Background Comorbidity of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)and psychiatric disorders is common,and the prevalence of at least one psychiatric disorder has been reported as high as 80%among patients with IBS.Aims To explor...Background Comorbidity of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)and psychiatric disorders is common,and the prevalence of at least one psychiatric disorder has been reported as high as 80%among patients with IBS.Aims To explore the association of anxiety-depressive disorders with IBS and its different subtypes,and to evaluate the associations of lifestyle habits,dietary habits and sleeping quality with IBS.Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the AL-Mahsama Family Practice Center,Ismailia,Egypt.It was carried out between October 2019 and October 2020.Participants were categorised into 175 patients with IBS,diagnosed using the Rome IV criteria,and 175 patients without IBS.A semistructured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics,lifestyle habits,dietary habits and sleep quality from both groups.The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale was used to assess anxiety symptoms,whereas the Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition was used to assess depression symptoms.Results There was a high statistically significant difference between both groups with regard to age,education,occupation and socioeconomic status(SES),being a smoker,being physically inactive,having sleep disturbance and having irregular meals;being either obese or overweight was more reported in the IBS group.There was a high statistically significant difference in the rate of anxiety and depression between patients with and without IBS.Mild,moderate and severe anxiety were reported in 37.1%,42.9%and 20.0%of patients with IBS while most(80.0%)of the patients without IBS reported mild anxiety.Regarding depression,mild,moderate and severe depression were reported in 60.0%,14.3%and 25.7%of the patients with IBS while most(82.9%)of the non-IBS participants reported mild depression.Conclusions The study shows a significant association between anxiety-depressive disorders and IBS,but no significant associations between anxiety-depressive disorders and IBS subtypes.展开更多
This study introduces a novel method for reconstructing the 3D model of aluminum foam using cross-sectional sequence images.Combining precision milling and image acquisition,high-qual-ity cross-sectional images are ob...This study introduces a novel method for reconstructing the 3D model of aluminum foam using cross-sectional sequence images.Combining precision milling and image acquisition,high-qual-ity cross-sectional images are obtained.Pore structures are segmented by the U-shaped network(U-Net)neural network integrated with the Canny edge detection operator,ensuring accurate pore delineation and edge extraction.The trained U-Net achieves 98.55%accuracy.The 2D data are superimposed and processed into 3D point clouds,enabling reconstruction of the pore structure and aluminum skeleton.Analysis of pore 01 shows the cross-sectional area initially increases,and then decreases with milling depth,with a uniform point distribution of 40 per layer.The reconstructed model exhibits a porosity of 77.5%,with section overlap rates between the 2D pore segmentation and the reconstructed model exceeding 96%,confirming high fidelity.Equivalent sphere diameters decrease with size,averaging 1.95 mm.Compression simulations reveal that the stress-strain curve of the 3D reconstruction model of aluminum foam exhibits fluctuations,and the stresses in the reconstruction model concentrate on thin cell walls,leading to localized deformations.This method accurately restores the aluminum foam’s complex internal structure,improving reconstruction preci-sion and simulation reliability.The approach offers a cost-efficient,high-precision technique for optimizing material performance in engineering applications.展开更多
Dear Editor,Growing clinical evidence shows that brain disorders are heterogeneous in phenotype,genetics,and neuropathology[1].Diagnosis and treatment tend to be affected by symptom presentation and the heterogeneity ...Dear Editor,Growing clinical evidence shows that brain disorders are heterogeneous in phenotype,genetics,and neuropathology[1].Diagnosis and treatment tend to be affected by symptom presentation and the heterogeneity of pathology,potentially hindering clinical trials in the development of medical treatment.Brain-based subtyping studies utilize magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)and data-driven methods to discover the subtypes of diseases,providing a new perspective on disease heterogeneity.展开更多
