We further analyze the solution of a class of block two-by-two linear systems.Instead of using the preconditioned GMRES iteration methods,we propose a new approximation of the Schur complement based on the special str...We further analyze the solution of a class of block two-by-two linear systems.Instead of using the preconditioned GMRES iteration methods,we propose a new approximation of the Schur complement based on the special structure of this kind of block two-by-two matrix,and construct a practical restrictive preconditioner accordingly.Subsequently,we propose a practical restrictively preconditioned conjugate gradient(RPCG)method to solve this class of linear systems.The convergence property of the practical RPCG method is similar to the RPCG method.Last,numerical experiments show that this method is more efficient than some classical preconditioned Krylov subspace iteration methods.展开更多
The restrictively preconditioned conjugate gradient (RPCG) method is further developed to solve large sparse system of linear equations of a block two-by-two structure. The basic idea of this new approach is that we...The restrictively preconditioned conjugate gradient (RPCG) method is further developed to solve large sparse system of linear equations of a block two-by-two structure. The basic idea of this new approach is that we apply the RPCG method to the normal-residual equation of the block two-by-two linear system and construct each required approximate matrix by making use of the incomplete orthogonal factorization of the involved matrix blocks. Numerical experiments show that the new method, called the restrictively preconditioned conjugate gradient on normal residual (RPCGNR), is more robust and effective than either the known RPCG method or the standard conjugate gradient on normal residual (CGNR) method when being used for solving the large sparse saddle point problems.展开更多
While parametric Software Reliability Growth Models(SRGMs)serve as a cornerstone in software reliability assessment,their reliance on known fault-detection time distributions often presents a significant limitation in...While parametric Software Reliability Growth Models(SRGMs)serve as a cornerstone in software reliability assessment,their reliance on known fault-detection time distributions often presents a significant limitation in practical software testing.In this study,the authors develop a novel shaperestricted spline estimator for quantifying software reliability.Compared with parametric SRGMs,the proposed estimator not only shares a key characteristic with parametric SRGMs,but also obviates the need for specifying fault-detection time distributions.More importantly,it effectively utilizes the critical shape information of the mean value function(MVF)of fault-detection process,a detail seldom considered in prior work.Moreover,the authors investigate the predictive performance of the proposed methods by employing the so-called one-step look-ahead prediction method.Furthermore,the authors show that under certain conditions,the shape-restricted spline estimator will attain the point-wise convergence rate O_P(n~(-3/7)).In numerical experiment,the authors show that spline estimators under restriction demonstrate competitive performance compared to parametric and certain non-parametric models.展开更多
Background As a unique livestock adapted to the harsh environment,grazing yaks frequently suffer from malnutrition and even death because of the lower yield and quality of forage in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau during th...Background As a unique livestock adapted to the harsh environment,grazing yaks frequently suffer from malnutrition and even death because of the lower yield and quality of forage in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau during the cold season.Certain stress conditions,such as environmental changes,disease,and malnutrition,can lead to a decrease in glutamine(Gln)synthesis,which fails to cover the physiological needs of the organism.Supplementation with exogenous Gln can promote nutrient digestion and improve rumen fermentation in ruminant animals under malnutrition.However,whether Gln could alleviate the barrier function injury induced by malnutrition and its mechanism is still unclear.Methods In the in vivo experiments,24 healthy yaks(31 months,265.35±25.81 kg)were randomly divided into 3 groups,namely control group(Con,free access to the basal diet),feed restriction group(FR,50% level of ad libitum feed intake),and feed restriction+Gln group(FR+Gln,50% level of ad libitum feed intake from d 1 to 30,50% level of ad libitum feed intake+1%Gln from d 31 to 60).In the in vitro experiments,the yak rumen epithelial cells(YRECs)were divided into 4 groups:Con group(complete medium),Gln group(complete medium+10 mmol/L Gln),Gln deficiency group(Gln-D,Gln-free medium),and Gln deficiency+Gln group(Gln-D+Gln,Gln-free medium+10 mmol/L Gln).Results In the in vivo experiments,FR significantly decreased the ruminal concentrations of acetate,propionate,butyrate,iso-butyrate,and total volatile fatty acid(VFA)(P<0.05).FR also reduced the m RNA expression of NHE1,Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase,and Ca^(2+)/Mg^(2+)-ATPase,and the concentrations of lactate,histone acetyltransferase(p300),histone deacetylase(HDAC),as well as the histone lysine lactylation level compared to Con group,while Gln supplementation alleviated them(P<0.05).In the in vitro experiments,Gln alleviated the Gln-D-induced down-regulation of NHE1,Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase,and Ca^(2+)/Mg^(2+)-ATPase m RNA expressions and reduction of lactate,p300,HDAC concentrations,and histone lysine lactylation level(P<0.05).Besides,p300 inhibitor abrogated Gln repair of barrier function damage in YRECs(P<0.05).Conclusions Overall,our results revealed the potential mechanism of Gln supplementation to repair malnutritioninduced damage of rumen epithelial barrier function in yaks,which might be related to histone lysine lactylation.However,because we do not have a control group receiving glutamine alone,we cannot determine the impact of Gln on the rumen epithelial function of normal yaks.展开更多
Based on the idea of treating the anti de Sitter(AdS)radius as a fixed parameter,we study the thermodynamics and topology of d-dimensional charged AdS black holes in the restricted phase space utilizing Visser's h...Based on the idea of treating the anti de Sitter(AdS)radius as a fixed parameter,we study the thermodynamics and topology of d-dimensional charged AdS black holes in the restricted phase space utilizing Visser's holographic approach.For the charged black hole with a cloud of strings and quintessence in the higher-dimensional spacetimes with d=(4,5,6),we demonstrate that the topological number remains invariant within the same canonical ensemble;however,a distinct topological number emerges in the grand canonical ensemble for the same black hole system.Notably,these results are independent of the dimension d and other related parameters.The formalism known as restricted phase space thermodynamics is checked in detail and some interesting thermodynamic behavior is revealed in the example case of d-dimensional charged AdS black holes with a cloud of strings and quintessence.This research lays the foundation for establishing a universal framework of restricted phase space thermodynamics and investigating its fundamental thermodynamic properties.展开更多
