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Investigating the coupling effects of rainfall intensity and slope inclination on soil-rock mixture slope stability and failure modes
The primary factor influencing slope stability is the variation of internal mechanics within the soil-rock mixture caused by rainfall infiltration. Most existing research has focused on how rock content affects the failure of soil-rock mixture slopes. However, there has been insufficient investigation into the coupling effects of rainfall intensity and slope inclination on the stability of soil-rock mixture slopes. Therefore, the model test of soil-rock mixture slope was carried out. The coupling effects of rainfall intensity and slope inclination on water content, earth pressure, pore water pressure, and failure mode of soil-rock mixture slope were analyzed. The failure mode of soil-rock mixture slope induced by rainfall was revealed. The results indicated that an increase in rainfall intensity and slope inclination significantly contributed to the instability of soil-rock mixture slopes and the loss of fine particles. Additionally, the maximum values of water content, earth pressure, and pore water pressure increased progressively. Considering the two influencing factors of rainfall intensity and slope inclination, the calculation formulas related to the fine particle content, maximum water content, maximum earth pressure, and maximum pore water pressure of soil-rock mixture slope were established. The findings of this research provided theoretical support for the construction of soil-rock mixture slopes and the prevention and control of landslide disasters.
Assessment of antibacterial, nematicidal and herbicidal activities of Cautleya spicata (Sm.) Baker extracts, with chemical profiling using GC-MS
Time-consistent robust investment-reinsurance strategy with common shock dependence under CEV model
This paper investigates the optimal robust equilibrium investment and reinsurance strategy in a model with common shock dependent claims for an ambiguity-averse insurer (AAI). Suppose that the insurance company can purchase proportional reinsurance whose reinsurance premium is calculated by the expected value principle to disperse risks. The ambiguity-averse insurer’s wealth process have two dependent classes of insurance business and the surplus can be invested in a financial market composed of one risk-free asset and one risky asset, where the risky asset’s price is characterized by the constant elasticity of variance (CEV) model. Applying the game theory framework under the mean-variance criterion, the optimal investment reinsurance problem are derived. By adopting stochastic control theory and solving the corresponding extended Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equations, we obtain the robust optimal investment-reinsurance strategy and the corresponding equilibrium value function. Furthermore, some numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effects of model parameters on the optimal investment and reinsurance strategy.
Establishment of an α-thalassemia mouse model through fetal liver cell transplantation and analysis of hematological parameters
The use of tranexamic acid for post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage: A scoping review protocol
Background Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH) is a highly studied outcome of tonsillectomy with serious consequences. Various treatments and interventions have been utilized to decrease post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. The off-label use of tranexamic acid (TXA) is of growing interest to control PTH but has not been incorporated in management guidelines. This scoping review plans to summarize existing studies from the scientific literature on the use of tranexamic acid for post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. Methods We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews or Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The review will cover studies including patients undergoing tonsillectomy who were treated with TXA in the peri—operative or post-operative period. We include randomized controlled trials, retrospective, prospective, and case series. A database-specific search strategy will be used to search records across. Two reviewers will independently screen and extract data. Tables and visual representations will be utilized to present the extracted data. Registration details The protocol will be registered in Open Science Framework and published in PLOS One.
Functionalization of biochar using SDS/SAP nanomicelles enhanced its immobilization capacity for dyes and heavy metals in water
The relationship between family conflict resolution methods and depressive symptoms in patients with chronic diseases
Background Individuals with chronic diseases are more sensitive to depressive symptoms and stress compared to the general population. The complexity and unpredictability of these diseases necessitate family involvement in their management. However, long-term disease can exhaust both patients and their families, leading to conflicts and increased stress, thus exacerbating depressive symptoms. This longitudinal study investigated the impact of family conflict resolution methods on depressive symptoms among chronic disease patients in Korea. Methods We used data from the Korean Welfare Panel Study, collected from 2012 to 2022, analyzing 10,969 chronically ill cohabiting or married individuals. Chi-square tests were used to compare group characteristics, and generalized estimating equation models were used for regression analysis, focusing on Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-11 scores, family conflict resolution changes, and covariates. Results Participant groups that changed from positive to negative conflict resolution methods were more likely to have depressive symptoms than the group that did not change from positive methods (positive → negative odds ratios (OR) = 1.34, confidence intervals (CI) = 1.24–1.44). In addition, participants who did not change from negative methods were significantly more depressed than those who maintained positive methods over time (negative → negative OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.37–1.59). Uncollaborative discussions and domestic violence resolution methods were related to depressive symptoms in family conflict resolution methods. Conclusion Negative family conflict resolution methods influence depressive symptoms in individuals with chronic diseases. Even after transitioning to positive conflict resolution methods, prior negative experiences continued to impact depressive symptoms.