Rapid population aging has led to an increased focus on age-related conditions such as sarcopenia.causing loss of muscle mass and strength^([1,2]). Sarcopenia is associated with adverse outcomes,including falls, funct...Rapid population aging has led to an increased focus on age-related conditions such as sarcopenia.causing loss of muscle mass and strength^([1,2]). Sarcopenia is associated with adverse outcomes,including falls, functional decline, frailty, and mortality, which can lower the quality of life and shorten lifespan^([1,2]).展开更多
Dear Editor,I am writing in response to the article“Assessment of nurses’workplace silence behavior motives:A cross-sectional study”by Alhojairi et al.published in the September 2024 issue of the International Jour...Dear Editor,I am writing in response to the article“Assessment of nurses’workplace silence behavior motives:A cross-sectional study”by Alhojairi et al.published in the September 2024 issue of the International Journal of Nursing Sciences[1].This is a letter written by a nurse with 10 years of clinical work experience and a personal interest in team dynamics.I appreciate the authors'recommendations on mitigating workplace silence among nurses to enhance clinical work development,and I believe their proposals could be expanded further.展开更多
BACKGROUND Transition is a critical period for adolescents as they begin to assume responsibility for their own health.Similarly,the shift from pediatric to adult healthcare represents a vulnerable phase,marked by uni...BACKGROUND Transition is a critical period for adolescents as they begin to assume responsibility for their own health.Similarly,the shift from pediatric to adult healthcare represents a vulnerable phase,marked by unique challenges in adolescent health care.Despite its importance,only a few studies have explored healthcare transition among adolescents in Uganda.AIM To identify factors associated with the transition to adult human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-centered care among adolescents attending HIV/AIDS clinics in Uganda.METHODS A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted among 265 adolescents,randomly selected from three antiretroviral therapy(ART)clinics,using a structured questionnaire.Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted.Individuals aged 10-20 years who were actively enrolled in the ART program between January 4,2022 and January 30,2023 were recruited.The primary outcome of interest was the transition to adult care.Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed for quantitative data,while content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data.RESULTS The prevalence of transition to adult care was 40.6%.Most participants were male(53.6%)and fell within the 13-15 age group(35.6%).Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified several factors significantly associated with transition to adult care:Age group 10-12 years[prevalence ratio(PR)=2.525,95%CI:2.121-2.944,P=0.002],Age group 13-15 years(PR=1.900,95%CI:1.196-3.416,P=0.001),successful viral load suppression(PR=1.534,95%CI:1.173-1.648,P=0.016),disclosure of HIV status to relatives(PR=5.001,95%CI:3.411-3.611,P=0.000),being prepared for transitioning(PR=5.417,95%CI:3.468-7.135,P=0.041)and having skilled pediatric caregivers(PR=3.724,95%CI:2.084-4.105,P=0.005).CONCLUSION Transition to adult care among adolescents was low.Improving transition outcomes may require strengthening individual support within the family context and integrating transition-focused care into existing specialized clinical settings to enhance the delivery of adolescent-friendly services.展开更多
Arterial stiffness is considered an important indicator reflecting age-related changes in the vascular wall[1]and the risk of developing comorbidities,[2]primarily cardiovascular diseases.[3]Cardiovascular diseases re...Arterial stiffness is considered an important indicator reflecting age-related changes in the vascular wall[1]and the risk of developing comorbidities,[2]primarily cardiovascular diseases.[3]Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide.Many factors influence the rate of arterial aging.Research results have confirmed that arterial wall stiffness increases with an increasing number of risk factors,[4]as each of them acts independently through various mechanisms,adversely affecting the structure and function of the cardiovascular system.展开更多