Retinal aging has been recognized as a significant risk factor for various retinal disorders,including diabetic retinopathy,age-related macular degeneration,and glaucoma,following a growing understanding of the molecu...Retinal aging has been recognized as a significant risk factor for various retinal disorders,including diabetic retinopathy,age-related macular degeneration,and glaucoma,following a growing understanding of the molecular underpinnings of their development.This comprehensive review explores the mechanisms of retinal aging and investigates potential neuroprotective approaches,focusing on the activation of transcription factor EB.Recent meta-analyses have demonstrated promising outcomes of transcription factor EB-targeted strategies,such as exercise,calorie restriction,rapamycin,and metformin,in patients and animal models of these common retinal diseases.The review critically assesses the role of transcription factor EB in retinal biology during aging,its neuroprotective effects,and its therapeutic potential for retinal disorders.The impact of transcription factor EB on retinal aging is cell-specific,influencing metabolic reprogramming and energy homeostasis in retinal neurons through the regulation of mitochondrial quality control and nutrient-sensing pathways.In vascular endothelial cells,transcription factor EB controls important processes,including endothelial cell proliferation,endothelial tube formation,and nitric oxide levels,thereby influencing the inner blood-retinal barrier,angiogenesis,and retinal microvasculature.Additionally,transcription factor EB affects vascular smooth muscle cells,inhibiting vascular calcification and atherogenesis.In retinal pigment epithelial cells,transcription factor EB modulates functions such as autophagy,lysosomal dynamics,and clearance of the aging pigment lipofuscin,thereby promoting photoreceptor survival and regulating vascular endothelial growth factor A expression involved in neovascularization.These cell-specific functions of transcription factor EB significantly impact retinal aging mechanisms encompassing proteostasis,neuronal synapse plasticity,energy metabolism,microvasculature,and inflammation,ultimately offering protection against retinal aging and diseases.The review emphasizes transcription factor EB as a potential therapeutic target for retinal diseases.Therefore,it is imperative to obtain well-controlled direct experimental evidence to confirm the efficacy of transcription factor EB modulation in retinal diseases while minimizing its risk of adverse effects.展开更多
This article is based on a recent bibliometric analysis of research progress on liver aging.The liver is notable for its extraordinary ability to rejuvenate,thereby safeguarding and maintaining the organism’s integri...This article is based on a recent bibliometric analysis of research progress on liver aging.The liver is notable for its extraordinary ability to rejuvenate,thereby safeguarding and maintaining the organism’s integrity.With advancing age,there is a noteworthy reduction in both the liver’s size and blood circulation.Furthermore,the wide range of physiological alterations driven on by aging may foster the development of illnesses.Previous studies indicate that liver aging is linked to impaired lipid metabolism and abnormal gene expression associated with chronic inflammation.Factors such as mitochondrial dysfunction and telomere shortening accumulate,which may result in increased hepatic steatosis,which impacts liver regeneration,metabolism,and other functions.Knowing the structural and functional changes could help elderly adults delay liver aging.Increasing public awareness of anti-aging interventions is essential.Besides the use of dietary supplements,alterations in lifestyle,including changes in dietary habits and physical exercise routines,are the most efficacious means to decelerate the aging process of the liver.This article highlights recent advances in the mechanism research of liver aging and summarizes the promising intervention options to delay liver aging for preventing related diseases.展开更多
BACKGROUND Anxiety and depression are prevalent among patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)and can adversely contribute to treatment adherence and clinical outcomes.Poor fluid restriction adherence is a widespread ...BACKGROUND Anxiety and depression are prevalent among patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)and can adversely contribute to treatment adherence and clinical outcomes.Poor fluid restriction adherence is a widespread challenge in the management of CHF.To effectively manage disease progression and alleviate symptoms,it is crucial to identify key influencing factors to facilitate the implementation of targeted interventions.AIM To investigate the status of anxiety and depression among patients with CHF and determine the factors contributing to poor fluid restriction adherence.METHODS Three hundred CHF patients seeking medical treatment at The First Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between June 2021 and June 2023 were included in the study.Questionnaires,including the Psychosomatic Symptom Scale,Self-Rating Anxiety Scale,Self-Rating Depression Scale,and Fluid Restriction Adherence Questionnaire were administered to patients.Based on their anxiety and depression scores,patients were categorized into anxiety/depression and non-anxiety/depression groups,as well as fluid restriction adherence and fluid restriction non-adherence groups.General patient data were collected,and univariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the occurrence of depression and anxiety.Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors influencing fluid restriction adherence.RESULTS Statistically significant differences in age,New York Heart Association(NYHA)grading,marital status,educational attainment,and family support were observed between depressed and non-depressed CHF patients(P<0.05).Age,NYHA grading,marital status,educational attainment,and family support were identified as factors influencing the development of depression.The anxiety and non-anxiety groups differed statistically in terms of gender,age,NYHA grading,smoking history,alcohol consumption history,monthly income,educational attainment,and family support(P<0.05).Gender,smoking,alcohol consumption,monthly income,and educational attainment affected anxiety in these patients.The fluid restriction adherence rate was 28.0%,and thirst sensation,anxiety,and depression were identified as independent influencing factors.CONCLUSION CHF patients are susceptible to anxiety and depression,with multiple associated influencing factors.Moreover,anxiety and depression are independent factors that can influence fluid restriction adherence in these patients.展开更多
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rare neurodegenerative disease characterized by the involvement of both upper and lower motor neurons.Early bilateral limb involvement significantly affects patients'daily lives ...Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rare neurodegenerative disease characterized by the involvement of both upper and lower motor neurons.Early bilateral limb involvement significantly affects patients'daily lives and may lead them to be confined to bed.However,the effect of upper and lower motor neuron impairment and other risk factors on bilateral limb involvement is unclear.To address this issue,we retrospectively collected data from 586 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with limb onset diagnosed at Peking University Third Hospital between January 2020 and May 2022.A univariate analysis revealed no significant differences in the time intervals of spread in different directions between individuals with upper motor neuron-dominant amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and those with classic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.We used causal directed acyclic graphs for risk factor determination and Cox proportional hazards models to investigate the association between the duration of bilateral limb involvement and clinical baseline characteristics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.Multiple factor analyses revealed that higher upper motor neuron scores(hazard ratio[HR]=1.05,95%confidence interval[CI]=1.01–1.09,P=0.018),onset in the left limb(HR=0.72,95%CI=0.58–0.89,P=0.002),and a horizontal pattern of progression(HR=0.46,95%CI=0.37–0.58,P<0.001)were risk factors for a shorter interval until bilateral limb involvement.The results demonstrated that a greater degree of upper motor neuron involvement might cause contralateral limb involvement to progress more quickly in limb-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.These findings may improve the management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with limb onset and the prediction of patient prognosis.展开更多
BACKGROUND Silver-Russell syndrome(SRS)is a clinically heterogeneous entity characterized by intrauterine and postnatal growth restriction,relative macrocephaly at birth,distinct facial features,and body asymmetry com...BACKGROUND Silver-Russell syndrome(SRS)is a clinically heterogeneous entity characterized by intrauterine and postnatal growth restriction,relative macrocephaly at birth,distinct facial features,and body asymmetry combined with other malformations.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we describe four individuals with SRS,focusing on their prenatal phenotype,postnatal presentation,diagnosis,and management.All cases had a typical phenotype,including postnatal growth failure,short stature(chronic malnutrition),and protruding forehead.Individually,they presented with feeding difficulties,leg length discrepancy,triangular face,or relative macrocephaly at birth,and each one exhibited distinct SRS features,including motor and/or speech delay,experiencing frequent hypoglycemic episodes.The fact that each patient exhibited a different combination of clinical findings underlines the heterogeneity of the syndrome.CONCLUSION SRS is diagnosed clinically.However,only 60%of cases are genetically confirmed,while most are sporadic.Although SRS is a well-described syndrome,a delayed diagnosis can have grave consequences on a child’s growth.Recombinant human growth hormone treatment is often initiated shortly after the diagnosis.The follow-up requires a multidisciplinary approach.展开更多
