT), and the Hooper questionnaire on MD−4 to obtain baseline values (CONTROL) and on the match-day (TEST). CONTROL values were similar during experimental weeks. During the second most demanding session, players covered greater distances for the modified versus the typical periodization in the 20–25 km/h (306.3 ± 117.1 m vs. 223.5 ± 92.2 m, p &lt; 0.05) and &gt;25 km/h speed zones (89.5 ± 44.8 m vs. 67.2 ± 44.5 m, p &lt; 0.05). On the MD, CMJ, 20-m sprint, and IAT performances were similar between both periodizations. However, 10-m time (1.89 ± 0.10 s vs. 1.92 ± 0.09 s, p &lt; 0.05) and the Hooper index score (7.90 ± 2.14 a.u. vs. 9.50 ± 3.44 a.u., p &lt; 0.05) were significantly lower during the modified periodization strategy. A decreased training load session positioned between the most demanding sessions may be of interest in elite academy soccer players as it can lead to increased weekly external loads and readiness on the MD.

Flexible ureteroscopy with a tip-flexible pressure-controlling ureteral access sheath for renal stones in children.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of flexible ureteroscopy using a tip-flexible pressure-controlling ureteral access sheath (TFPC-UAS) for renal stones in children. Consecutive patients aged 5-18 years with renal stones of diameter 1-3 cm were enrolled between January 2022 and November 2023 at Ganzhou People's Hospital. The patients were treated with flexible ureteroscopy using the TFPC-UAS. The renal pelvic pressure (RPP) parameters were set as follows: control value at -10 mmHg to 5 mmHg, warning value at 20 mmHg, and limit value at 30 mmHg. The infusion flow rate was set to 100-120 mL/min. A holmium laser (276 μm) was used to fragment the stone at 2.0-2.5 J/pulse with a frequency of 20-30 pulses/s. The cases were analyzed for RPP, operative time, stone-free rate, and complications. A total of 21 consecutive patients were included. Two patients were switched to percutaneous nephrolithotomy owing to sheath placement failure. The RPP was -4.6±2.1 mmHg. The mean operative time was 56.5±17.1 min. The postoperative hospitalization time was 1.5±0.3 days. The stone-free rates at 1 day and 1 month after surgery were 81.0% and 85.7%, respectively. Residual stones in two patients were cleared after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. Three cases of Clavien I complications and one case of Clavien II complications occurred. No major complications (Clavien grade III-V) were observed. Flexible ureteroscopy with a TFPC-UAS is safe and effective for renal stones in children.

Apoptosis, Autophagy, and Mitophagy Genes in the CA3 Area in an Ischemic Model of Alzheimer's Disease with 2-Year Survival.

Currently, no evidence exists on the expression of apoptosis (CASP3), autophagy (BECN1), and mitophagy (BNIP3) genes in the CA3 area after ischemia with long-term survival. The goal of the paper was to study changes in above genes expression in CA3 area after ischemia in the period of 6-24 months. In this study, using quantitative RT-PCR, we present the expression of genes associated with neuronal death in a rat ischemic model of Alzheimer's disease. First time, we demonstrated overexpression of the CASP3 gene in CA3 area after ischemia with survival ranging from 0.5 to 2 years. Overexpression of the CASP3 gene was accompanied by a decrease in the activity level of the BECN1 and BNIP3 genes over a period of 0.5 year. Then, during 1-2 years, BNIP3 gene expression increased significantly and coincided with an increase in CASP3 gene expression. However, BECN1 gene expression was variable, increased significantly at 1 and 2 years and was below control values 1.5 years post-ischemia. Our observations suggest that ischemia with long-term survival induces neuronal death in CA3 through activation of caspase 3 in cooperation with the pro-apoptotic gene BNIP3. This study also suggests that the BNIP3 gene regulates caspase-independent pyramidal neuronal death post-ischemia. Thus, caspase-dependent and -independent death of neuronal cells occur post-ischemia in the CA3 area. Our data suggest new role of the BNIP3 gene in the regulation of post-ischemic neuronal death in CA3. This suggests the involvement of the BNIP3 together with the CASP3 in the CA3 in neuronal death post-ischemia.