The annular volute is typically used in a slurry pump to reduce the collisions between solid particles and the volute tongue and to achieve a better resistance to blocking. However, only limited studies regarding annu...The annular volute is typically used in a slurry pump to reduce the collisions between solid particles and the volute tongue and to achieve a better resistance to blocking. However, only limited studies regarding annular volutes are available, and there is no systematic design method for annular volutes. In this study, the influence of volute casing cross-sectional flow area on the hydraulic loss, pressure pulsations, and radial force under varying working conditions in a centrifugal ceramic pump are discussed in detail. Experimental tests were conducted to validate the numerical results. The results indicated that, when the volute casing flow area increases, the hydraulic performance decreases marginally under the rated working conditions, but increases at the o-design points, specifically under large flow condition. However, the volute casing with a larger flow area has a wider high-e ciency region. In addition, the increase in the volute casing flow area will decrease the pressure pulsations in the volute, regardless of the working condition, and decrease the radial force on the shaft, therefore, providing an improved pump operational stability. It is anticipated that this study will be of benefit during the design of annular volutes.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To assess the relationship between disease symptoms and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome (Zheng) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.METHODS:RA Patients were recruited in Guang'anmen Hospita...OBJECTIVE:To assess the relationship between disease symptoms and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome (Zheng) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.METHODS:RA Patients were recruited in Guang'anmen Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University,and diagnosed with a particular RA Zheng from their symptoms.Demographic characteristics,self-reported symptoms,and blood samples were collected from patients.All data were input into EpiData and analyzed using SPSS software.RESULTS:The study included 302 RA patients (age range:18-86 years).All patients were Chinese,and 85.1% were women.Cold and fatigue triggers were reported by 8.6% of patients,followed by triggers such as childbirth (4.3%),cold (3.0%),dampness (2.0%),menopause (1.3%),and psychentonia (0.7%).The most prevalent Zheng was dampness and heat blockage (Shire Yuzu in Chinese,SRYZ),diagnosed in 39.4% of patients (119),followed by phlegm and stagnation blockage (Tanyu Bizu,TYBZ) in 21.5%,liver and kidney deficiency (Ganshen Buzu,GSBZ) in 18.5%,dual deficiency of Qi and blood (Qixue Liangxu,QXLX) in 9.6%,cold and dampness blockage (Hanshi Bizu,HSBZ) in 6%,and wind and dampness blockage (Fengshi Bizu,FSBZ) in 5%.Increased length of time since RA diagnosis was associated with the GSBZ group.Patients diagnosed with the SRYZ Zheng had the highest disease activity score.Patients diagnosed with the QXLX Zheng had the lowest blood platelet counts;patients diagnosed with the QXLX and HSBZ Zhengs had lower C-reactive protein levels and lower health assessment questionnaire scores.Patients diagnosed with the GSBZ and QXLX Zhengs had the highest health assessment questionnaire scores.CONCLUSION:The specific Zheng was related to RA characteristics.The findings suggest that eliminating dampness,cooling the patient,and promoting blood circulation may assist in treating severe RA.展开更多
The carriage rate and serotype distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae（S.pneumoniae）in a healthy population in China remains unclear.In this study,we collected the oropharyngeal swabs from513 individuals in Xinjian...The carriage rate and serotype distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae（S.pneumoniae）in a healthy population in China remains unclear.In this study,we collected the oropharyngeal swabs from513 individuals in Xinjiang,China.Real-time PCR targeting the lytA gene and 12 serotypes were assessed to identify S.pneumoniae carriage.展开更多
In the traditional flow-resistance-differential (FRD) type valve-less piezoelectric pump, the generated outflow and pressure are discontinuous because of the inherent periodicity and fluctuation of the pump. To overco...In the traditional flow-resistance-differential (FRD) type valve-less piezoelectric pump, the generated outflow and pressure are discontinuous because of the inherent periodicity and fluctuation of the pump. To overcome these drawbacks, utilizing the bending vibration of piezoelectric bimorph to drive fluid was conducted. However, our investigation on the current status of this piezoelectric bimorph pump shows that larger driving force and vibration amplitude are required for fluid pumping; the pumping can be realized through the centrifugal force; and the mechanism of fluid pumping is no longer further studied. Based on these cases, the paper designed a piezoelectric-stack pump with variable-cross-section oscillating (VCSO) vibrator by imitating the swing of the caudal-fin of tuna, and the pump is neither the rotating type