Purpose:To consolidate and evaluate meta-analyses reporting the effects of blood flow restricted exercise(BFRE)on measures of health and physical fitness across all populations.Methods:This preregistered umbrella revi...Purpose:To consolidate and evaluate meta-analyses reporting the effects of blood flow restricted exercise(BFRE)on measures of health and physical fitness across all populations.Methods:This preregistered umbrella review followed PRISMA guidelines.A comprehensive search of five databases identified meta-analyses evaluating the effects of BFRE interventions(aerobic,resistance,combined)compared to exercising and non-exercising control conditions on measures of health and performance.A multilevel meta-analysis of standardised mean differences(SMDs)was conducted to examine the effects of BFRE.Subgroup analyses were conducted for the participant and intervention characteristics.Risk of bias was assessed using the AMSTAR-2.Results:47 meta-analyses comprised of 265 unique studies were included.All reviews were rated as low-moderate quality.BFRE had a small effect on hypertrophy(SMD=0.39,p<0.001)and a moderate effect on strength(SMD=0.61,p<0.001)when compared to low load,but not high load resistance training(hypertrophy,SMD=-0.13,p=0.142;strength,SMD=-0.28,p<0.001).BFRE had small-to-moderate effects on aerobic fitness(SMD=0.50,p<0.001),vascular health(SMD=0.45,p<0.001),blood pressure(SMD=0.46,p<0.001),and muscular power(SMD=0.56,p<0.001).BFRE had no effect on physical function(SMD=0.16,p=0.096),pain(SMD=0.00,p=0.996),and speed(SMD=0.22,p=0.213).Conclusions:BFRE is a viable option to improve hypertrophy,strength,aerobic fitness,and vascular health across various populations,though its effects on hypertrophy and strength are smaller when compared to traditional high load resistance training.It doesn't appear to offer any additional benefits than other training methods for physical function,pain,or speed,although sub-analyses suggest further research is warranted in select areas of application.展开更多
BACKGROUND Economic violence is a type of domestic violence in which an intimate partner attempts to oppress,restrict,or direct a female by exercising control over her financial resources.AIM To explore the impact of ...BACKGROUND Economic violence is a type of domestic violence in which an intimate partner attempts to oppress,restrict,or direct a female by exercising control over her financial resources.AIM To explore the impact of economic abuse on individual work performance and clarify the effective factors on financial exploitation among physicians and nurses.METHODS The study has a cross-sectional design,and 305 married,female physicians and nurses working in a university hospital were included.Data was collected with demographic characteristics forms,“Revised Scale of Economic Abuse”and“Individual Work Performance Questionnaire”.Pearson correlation,comparative analyses,and internal consistency reliability tests were used.RESULTS The average age was 39.04±9.41.Among the respondents 69.2%were nurses and 63.9%held a bachelor’s degree.The mean score for the Revised Scale of Economic Abuse was 2.80±4.73 while it was 3.86±0.60 for the Individual Work Performance Questionnaire.CONCLUSION Our study revealed no relationship between economic abuse and individual work performance,confirming that nurses are exposed to more economic abuse and exploitation than physicians and exhibit higher work performance.展开更多
The field of diffusion micro structural magnetic resonance(MR)aims to probe timedependent diffusion,i.e.,an ensemble-averaged mean-squared displacement that is not linear in time.This time-dependence contains rich inf...The field of diffusion micro structural magnetic resonance(MR)aims to probe timedependent diffusion,i.e.,an ensemble-averaged mean-squared displacement that is not linear in time.This time-dependence contains rich information about the surrounding microenvironment.MR methods to measure time-dependent diffusion quantitatively,however,require either non-standard pulse sequences,such as oscillating gradients,or make non-physical assumptions,such as infinitely narrow gradient pulses.Here,we argue that standard spin echo and stimulated echo MR sequences can be used to probe directly.In particular,we propose a framework in which the log-signal ratio obtained from a pair of measurements with different inter-pulse spacingΔis proportional to the MSD between these twoΔvalues along the gradient direction x:-.The framework is quantitative for short,finite-duration gradient pulses and under the Gaussian phase approximation(GPA).To validate the framework,we consider onedimensional diffusion between impermeable,parallel planes,as well as periodicallyspaced,permeable planes.Excellent agreement is obtained between the estimation and the ground truth in the regime where the GPA is expected to hold.Importantly,the GPA can be made to hold for any underlying microstructure,making the proposed framework widely applicable.展开更多
The nutritional status of an individual can significantly influence its life history traits,including development,growth,reproduction,and survival.In the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot(Acari:Phy...The nutritional status of an individual can significantly influence its life history traits,including development,growth,reproduction,and survival.In the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot(Acari:Phytoseidae),the plasticity of life history traits,such as developmental time and size at maturity,is influenced by the quality and quantity of food.This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary restriction at different life stages(i.e.,juvenile,early adulthood,and later adulthood)on the lifespan and fecundity of P persimilis.We found that reduced dietary intake during early adulthood resulted in a shorter lifespan for both male and female P persimilis.Furthermore,this study demonstrated a sex-specific response to dietary restriction:it extended the lifespan of males but reduced that of females during later adulthood.Diet restriction during the postovipositional period of females showed the most variable life history trait response.Our results showed that the impact of diet restriction at different life stages can have combined influences on the postovipositional duration of P persimilis,where the individuals receiving diet restriction during immature development and early adulthood had a greater reduction in ovipositional duration as those experiencing diet restriction during late adulthood.In addition,we observed a positive correlation between the lifespan and fecundity of females,with higher prey availability increasing both.The insights obtained from our research contribute to a better understanding of the aging process and dietary requirements of P persimilis,which can facilitate the development of more effective biological control strategies using this predator for spider mites in agriculture.展开更多