“Outcome of non-surgical periodontal treatment on Gal-1 and Gal-3 GCF levels in periodontitis patients: a case-control study”

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the effect of nonsurgical periodontal treatment on Galectin-1 and -3 GCF levels in gingivitis and periodontitis stage III compared to periodontally healthy individuals, to determine whether they could serve as diagnostic markers / therapeutic targets for periodontitis and revealing their possible role in periodontal disease.Materials and methodsForty-five systemically healthy participants were included and equally subdivided into three groups: gingivitis, periodontitis (stage III), and a periodontally healthy control group. The clinical parameters were recorded. Galectin-1 and -3 GCF levels were evaluated (before and after non-surgical treatment for periodontitis) using an enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to reveal sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of both markers.ResultsThe study showed statistical significance between different groups regarding Galectin-3 with higher values in periodontitis and the lowest values in healthy control. Also, Galectin-1 was significantly higher in the periodontitis/gingivitis groups than in the control group. Moreover, non-surgical periodontal treatment in periodontitis patients caused a statistical reduction in clinical parameters and biomarkers. ROC analysis revealed excellent diagnostic ability of both biomarkers in discriminating periodontitis/gingivitis against healthy individuals (100% diagnostic accuracy for Galectin-1 and 93% for Galectin-3, AUC > 0.9) and acceptable diagnostic ability between periodontitis participants against gingivitis (73% diagnostic accuracy for Gal-1 and 80% for Gal-3, AUC > 0.7).ConclusionsBoth Galectin-1 and Galectin-3 seem to have outstanding diagnostic accuracy for the identification of periodontal disease, an acceptable ability to measure periodontal disease activity and the severity of inflammatory status. Additionally, they could serve as therapeutic targets to monitor treatment efficiency.Clinicaltrial.gov registration number(NCT06038812).

Machine Learning Algorithms That Emulate Controllers Based on Particle Swarm Optimization—An Application to a Photobioreactor for Algal Growth

Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithms within control structures are a realistic approach; their task is often to predict the optimal control values working with a process model (PM). Owing to numerous numerical integrations of the PM, there is a big computational effort that leads to a large controller execution time. The main motivation of this work is to decrease the computational effort and, consequently, the controller execution time. This paper proposes to replace the PSO predictor with a machine learning model that has “learned” the quasi-optimal behavior of the couple (PSO and PM); the training data are obtained through closed-loop simulations over the control horizon. The new controller should preserve the process’s quasi-optimal control. In identical conditions, the process evolutions must also be quasi-optimal. The multiple linear regression and the regression neural networks were considered the predicting models. This paper first proposes algorithms for collecting and aggregating data sets for the learning process. Algorithms for constructing the machine learning models and implementing the controllers and closed-loop simulations are also proposed. The simulations prove that the two machine learning predictors have learned the PSO predictor’s behavior, such that the process evolves almost identically. The resulting controllers’ execution time have decreased hundreds of times while keeping their optimality; the performance index has even slightly increased.

Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) as a Potential Source of Interference in Research Related to Sulfur Metabolism-A Preliminary Study.

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), an organosulfur compound, is widely used as the gold standard solvent in biological research. It is used in cell culture experiments and as a component of formulations in in vivo studies. Unfortunately, parameters related to sulfur metabolism are often not taken into account when using DMSO. Therefore, in this work we aim to show that the addition of DMSO to the culture medium (even in amounts commonly considered acceptable) alters some parameters of sulfur metabolism. For this study, we used three cell lines: a commercially available Caco-2 line (HTB-37, ATCC) and two lines created as part of our early studies (likewise previously described in the literature) to investigate the anomalies of sulfur metabolism in mucopolysaccharidosis. As the negative effects of DMSO on the cell membrane are well known, additional experiments with the partial loading of DMSO into polymerosomes (poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether-block-poly(lactide-co-glycolide), PEG-PLGA) were performed to eliminate these potentially disruptive effects. The results show that DMSO is a source of interference in studies related to sulfur metabolism and that there are not just simple effects that can be corrected in the final result by subtracting control values, since complex synergisms are also observed.