Predictive model development combining CT-FFR and SYNTAX score for major adverse cardiovascular events in complex coronary artery disease
68Ga-labeled fluorinated benzamide derivatives for positron emission tomography imaging of melanoma
Malignant melanoma tends to aggressively metastasize, resulting in it being a potentially lethal form of skin cancer with high mortality rates. The advanced stages of melanoma have a very poor prognosis because of the high tendency for metastasis, and there is therefore, a strong desire to develop efficient technology for the early detection of melanoma. The benzamide structure, which contains aromatic ring and amine group, exhibits a high affinity for melanin, making it a promising agent for targeting melanoma in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In this study, we synthesized a fluorinated benzamide derivative and chelated it with the radioisotope 68Ga to detect melanoma on positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, and then evaluated its biological properties. We synthesized the new probe 2,2’,2,”2”’-(2-(4-(3-(2-((2-(5-fluoropicolinamido)ethyl)(methyl)amino)ethyl)thioureido)benzyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetrayl)tetraacetic acid (MI-0202C1) for melanoma imaging from 5-fluoropyridine-2-carboxylic acid and conjugated 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) for chelation with 68Ga. The radiochemical yield and radiochemical purity of the 68Ga chelation complex were confirmed by radio-thin layer chromatography (radio TLC). In vitro cellular uptake of 68Ga-MI-0202C1 was verified in B16F10 cells (murine melanoma). In vivo distribution and small animal PET studies were conducted on mice bearing B16F10 xenografts. The MI-0202C1 was chelated with 68Ga at 90°C for 10 min at pH 5, resulting in a radiochemical yield and radiochemical purity of over 95%. The cellular uptake of 68Ga-MI-0202C1 over 60 min was higher in a group treated with L-tyrosine (2 mM) than in a non-treated group, indicating selective uptake of melanin. 68Ga-MI-0202C1 successfully visualized B16F10 xenografts in microPET imaging performed at 30 and 60 min after intravenous injection, suggesting that 68Ga-MI-0202C1 has considerable potential as a diagnostic probe for melanoma.
The mediating role of satisfaction in the relationship between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and students’ behavioural intention to use ChatGPT
Maternal mortality due to abortion complications in forcibly displaced populations: A study protocol for a community-facility capture-recapture (CFCR) study
There is a paucity of research exploring abortion complication-related morbidity and mortality in humanitarian settings. The most recent data we have to understand the impact of global negligence on forcibly displaced persons’ reproductive health needs in humanitarian emergencies is from the 1999 United Nations Population Fund’s annual report, which estimated that 25-50% of maternal deaths in refugee settings were due to complications from unsafe abortion. This study will investigate maternal death surveillance and reporting (MDSR). The protocol will be implemented in a refugee setting: Forcibly Displaced Myanmar National (FDMN) camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. We will review death records for the past twelve months to learn more about how deaths are reported and recorded in facilities and in the camp-in-charge (CiC) office. Following the record review, we will interview individuals who provide reproductive healthcare services to FDMN and participate in MDSR where FDMN reside. These interviews will provide context and depth to the maternal death record review. We will implement a novel community-facility capture-recapture (CFCR) methodology to estimate maternal mortality. This research will fill a gap in knowledge about menstrual regulation, safe abortion and post-abortion access and care, and the measurement of maternal death due to abortion-related complications. This study will provide insights into a new opportunity to potentially more accurately measure maternal mortality due to abortion complications in these settings. The evidence gathered in the course of this research may assist global health practitioners in targeting interventions to prevent unsafe abortion and increase access to safe services that are tailored to forcibly displaced populations. The University of California, Berkeley Center for Protection of Human Subjects (CPHS # 2016-04-8614) and the National Research Ethics Committee (NREC) of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) (Registration # 578 10 03 2024) approved this study protocol.