Under natural conditions, organisms regularly experience seasonal or unpredictable fluctuations in their diet that may shape the quantity and quality of their reproduction. While these dietary shifts are known to infl...Under natural conditions, organisms regularly experience seasonal or unpredictable fluctuations in their diet that may shape the quantity and quality of their reproduction. While these dietary shifts are known to influence overall reproductive output, their specific effects on the proportional composition of egg components remain unexplored. To partially simulate the natural conditions, we conducted two trials using adult Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica) to examine how dietary restriction and unpredictable feeding influence the proportional composition of egg components. In the first trial, quails were assigned to one of four treatments: full-fed (control) or restricted feeding at 20% (DR20), 30% (DR30), and 40% (DR40) below daily intake. In the second trial, quails were assigned to one of three treatments: full feeding (control), constant 40% restriction (DR40), or unpredictable feeding schedule (UNPR). Each trial lasted for 14 days, and birds were housed individually. Severe dietary restrictions (DR30, DR40) reduced albumen and shell mass, shell thickness, and egg volume. However, yolk mass, yolk color, egg shape index, and shell density remained unaffected across all dietary levels. Severe restrictions also increased the yolk ratio while reducing the albumen ratio, suggesting that birds may evolutionarily prioritize yolk deposition to sustain reproductive functions. However, reduced albumen content due to maternal nutritional stress may also limit essential nutrients, and disrupt the embryo's osmoregulation, which ultimately affects offspring quality. Reduced shell contents at the severe restriction levels can affect the egg's ability to provide physical protection, regulate gas exchange and control water loss, thereby influencing embryonic development. In contrast, moderate restriction (DR20) and unpredictable feeding (UNPR) had no effect on any of the egg traits. These findings suggest that quails strategically allocate resources among egg components under dietary constraints, indicating potential trade-offs in reproductive investment. The resilience observed under moderate restriction and unpredictability underscores the species' adaptive capacity in fluctuating environments.展开更多
Background: Exercise has positive impacts on metabolic health, whereas sleep loss has potentially negative impacts. This systematic literature review investigates whether acute and short-term exercise interventions ca...Background: Exercise has positive impacts on metabolic health, whereas sleep loss has potentially negative impacts. This systematic literature review investigates whether acute and short-term exercise interventions can mitigate negative effects of experimentally-induced sleep loss on metabolic markers in humans.Methods: A systematic search(PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane) following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines was conducted up to June 2024 for studies that compared glucose and insulin concentrations, insulin sensitivity, skeletal muscle gene expression, and other molecular markers following an acute or short-term(<14 days) exercise intervention during experimentally-induced sleep loss in adult humans. Articles were considered for inclusion and assessed for eligibility using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, and Study design(PICOS) framework, and critically appraised with the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool.Results: Of the identified records, 4026 records were screened, with 12 studies meeting all the inclusion criteria and including 177 participants.Sleep intervention varied from a single night of total sleep deprivation to 5 consecutive nights of 4-h sleep opportunity(e.g., early or late sleep restriction), while exercise intervention varied in terms of model(walking/running, cycling, and resistance exercise), volume(e.g., minute to hour), and intensity(e.g., maximum efforts to low-intensity exercise). Most studies indicated a negative effect of insufficient sleep on glucose and insulin concentration as well as mitochondrial adaptations, whereas exercise had a positive impact, mitigating the negative effects on the aforementioned parameters.Conclusion: Exercise is likely to be effective as a therapeutic intervention for mitigating the negative effects of sleep loss on metabolic markers,at least in short-term intervention studies.展开更多
Let A be a finite set of integers. For any integer h ≥ 2, let hA and h∧A be the sets of all sums of h elements of A and all sums of h distinct elements of A, respectively.In this paper, we survey some significant ad...Let A be a finite set of integers. For any integer h ≥ 2, let hA and h∧A be the sets of all sums of h elements of A and all sums of h distinct elements of A, respectively.In this paper, we survey some significant advances in additive combinatorics concerning the size and structure of sumsets of finite integer sets.展开更多
To evaluate the impact of behavioral restrictions on perinatal care caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted a questionnaire survey of 1976 medical institutions handling deliveries across Japan. The survey examin...To evaluate the impact of behavioral restrictions on perinatal care caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted a questionnaire survey of 1976 medical institutions handling deliveries across Japan. The survey examined changes in the number of antenatal checkups due to behavioral restrictions, visit restrictions at medical institutions, and the acceptance of COVID-19-infected pregnant and nursing mothers. An increased burden was observed at delivery hospitals, irrespective of whether they accepted infected pregnant and nursing mothers. Some medical institutions were unable to manage infected pregnant women and transferred them to other facilities, highlighting the need for role-sharing among institutions. The number of antenatal checkups showed a decreasing trend, indicating that the pandemic negatively affected checkup attendance. However, no clear increase in perinatal deaths was observed during the observation period, despite the reduction in the number of checkups.展开更多
Compacted sand-bentonite mixtures are used as waste containment barriers(e.g.landfill liners and bentonite buffers for nuclear waste)to restrict contaminant transport.The potential for enhanced chemical containment of...Compacted sand-bentonite mixtures are used as waste containment barriers(e.g.landfill liners and bentonite buffers for nuclear waste)to restrict contaminant transport.The potential for enhanced chemical containment of compacted sand-bentonite mixtures due to semipermeable membrane behavior has also been demonstrated.However,the extent to which membrane behavior persists in the presence of highly concentrated chemical solutions,which have been shown to degrade membrane behavior in bentonite-based barriers,remains largely unknown.Moreover,the limiting(threshold)salt concentrations at which membrane behavior of compacted sand-bentonite mixtures is effectively destroyed have not been evaluated.Accordingly,this study quantified the limiting membrane behavior of two duplicated specimens of compacted sand-bentonite mixture comprising 15%sodium bentonite(by dry mass)by determining the limiting salt concentrations at which measurable membrane behavior was eliminated.The specimens were exposed to increasingly higher source concentrations,Cot,of boundary monovalent salt solutions(KCl and NaCl)until measured values of the membrane efficiency coefficient,ω,were effectively zero.Overall,ωdecreased from an average of 0.032 to zero as Cot increased from 160 mmol/L KCl to 3.27 mol/L NaCl,resulting in limiting threshold salt concentrations for the two tests between 1.63 mol/L and 3.27 mol/L NaCl,which are significantly higher than those at which measurable membrane behavior has previously been demonstrated.展开更多
Objectives:To investigate the impact of a supervised bloodflow restriction(BFR)training program performed at different times of the morning on body composition and muscle performance in older,inactive adults.Methods:A...Objectives:To investigate the impact of a supervised bloodflow restriction(BFR)training program performed at different times of the morning on body composition and muscle performance in older,inactive adults.Methods:A single-arm intervention of supervised BFR resistance training was performed three times per week for six weeks.Participants(n=24;aged 65+years)were categorized into early morning(n=13;05:00–08:59)or late morning(n=11;09:00–12:00)groups.Primary outcomes were changes in body composition,total work,average peak power,average peak torque,muscle strength,and physical function.Results:Mixed model analysis of variance revealed a significant within-subject effect of time for all strength measures(p ranging from 0.017 to<0.001)and some physical function measures including the 30 s chair stand test,30 s bicep curl test,and grip strength(p ranging from 0.015 to<0.001).No between-group or time by group interaction effect was observed for all outcomes.Conclusions:This study showed that only six weeks of BFR training,performed at different time of the morning,did not enhance muscle mass and performance,but provided similar changes in muscle strength and some physical function tests in older adults.展开更多
基金the R&D Program of Beijing Municipal Education Commission,China(No.KM202011232019).