Hg Content Characteristics and Safe Planting Zoning of Paddy Soil and Rice in Guizhou Province

Guizhou Province ranks first in terms of Hg reserves and production in the country, and rice is its largest grain crop. In order to study the characteristics and pollution causes of soil-rice Hg content at the provincial level in Guizhou and to carry out safe planting zoning, 1 564 pairs of soil-rice samples, 470 natural soil samples, and 203 individual paddy soil samples were collected to test their Hg content and basic physical and chemical properties of the soil. The results showed that:① Paddy soil was mainly neutral and acidic, the paddy soil ω (Hg) range was 0.005-93.06 mg·kg-1, and the geometric mean was 0.864 mg·kg-1. The Hg content of paddy soil in Guizhou Province was significantly higher than that in natural soil (0.16 mg·kg-1,P &lt; 0.05). Compared with the filtered value and control value, the soil samples exceeded the standard by 63.25% and 14.71%, respectively. Among them, the soil Hg pollution in Danzhai County of Qiandongnan Prefecture, Wuchuan County of Zunyi City, Zhenfeng County of Qianxinan Prefecture, and Wanshan District of Tongren City was more prominent. ② Rice ω(Hg) ranged from 0.000 5 to 0.52 mg·kg-1, and the geometric mean was 0.010 mg·kg-1, the percentage of rice Hg content exceeding the standard was 25.87%, and the exceeding points were mainly distributed in Suiyang County of Zunyi City, Zhenfeng County of Qianxinan Prefecture, Xixiu District of Anshun City, Bijiang District of Tongren City, and other industrial and mining activity-intensive areas. ③ The majority of the study area was in the priority protection category (74.75%); the safe use category accounted for (24.62%); and the strictly controlled category (0.93%) was scattered in Danzhai County at the border between Qiannan Prefecture and Qiandongnan Prefecture, Zhenfeng County in Qianxinan Prefecture, and Wanshan District in Tongren. It is not recommended to plant rice, which can be used as feed for reproduction.

Analytical Method for the Deformation-Based Design of Retaining Walls in Asymmetric Excavation

Conventional methods for designing retaining structures are not applicable to asymmetric excavation or deformation-based designs. This study proposes a quadruple-line displacement-dependent earth pressure coefficient model. Based on the proposed model, an analytical solution was developed to facilitate the deformation-based design of the asymmetric length of retaining walls propped at the crest. Furthermore, the effects of the soil internal friction angle, strut stiffness, excavation asymmetry level, and deformation control value on the embedment ratio (Re) of retaining walls were investigated. The results showed that Re determined by the classical equivalent-beam method is unsafe due to its basis on the ultimate-state earth pressure theory. The Re value of the shallower side exhibited greater sensitivity to asymmetric excavation than that of the deeper side. The retaining structure’s required Re decreased with an increase in the excavation asymmetry level. The required Re on either side of the retaining structure decreased as the deformation control values increased. The controlled deformation had a more obvious effect on the Re value of the retaining structure on the deeper side. The proposed method can be used for the deformation-based design of asymmetric wall lengths of retaining structures propped at the crest, considering the different excavation depths on both sides.

The Association of Dyslipidemias with Cholelithiasis: A Case-Control Study Conducted at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad

Objective: To find the association of lipid profile with early sign of cholecystitis (gall stones formation). Study Design: Case control study. Place and Duration of Study Methodology: The study recruited cholecystitis patients from 1st April 2022 to 30th September 2022 at Pathology Department, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad. Those patients having an age above 40 years and clinically diagnosed with gall bladder stone, went under ultrasonography examination, were included in the study. A total of 100 cases were compared with 100 controls in a case control study design. The lipid profile included serum concentrations of HDL cholesterol, Total Cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol levels. Other tests as fasting blood glucose (FBG), total bilirubin (T-bil), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), creatinine (Cr), uric acid (UA), and urea nitrogen (UN) were also conducted. Results: The mean age of the gall stone patients and of normal controls was 51.71±13.48 and 42.00±13.14 years respectively. There was no variance in the BMI of both groups. The incidence of kidney stones was higher in the cases than controls while hypertension was more commonly reported in the 36% of the cases in comparison to the 19% of the controls. The logistic regression analysis presented a data where significant difference within lipid profile values of cases and controls could be seen having high values reported in cases than controls. The multivariant analysis of the lipid profile analyzed values presented a significant variance in the odds ration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and triglycerides of cases and controls. Conclusion: Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high levels of triglycerides are associated with the risk of gall bladder formation.