Effect of neurally adjusted ventilator assist versus pressure support ventilation on asynchronies and cardiac function in pediatric liver transplantation
Smart waste classification in IoT-enabled smart cities using VGG16 and Cat Swarm Optimized random forest
Effective waste management is becoming a crucial component of sustainable urban development as smart technologies are used by smart cities more and more. Smart trash categorization systems provided by IoT may greatly enhance garbage sorting and recycling mechanisms. In this context, this work presents a waste categorization model based on transfer learning using the VGG16 model for feature extraction and a Random Forest classifier tuned by Cat Swarm Optimization (CSO). On a Kaggle garbage categorization dataset, the model outperformed conventional models like SVM, XGBoost, and logistic regression. With an accuracy of 85% and a high AUC of 0.85 the Random Forest model shows better performance in precision, recall, and F1-score as compared to standard machine learning models.
A Two-year Retrospective Observational Cohort Study of Benzodiazepine Overdose Cases in the Emergency Department
Development and validation of a nomogram for arthritis: a cross-sectional study based on the NHANES
Deletion of kinin receptor B2 enhances orthodontic tooth movement and alveolar bone remodeling
The kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) is a complex enzymatic system involved in multiple biological processes, particularly inflammation. The system’s peptides exert broad effects through two receptors, B1 (B1R) and B2 (B2R), expressed in various cell types, including osteoblasts. However, the impact of this system on bone remodeling induced by mechanical force needs to be better understood. This study aimed to elucidate the role of the B2 kinin receptor in bone phenotype and remodeling under mechanical stress. Orthodontic forces were applied to the upper first molars of B2R−/− mice and wild-type controls. Bone parameters, bone cellular counts, expression of inflammatory biomarkers, and osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation and activity were assessed using microtomography, histological analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and in vitro bone cell cultures, respectively. The results revealed that B2 receptor deficiency significantly altered maxillary bone architecture, reduced trabecular thickness, increased orthodontic tooth movement, and spontaneous alveolar bone loss (ABL). Histological analysis showed a higher number of osteoclasts in B2R−/− mice, with no significant change in osteoblast counts. Molecular analysis indicated elevated levels of RANK, RANKL, OPG, RANKL/OPG, IL-1β, and B1 receptor expression in B2R−/− mice, while in vitro studies confirmed enhanced osteoclast numbers and activity in B2R−/− cells. In conclusion, this study underscores the critical roles of kinin receptors in regulating alveolar bone remodeling, with B2R deletion leading to increased osteoclastic activity and bone loss. The compensatory upregulation of B1Rs in the absence of B2Rs suggests functional redundancy. However, the B2R−/− phenotype emphasizes the complex involvement of the KKS pathway in bone physiology, suggesting avenues for further research into bone pathophysiology and potential therapeutic approaches.
Behavior of the Perme Scale and Correlation with Clinical Outcomes in the Postoperative of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
An 11-Year retrospective analysis of candidiasis epidemiology, risk factors, and antifungal susceptibility in a tertiary care hospital in China
Changes in the distribution of the tear film lipid layer after intensive pulsed light combined with meibomian gland expression in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction
Purpose This study aimed to investigate changes in dry eye disease (DED) parameters and tear film lipid layer distribution after intensive pulse light (IPL) combined with meibomian gland expression (MGX) in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Methods This retrospective study included 218 patients diagnosed with MGD who underwent IPL combined with MGX. Various DED parameters, including tear film lipid layer thickness (LLT), were measured using a Placido disc tear film analyzer and slit lamp. Inferior corneal images were quantified and divided into upper, lower, nasal, and temporal quadrants, with further subdivision into six parts from top to bottom using Python. Results The ocular surface disease index, meibomian gland expressibility, and quality scores significantly improved after three treatment sessions. Slit-lamp-measured DED parameters also improved, excluding the fluorescein-stained tear meniscus height. Redness in the nasal limbal and bulbar conjunctivae significantly decreased. The mean LLT tended to increase after treatment. LLT in the upper half of the images, but not in the lower half, increased significantly, with the difference in LLT between the two halves decreasing significantly from 34.46 ± 15.73 to 30.27 ± 14.63 nm (p = 0.031). When the vertical distribution was analyzed by further subdivision into six equal parts from top to bottom, the average difference in LLT decreased in the uppermost segment after treatment. Conclusion IPL combined with MGX reduced the vertical distribution of lipids in patients with MGD by reducing lower tear film lipid layer stasis. Thus, the Placido disc tear film analyzer is a useful tool for analyzing lipid layer distribution in MGD.