文摘We further analyze the solution of a class of block two-by-two linear systems.Instead of using the preconditioned GMRES iteration methods,we propose a new approximation of the Schur complement based on the special structure of this kind of block two-by-two matrix,and construct a practical restrictive preconditioner accordingly.Subsequently,we propose a practical restrictively preconditioned conjugate gradient(RPCG)method to solve this class of linear systems.The convergence property of the practical RPCG method is similar to the RPCG method.Last,numerical experiments show that this method is more efficient than some classical preconditioned Krylov subspace iteration methods.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program (No.2005CB321702)the China NNSF Outstanding Young Scientist Foundation (No.10525102)the National Natural Science Foundation (No.10471146),P.R.China
文摘The restrictively preconditioned conjugate gradient (RPCG) method is further developed to solve large sparse system of linear equations of a block two-by-two structure. The basic idea of this new approach is that we apply the RPCG method to the normal-residual equation of the block two-by-two linear system and construct each required approximate matrix by making use of the incomplete orthogonal factorization of the involved matrix blocks. Numerical experiments show that the new method, called the restrictively preconditioned conjugate gradient on normal residual (RPCGNR), is more robust and effective than either the known RPCG method or the standard conjugate gradient on normal residual (CGNR) method when being used for solving the large sparse saddle point problems.
文摘While parametric Software Reliability Growth Models(SRGMs)serve as a cornerstone in software reliability assessment,their reliance on known fault-detection time distributions often presents a significant limitation in practical software testing.In this study,the authors develop a novel shaperestricted spline estimator for quantifying software reliability.Compared with parametric SRGMs,the proposed estimator not only shares a key characteristic with parametric SRGMs,but also obviates the need for specifying fault-detection time distributions.More importantly,it effectively utilizes the critical shape information of the mean value function(MVF)of fault-detection process,a detail seldom considered in prior work.Moreover,the authors investigate the predictive performance of the proposed methods by employing the so-called one-step look-ahead prediction method.Furthermore,the authors show that under certain conditions,the shape-restricted spline estimator will attain the point-wise convergence rate O_P(n~(-3/7)).In numerical experiment,the authors show that spline estimators under restriction demonstrate competitive performance compared to parametric and certain non-parametric models.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC),Grant/Award Number:32272909Discipline Construction Program in Sichuan Agricultural University(2221993012)China Agriculture(Beef Cattle/Yak)Research System of MOF and MARA(CARS-37)。
文摘Background As a unique livestock adapted to the harsh environment,grazing yaks frequently suffer from malnutrition and even death because of the lower yield and quality of forage in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau during the cold season.Certain stress conditions,such as environmental changes,disease,and malnutrition,can lead to a decrease in glutamine(Gln)synthesis,which fails to cover the physiological needs of the organism.Supplementation with exogenous Gln can promote nutrient digestion and improve rumen fermentation in ruminant animals under malnutrition.However,whether Gln could alleviate the barrier function injury induced by malnutrition and its mechanism is still unclear.Methods In the in vivo experiments,24 healthy yaks(31 months,265.35±25.81 kg)were randomly divided into 3 groups,namely control group(Con,free access to the basal diet),feed restriction group(FR,50% level of ad libitum feed intake),and feed restriction+Gln group(FR+Gln,50% level of ad libitum feed intake from d 1 to 30,50% level of ad libitum feed intake+1%Gln from d 31 to 60).In the in vitro experiments,the yak rumen epithelial cells(YRECs)were divided into 4 groups:Con group(complete medium),Gln group(complete medium+10 mmol/L Gln),Gln deficiency group(Gln-D,Gln-free medium),and Gln deficiency+Gln group(Gln-D+Gln,Gln-free medium+10 mmol/L Gln).Results In the in vivo experiments,FR significantly decreased the ruminal concentrations of acetate,propionate,butyrate,iso-butyrate,and total volatile fatty acid(VFA)(P<0.05).FR also reduced the m RNA expression of NHE1,Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase,and Ca^(2+)/Mg^(2+)-ATPase,and the concentrations of lactate,histone acetyltransferase(p300),histone deacetylase(HDAC),as well as the histone lysine lactylation level compared to Con group,while Gln supplementation alleviated them(P<0.05).In the in vitro experiments,Gln alleviated the Gln-D-induced down-regulation of NHE1,Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase,and Ca^(2+)/Mg^(2+)-ATPase m RNA expressions and reduction of lactate,p300,HDAC concentrations,and histone lysine lactylation level(P<0.05).Besides,p300 inhibitor abrogated Gln repair of barrier function damage in YRECs(P<0.05).Conclusions Overall,our results revealed the potential mechanism of Gln supplementation to repair malnutritioninduced damage of rumen epithelial barrier function in yaks,which might be related to histone lysine lactylation.However,because we do not have a control group receiving glutamine alone,we cannot determine the impact of Gln on the rumen epithelial function of normal yaks.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Shanxi Province(202303021211180)the Program of State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices(KF202403)。
文摘Based on the idea of treating the anti de Sitter(AdS)radius as a fixed parameter,we study the thermodynamics and topology of d-dimensional charged AdS black holes in the restricted phase space utilizing Visser's holographic approach.For the charged black hole with a cloud of strings and quintessence in the higher-dimensional spacetimes with d=(4,5,6),we demonstrate that the topological number remains invariant within the same canonical ensemble;however,a distinct topological number emerges in the grand canonical ensemble for the same black hole system.Notably,these results are independent of the dimension d and other related parameters.The formalism known as restricted phase space thermodynamics is checked in detail and some interesting thermodynamic behavior is revealed in the example case of d-dimensional charged AdS black holes with a cloud of strings and quintessence.This research lays the foundation for establishing a universal framework of restricted phase space thermodynamics and investigating its fundamental thermodynamic properties.