The Effect of Varying Olive Mill Wastewater Concentrations on Soil Free-Living Nematode Communities and Lettuce Growth

We assessed the impact of increasing olive mill waste (OMW) concentrations (10%, 35%, 70%, and 100% v/v) on soil free-living nematode communities and Lactuca sativa (lettuce) growth, 10 and 45 days after application (DAA). L. sativa plants showed a survival threshold at OMW10%, with higher concentrations proving fatal. Contrary to expectations, nematode abundance increased with OMW concentration. OMW10% induced a rapid surge in nematode abundance, stabilizing at 45 DAA, resembling control values. OMW35%, OMW70%, and OMW100% plots exhibited persistent, gradual increases, surpassing control values at 45 DAA. All treatments favored fungal feeders, resulting in the overdominance of the genus Aphelenchus both at 10 and 45 DAA. Even though OMW did not exert a toxic effect on nematode populations, this shift in the community structure towards the dominance of a single genus could suggest an imbalance in the soil community, which could have negative implications for soil health and ecosystem functioning. Overall, our study provides insights into the complex interactions between OMW, soil nematode communities, and plant growth, emphasizing the importance of understanding soil ecology for sustainable agricultural management.

Exploring the Impact of Online Teaching Factors on International Students’ Control-Value Appraisals and Achievement Emotions in a Foreign Language Context

AbstractDrawing upon Pekrun’s (2006) control–value theory of achievement emotions, the present study explores the relations between online teaching factors (i.e., teachers’ information and communications technology (ICT) competence and provision of structure) and students’ control–value appraisals and achievement emotions (i.e., enjoyment, boredom, and anxiety) in an online foreign language learning context. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 international students and 6 teachers who were involved in a Chinese foreign language course delivered online during the coronavirus pandemic. Results from the thematic analysis showed that both students’ and teachers’ positive evaluations of teachers’ ICT competence and provision of structure were associated with students’ increased control beliefs and intrinsic value, but not necessarily with utility value. According to the participants, the two increased appraisals related to students’ greater enjoyment and reduced feelings of boredom and anxiety during the online language learning process. Findings are discussed in light of the role of online teaching factors in shaping students’ appraisals and emotional experiences in online environments, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic.

Comparative study on some cardiovascular indices among morticians exposed to formaldehyde in Benin City, Nigeria

Background: Some cardiovascular indices among morticians exposed to formaldehyde in a Teaching hospital and General hospital were studied. Materials and Methods: Thirty subjects were studied and divided into three groups A, B, and C with 10 subjects in each group. Group A served as control with nil exposure to formaldehyde while groups B and C served as the test groups. Subjects in group B were morticians working in the Teaching hospital while subjects in group C were morticians working in the General hospital. Anthropometric measurements were taken and some cardiovascular indices were measured which included pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure. Statistical analysis was done using Graph Pad Prism version 8.0.1. Results were presented as Mean ± SEM. Analysis of Variance was used to compare the means of test and control values while post hoc test was done using Tukey’s multiple comparisons test and a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Results revealed significant increase in pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure among morticians of the Teaching hospital and General hospital when compared to the control and those of the General hospital morticians were higher compared to the Teaching hospital morticians. Conclusion: It was therefore concluded that exposure to formaldehyde has deleterious effects on the cardiovascular health of morticians hence, there is an urgent need to seek ways of reducing the atmospheric levels of formaldehyde in our mortuaries in order to protect the cardiovascular health of the morticians.