nor the volumetric type according to the taxonomy. The interaction between the oscillating vibrator and the fluid parcel is firstly analyzed from the viewpoint of momentum conservation, and the analytical expression of pump flow rate is obtained. Then the modal and harmonic response analyses on the vibrator immerged in water are carried out. From the analyses the first two orders resonance frequencies are 832 Hz and 1 939 Hz, respectively, and the peak value of the tip amplitude is 0.6 mm. Laser Doppler vibrometer is used to measure both the frequency and vibration amplitude, and the determined first two orders resonance frequencies are 617 Hz and 1 356 Hz, respectively. The measured tip amplitude reaches to the peak value of 0.3 mm. At last, experimental measurement for the flow rates with different driving frequencies is conducted. The results show that the flow rate can reach 560 mL/min at 1 370 Hz when the pump runs under the backpressure of 30 mm water column. And the flow rate is as much as 560% of that of experiment results carried out by researchers from Brazil. The proposed pump innovates in both theory and taxonomy; in addition, the pump overcomes the drawbacks such as large flow fluctuation and low flow rate in the traditional FRD type pumps, which will help to broaden the application of the valve-less piezoelectric pump.展开更多
An experimental study on a bare flexible cylinder as well as cylinders fitted with two types of cross-sectioned helical strakes was carried out in a towing tank. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the ef...An experimental study on a bare flexible cylinder as well as cylinders fitted with two types of cross-sectioned helical strakes was carried out in a towing tank. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of strakes’ cross-section on the vortex-induced vibrations （VIV） suppression of a flexible cylinder. The square-sectioned and round-sectioned helical strakes were selected in the experimental tests. The uniform current was generated by towing the cylinder models along the tank using a towing carriage. The Reynolds number was in the range of 800–16000. The strain responses were measured by the strain gages in cross-flow （CF） and in-line （IL） directions. A modal analysis method was adopted to obtain the displacement responses using the strain signals in different measurement positions. The comparison of the experimental results among the bare cylinder, square-sectioned straked cylinder and round-sectioned straked cylinder was performed. The helical strakes can effectively reduce the strain amplitude, displacement amplitude, response frequencies and dominant modes of a flexible cylinder excited by VIV. And the mean drag coefficients of straked cylinders were approximately consistent with each other. In addition, the square-sectioned and round-sectioned strakes nearly share the similar VIV reduction behaviors. Sometimes, the strakes with round-section represent more excellent effects on the VIV suppression of response frequency than those with square-section.展开更多
BACKGROUND Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus resulting from direct damage by hyperglycemia to the nerves and/or ischemia by microvascular injury to the endoneurial vessels which supply the nerve...BACKGROUND Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus resulting from direct damage by hyperglycemia to the nerves and/or ischemia by microvascular injury to the endoneurial vessels which supply the nerves. Median nerve is one of the peripheral nerves commonly affected in diabetic neuropathy. The median nerve size has been studied in non-Nigerian diabetic populations. In attempt to contribute to existing literature, a study in a Nigerian population is needed.AIM To evaluate the cross-sectional area(CSA) of the median nerve using B-mode ultrasonography(USS) and the presence of peripheral neuropathy(PN) in a cohort of adult diabetic Nigerians.METHODS Demographic and anthropometric data of 85 adult diabetes mellitus(DM) and 85 age-and sex-matched apparently healthy control(HC) subjects were taken. A complete physical examination was performed on all study subjects to determine the presence of PN and modified Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument(MNSI) was used to grade its severity. Venous blood was taken from the study subjects for fasting lipid profile(FLP), fasting blood glucose(FBG) and glycated haemoglobin(HbA1 c) while their MN CSA was evaluated at a point 5 cm proximal to(5 cmCATL) and at the carpal tunnel(CATL) by high-resolution Bmode USS. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22.RESULTS The mean MN CSA was significantly thicker in DM subjects compared to the HC at 5 cmCATL(P < 0.01) and at the CATL(P < 0.01) on both sides. The presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN) further increased the MN CSA at the CATL(P < 0.05) but not at 5 cmCATL(P > 0.05). However, the severity of DPN had no additional effect on MN CSA 5 cm proximal to and at the CATL. There was no significant association between MN CSA and duration of DM and glycemic control.CONCLUSION Thickening of the MN CSA at 5 cmCATL and CATL is seen in DM. Presence of DPN is associated with worse thickening of the MN CSA at the CATL but not at5 cmCATL. Severity of DPN, duration of DM, and glycemic control had no additional effect on the MN CSA.展开更多