基金supported by the Start-up Fund for new faculty from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University(PolyU)(A0043215)(to SA)the General Research Fund and Research Impact Fund from the Hong Kong Research Grants Council(15106018,R5032-18)(to DYT)+1 种基金the Research Center for SHARP Vision in PolyU(P0045843)(to SA)the InnoHK scheme from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government(to DYT).
文摘Retinal aging has been recognized as a significant risk factor for various retinal disorders,including diabetic retinopathy,age-related macular degeneration,and glaucoma,following a growing understanding of the molecular underpinnings of their development.This comprehensive review explores the mechanisms of retinal aging and investigates potential neuroprotective approaches,focusing on the activation of transcription factor EB.Recent meta-analyses have demonstrated promising outcomes of transcription factor EB-targeted strategies,such as exercise,calorie restriction,rapamycin,and metformin,in patients and animal models of these common retinal diseases.The review critically assesses the role of transcription factor EB in retinal biology during aging,its neuroprotective effects,and its therapeutic potential for retinal disorders.The impact of transcription factor EB on retinal aging is cell-specific,influencing metabolic reprogramming and energy homeostasis in retinal neurons through the regulation of mitochondrial quality control and nutrient-sensing pathways.In vascular endothelial cells,transcription factor EB controls important processes,including endothelial cell proliferation,endothelial tube formation,and nitric oxide levels,thereby influencing the inner blood-retinal barrier,angiogenesis,and retinal microvasculature.Additionally,transcription factor EB affects vascular smooth muscle cells,inhibiting vascular calcification and atherogenesis.In retinal pigment epithelial cells,transcription factor EB modulates functions such as autophagy,lysosomal dynamics,and clearance of the aging pigment lipofuscin,thereby promoting photoreceptor survival and regulating vascular endothelial growth factor A expression involved in neovascularization.These cell-specific functions of transcription factor EB significantly impact retinal aging mechanisms encompassing proteostasis,neuronal synapse plasticity,energy metabolism,microvasculature,and inflammation,ultimately offering protection against retinal aging and diseases.The review emphasizes transcription factor EB as a potential therapeutic target for retinal diseases.Therefore,it is imperative to obtain well-controlled direct experimental evidence to confirm the efficacy of transcription factor EB modulation in retinal diseases while minimizing its risk of adverse effects.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82104525Open Foundation of Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resource Chemistry of Hainan Province,No.rdzw2024s01.
文摘This article is based on a recent bibliometric analysis of research progress on liver aging.The liver is notable for its extraordinary ability to rejuvenate,thereby safeguarding and maintaining the organism’s integrity.With advancing age,there is a noteworthy reduction in both the liver’s size and blood circulation.Furthermore,the wide range of physiological alterations driven on by aging may foster the development of illnesses.Previous studies indicate that liver aging is linked to impaired lipid metabolism and abnormal gene expression associated with chronic inflammation.Factors such as mitochondrial dysfunction and telomere shortening accumulate,which may result in increased hepatic steatosis,which impacts liver regeneration,metabolism,and other functions.Knowing the structural and functional changes could help elderly adults delay liver aging.Increasing public awareness of anti-aging interventions is essential.Besides the use of dietary supplements,alterations in lifestyle,including changes in dietary habits and physical exercise routines,are the most efficacious means to decelerate the aging process of the liver.This article highlights recent advances in the mechanism research of liver aging and summarizes the promising intervention options to delay liver aging for preventing related diseases.
基金Huxiang TCM Physique Intervention Clinical Research Center,No.2023SK4061Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Project of Hunan Province,No.B2023065+4 种基金Hunan Province"14th Five-Year Plan"key specialty of TCM,No.[2023]4Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and Hospital Joint Foundation,No.2023XYLH019 and 2024XYLH365R&D Plan for Key Areas of Hunan Provincial Department of Science and Technology,No.2019SK2321Excellent Youth Program of Hunan Education Department,No.24B0346Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation for Young Scientists,No.2025JJ60626.
文摘BACKGROUND Anxiety and depression are prevalent among patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)and can adversely contribute to treatment adherence and clinical outcomes.Poor fluid restriction adherence is a widespread challenge in the management of CHF.To effectively manage disease progression and alleviate symptoms,it is crucial to identify key influencing factors to facilitate the implementation of targeted interventions.AIM To investigate the status of anxiety and depression among patients with CHF and determine the factors contributing to poor fluid restriction adherence.METHODS Three hundred CHF patients seeking medical treatment at The First Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between June 2021 and June 2023 were included in the study.Questionnaires,including the Psychosomatic Symptom Scale,Self-Rating Anxiety Scale,Self-Rating Depression Scale,and Fluid Restriction Adherence Questionnaire were administered to patients.Based on their anxiety and depression scores,patients were categorized into anxiety/depression and non-anxiety/depression groups,as well as fluid restriction adherence and fluid restriction non-adherence groups.General patient data were collected,and univariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the occurrence of depression and anxiety.Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors influencing fluid restriction adherence.RESULTS Statistically significant differences in age,New York Heart Association(NYHA)grading,marital status,educational attainment,and family support were observed between depressed and non-depressed CHF patients(P<0.05).Age,NYHA grading,marital status,educational attainment,and family support were identified as factors influencing the development of depression.The anxiety and non-anxiety groups differed statistically in terms of gender,age,NYHA grading,smoking history,alcohol consumption history,monthly income,educational attainment,and family support(P<0.05).Gender,smoking,alcohol consumption,monthly income,and educational attainment affected anxiety in these patients.The fluid restriction adherence rate was 28.0%,and thirst sensation,anxiety,and depression were identified as independent influencing factors.CONCLUSION CHF patients are susceptible to anxiety and depression,with multiple associated influencing factors.Moreover,anxiety and depression are independent factors that can influence fluid restriction adherence in these patients.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82071426,81873784Clinical Cohort Construction Program of Peking University Third Hospital,No.BYSYDL2019002(all to DF)。
文摘Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rare neurodegenerative disease characterized by the involvement of both upper and lower motor neurons.Early bilateral limb involvement significantly affects patients'daily lives and may lead them to be confined to bed.However,the effect of upper and lower motor neuron impairment and other risk factors on bilateral limb involvement is unclear.To address this issue,we retrospectively collected data from 586 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with limb onset diagnosed at Peking University Third Hospital between January 2020 and May 2022.A univariate analysis revealed no significant differences in the time intervals of spread in different directions between individuals with upper motor neuron-dominant amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and those with classic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.We used causal directed acyclic graphs for risk factor determination and Cox proportional hazards models to investigate the association between the duration of bilateral limb involvement and clinical baseline characteristics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.Multiple factor analyses revealed that higher upper motor neuron scores(hazard ratio[HR]=1.05,95%confidence interval[CI]=1.01–1.09,P=0.018),onset in the left limb(HR=0.72,95%CI=0.58–0.89,P=0.002),and a horizontal pattern of progression(HR=0.46,95%CI=0.37–0.58,P<0.001)were risk factors for a shorter interval until bilateral limb involvement.The results demonstrated that a greater degree of upper motor neuron involvement might cause contralateral limb involvement to progress more quickly in limb-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.These findings may improve the management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with limb onset and the prediction of patient prognosis.
文摘BACKGROUND Silver-Russell syndrome(SRS)is a clinically heterogeneous entity characterized by intrauterine and postnatal growth restriction,relative macrocephaly at birth,distinct facial features,and body asymmetry combined with other malformations.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we describe four individuals with SRS,focusing on their prenatal phenotype,postnatal presentation,diagnosis,and management.All cases had a typical phenotype,including postnatal growth failure,short stature(chronic malnutrition),and protruding forehead.Individually,they presented with feeding difficulties,leg length discrepancy,triangular face,or relative macrocephaly at birth,and each one exhibited distinct SRS features,including motor and/or speech delay,experiencing frequent hypoglycemic episodes.The fact that each patient exhibited a different combination of clinical findings underlines the heterogeneity of the syndrome.CONCLUSION SRS is diagnosed clinically.However,only 60%of cases are genetically confirmed,while most are sporadic.Although SRS is a well-described syndrome,a delayed diagnosis can have grave consequences on a child’s growth.Recombinant human growth hormone treatment is often initiated shortly after the diagnosis.The follow-up requires a multidisciplinary approach.
文摘Purpose:To consolidate and evaluate meta-analyses reporting the effects of blood flow restricted exercise(BFRE)on measures of health and physical fitness across all populations.Methods:This preregistered umbrella review followed PRISMA guidelines.A comprehensive search of five databases identified meta-analyses evaluating the effects of BFRE interventions(aerobic,resistance,combined)compared to exercising and non-exercising control conditions on measures of health and performance.A multilevel meta-analysis of standardised mean differences(SMDs)was conducted to examine the effects of BFRE.Subgroup analyses were conducted for the participant and intervention characteristics.Risk of bias was assessed using the AMSTAR-2.Results:47 meta-analyses comprised of 265 unique studies were included.All reviews were rated as low-moderate quality.BFRE had a small effect on hypertrophy(SMD=0.39,p<0.001)and a moderate effect on strength(SMD=0.61,p<0.001)when compared to low load,but not high load resistance training(hypertrophy,SMD=-0.13,p=0.142;strength,SMD=-0.28,p<0.001).BFRE had small-to-moderate effects on aerobic fitness(SMD=0.50,p<0.001),vascular health(SMD=0.45,p<0.001),blood pressure(SMD=0.46,p<0.001),and muscular power(SMD=0.56,p<0.001).BFRE had no effect on physical function(SMD=0.16,p=0.096),pain(SMD=0.00,p=0.996),and speed(SMD=0.22,p=0.213).Conclusions:BFRE is a viable option to improve hypertrophy,strength,aerobic fitness,and vascular health across various populations,though its effects on hypertrophy and strength are smaller when compared to traditional high load resistance training.It doesn't appear to offer any additional benefits than other training methods for physical function,pain,or speed,although sub-analyses suggest further research is warranted in select areas of application.
文摘BACKGROUND Economic violence is a type of domestic violence in which an intimate partner attempts to oppress,restrict,or direct a female by exercising control over her financial resources.AIM To explore the impact of economic abuse on individual work performance and clarify the effective factors on financial exploitation among physicians and nurses.METHODS The study has a cross-sectional design,and 305 married,female physicians and nurses working in a university hospital were included.Data was collected with demographic characteristics forms,“Revised Scale of Economic Abuse”and“Individual Work Performance Questionnaire”.Pearson correlation,comparative analyses,and internal consistency reliability tests were used.RESULTS The average age was 39.04±9.41.Among the respondents 69.2%were nurses and 63.9%held a bachelor’s degree.The mean score for the Revised Scale of Economic Abuse was 2.80±4.73 while it was 3.86±0.60 for the Individual Work Performance Questionnaire.CONCLUSION Our study revealed no relationship between economic abuse and individual work performance,confirming that nurses are exposed to more economic abuse and exploitation than physicians and exhibit higher work performance.
基金supported by the intramural research program(IRP)of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development。
文摘The field of diffusion micro structural magnetic resonance(MR)aims to probe timedependent diffusion,i.e.,an ensemble-averaged mean-squared displacement that is not linear in time.This time-dependence contains rich information about the surrounding microenvironment.MR methods to measure time-dependent diffusion quantitatively,however,require either non-standard pulse sequences,such as oscillating gradients,or make non-physical assumptions,such as infinitely narrow gradient pulses.Here,we argue that standard spin echo and stimulated echo MR sequences can be used to probe directly.In particular,we propose a framework in which the log-signal ratio obtained from a pair of measurements with different inter-pulse spacingΔis proportional to the MSD between these twoΔvalues along the gradient direction x:-.The framework is quantitative for short,finite-duration gradient pulses and under the Gaussian phase approximation(GPA).To validate the framework,we consider onedimensional diffusion between impermeable,parallel planes,as well as periodicallyspaced,permeable planes.Excellent agreement is obtained between the estimation and the ground truth in the regime where the GPA is expected to hold.Importantly,the GPA can be made to hold for any underlying microstructure,making the proposed framework widely applicable.
基金supported in part by New Zealand Government core funding for Crown Research Institutes from the Ministry of Business,Innovation,and Employment's Science and Innovation Group.
文摘The nutritional status of an individual can significantly influence its life history traits,including development,growth,reproduction,and survival.In the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot(Acari:Phytoseidae),the plasticity of life history traits,such as developmental time and size at maturity,is influenced by the quality and quantity of food.This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary restriction at different life stages(i.e.,juvenile,early adulthood,and later adulthood)on the lifespan and fecundity of P persimilis.We found that reduced dietary intake during early adulthood resulted in a shorter lifespan for both male and female P persimilis.Furthermore,this study demonstrated a sex-specific response to dietary restriction:it extended the lifespan of males but reduced that of females during later adulthood.Diet restriction during the postovipositional period of females showed the most variable life history trait response.Our results showed that the impact of diet restriction at different life stages can have combined influences on the postovipositional duration of P persimilis,where the individuals receiving diet restriction during immature development and early adulthood had a greater reduction in ovipositional duration as those experiencing diet restriction during late adulthood.In addition,we observed a positive correlation between the lifespan and fecundity of females,with higher prey availability increasing both.The insights obtained from our research contribute to a better understanding of the aging process and dietary requirements of P persimilis,which can facilitate the development of more effective biological control strategies using this predator for spider mites in agriculture.
基金funded by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office, Hungary (OTKA K139021 to AZL and LC)A Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship and dissertation scholarship from Tempus Public Foundation
文摘Under natural conditions, organisms regularly experience seasonal or unpredictable fluctuations in their diet that may shape the quantity and quality of their reproduction. While these dietary shifts are known to influence overall reproductive output, their specific effects on the proportional composition of egg components remain unexplored. To partially simulate the natural conditions, we conducted two trials using adult Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica) to examine how dietary restriction and unpredictable feeding influence the proportional composition of egg components. In the first trial, quails were assigned to one of four treatments: full-fed (control) or restricted feeding at 20% (DR20), 30% (DR30), and 40% (DR40) below daily intake. In the second trial, quails were assigned to one of three treatments: full feeding (control), constant 40% restriction (DR40), or unpredictable feeding schedule (UNPR). Each trial lasted for 14 days, and birds were housed individually. Severe dietary restrictions (DR30, DR40) reduced albumen and shell mass, shell thickness, and egg volume. However, yolk mass, yolk color, egg shape index, and shell density remained unaffected across all dietary levels. Severe restrictions also increased the yolk ratio while reducing the albumen ratio, suggesting that birds may evolutionarily prioritize yolk deposition to sustain reproductive functions. However, reduced albumen content due to maternal nutritional stress may also limit essential nutrients, and disrupt the embryo's osmoregulation, which ultimately affects offspring quality. Reduced shell contents at the severe restriction levels can affect the egg's ability to provide physical protection, regulate gas exchange and control water loss, thereby influencing embryonic development. In contrast, moderate restriction (DR20) and unpredictable feeding (UNPR) had no effect on any of the egg traits. These findings suggest that quails strategically allocate resources among egg components under dietary constraints, indicating potential trade-offs in reproductive investment. The resilience observed under moderate restriction and unpredictability underscores the species' adaptive capacity in fluctuating environments.
文摘Background: Exercise has positive impacts on metabolic health, whereas sleep loss has potentially negative impacts. This systematic literature review investigates whether acute and short-term exercise interventions can mitigate negative effects of experimentally-induced sleep loss on metabolic markers in humans.Methods: A systematic search(PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane) following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines was conducted up to June 2024 for studies that compared glucose and insulin concentrations, insulin sensitivity, skeletal muscle gene expression, and other molecular markers following an acute or short-term(<14 days) exercise intervention during experimentally-induced sleep loss in adult humans. Articles were considered for inclusion and assessed for eligibility using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, and Study design(PICOS) framework, and critically appraised with the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool.Results: Of the identified records, 4026 records were screened, with 12 studies meeting all the inclusion criteria and including 177 participants.Sleep intervention varied from a single night of total sleep deprivation to 5 consecutive nights of 4-h sleep opportunity(e.g., early or late sleep restriction), while exercise intervention varied in terms of model(walking/running, cycling, and resistance exercise), volume(e.g., minute to hour), and intensity(e.g., maximum efforts to low-intensity exercise). Most studies indicated a negative effect of insufficient sleep on glucose and insulin concentration as well as mitochondrial adaptations, whereas exercise had a positive impact, mitigating the negative effects on the aforementioned parameters.Conclusion: Exercise is likely to be effective as a therapeutic intervention for mitigating the negative effects of sleep loss on metabolic markers,at least in short-term intervention studies.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.12371003)。
文摘Let A be a finite set of integers. For any integer h ≥ 2, let hA and h∧A be the sets of all sums of h elements of A and all sums of h distinct elements of A, respectively.In this paper, we survey some significant advances in additive combinatorics concerning the size and structure of sumsets of finite integer sets.
文摘To evaluate the impact of behavioral restrictions on perinatal care caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted a questionnaire survey of 1976 medical institutions handling deliveries across Japan. The survey examined changes in the number of antenatal checkups due to behavioral restrictions, visit restrictions at medical institutions, and the acceptance of COVID-19-infected pregnant and nursing mothers. An increased burden was observed at delivery hospitals, irrespective of whether they accepted infected pregnant and nursing mothers. Some medical institutions were unable to manage infected pregnant women and transferred them to other facilities, highlighting the need for role-sharing among institutions. The number of antenatal checkups showed a decreasing trend, indicating that the pandemic negatively affected checkup attendance. However, no clear increase in perinatal deaths was observed during the observation period, despite the reduction in the number of checkups.
文摘Compacted sand-bentonite mixtures are used as waste containment barriers(e.g.landfill liners and bentonite buffers for nuclear waste)to restrict contaminant transport.The potential for enhanced chemical containment of compacted sand-bentonite mixtures due to semipermeable membrane behavior has also been demonstrated.However,the extent to which membrane behavior persists in the presence of highly concentrated chemical solutions,which have been shown to degrade membrane behavior in bentonite-based barriers,remains largely unknown.Moreover,the limiting(threshold)salt concentrations at which membrane behavior of compacted sand-bentonite mixtures is effectively destroyed have not been evaluated.Accordingly,this study quantified the limiting membrane behavior of two duplicated specimens of compacted sand-bentonite mixture comprising 15%sodium bentonite(by dry mass)by determining the limiting salt concentrations at which measurable membrane behavior was eliminated.The specimens were exposed to increasingly higher source concentrations,Cot,of boundary monovalent salt solutions(KCl and NaCl)until measured values of the membrane efficiency coefficient,ω,were effectively zero.Overall,ωdecreased from an average of 0.032 to zero as Cot increased from 160 mmol/L KCl to 3.27 mol/L NaCl,resulting in limiting threshold salt concentrations for the two tests between 1.63 mol/L and 3.27 mol/L NaCl,which are significantly higher than those at which measurable membrane behavior has previously been demonstrated.
基金Public Health Agency of Canada:Healthy Seniors Pilot Project(project number:C0089).
文摘Objectives:To investigate the impact of a supervised bloodflow restriction(BFR)training program performed at different times of the morning on body composition and muscle performance in older,inactive adults.Methods:A single-arm intervention of supervised BFR resistance training was performed three times per week for six weeks.Participants(n=24;aged 65+years)were categorized into early morning(n=13;05:00–08:59)or late morning(n=11;09:00–12:00)groups.Primary outcomes were changes in body composition,total work,average peak power,average peak torque,muscle strength,and physical function.Results:Mixed model analysis of variance revealed a significant within-subject effect of time for all strength measures(p ranging from 0.017 to<0.001)and some physical function measures including the 30 s chair stand test,30 s bicep curl test,and grip strength(p ranging from 0.015 to<0.001).No between-group or time by group interaction effect was observed for all outcomes.Conclusions:This study showed that only six weeks of BFR training,performed at different time of the morning,did not enhance muscle mass and performance,but provided similar changes in muscle strength and some physical function tests in older adults.