Previous studies have described racial and socioeconomic disparities in the treatment of infertility. Patient factors such as attitudes and awareness may be contributing factors. Since primary care is often the settin...Previous studies have described racial and socioeconomic disparities in the treatment of infertility. Patient factors such as attitudes and awareness may be contributing factors. Since primary care is often the setting that serves as an entry into other areas of medicine, we sought to evaluate men＇s attitudes and awareness of male infertility in the primary care setting. To do this, we performed a cross-sectional survey of men＇s attitudes toward men＇s health issues in 210 men from two primary care clinic waiting rooms in Atlanta, Georgia. The survey was self-administered with closed-ended question items and was approximately 20 min in length. Of the 310 men approached, 210 agreed to participate and returned completed surveys. Overall, 52% of men said they were ＂very＂ or ＂somewhat＂ familiar with infertility and 25% were familiar with treatments for infertility. Some men had heard of surgery （21%） and medication （35%） as treatments for male infertility. Awareness and familiarity with the condition was greater in high socioeconomic status men （i.e. college graduates or those with income 〉$100 k per year） but did not differ by race on multivariate analysis. Attitudes toward infertility varied by race with non-Caucasian men being more likely to indicate that infertility is a serious condition, to be concerned about infertility, and to believe it decreases a man＇s quality-of-life. Therefore, a lack of awareness, but not negative attitudes, may contribute to previously-described disparities in the treatment of infertility.展开更多
Kidney stones are a common urinary system condition that can progress to kidney disease. Previous studies on the association between tea consumption and kidney stones are inconsistent. A cross-sectional study to inves...Kidney stones are a common urinary system condition that can progress to kidney disease. Previous studies on the association between tea consumption and kidney stones are inconsistent. A cross-sectional study to investigate the association between tea consumption and kidney stones was conducted from 2013 to 2014 and recruited 9,078 northern Chinese adults. A total of 8,807 participants were included in the final analysis. Participants＇ prevalence of kidney stones was 1.07%, 1.73%, and 2.25% based on their tea consumption frecluencv of never, occasionally,展开更多
Using digital laser dynamic caustics experimental system and conducting simulation experiment researched the influence rule of blasting excavation of a new roadway on neighboring existed different cross-section roadwa...Using digital laser dynamic caustics experimental system and conducting simulation experiment researched the influence rule of blasting excavation of a new roadway on neighboring existed different cross-section roadways. The experimental results show that the influence of blast load on adjacent roadway has a good relationship with the cross-section of roadway. The expansion distance of precrack existed in circular, arch-wall, rectangular roadway is respectively 1.76, 1.61 and 0 cm under blast load.At the same time, the direct-blast side of rectangular roadway has more obvious damage compared with circular and arch-wall roadway. It explains that plane reflects more stress wave than arc, so that it exerts more tensile failure in the direct-blast side, which leads to less stress wave diffracting to the precrack in the back-blast side. When the precrack extends, higher value dynamic stress intensity factor in circular roadway works longer than that of arch-wall roadway. Indirectly, it explains that plane's weakening function on stress wave is significantly stronger than arc. Stress wave brings about self-evident influence on the upper and bottom endpoints of the rectangular roadway, and it respectively extends 1.03, 2.06 cm along the line link direction of the center of the blasthole and the upper and bottom endpoints on the right wall.展开更多
Objective To describe the epidemiological characteristics of nonfatal child pedestrian injuries and provide information to help understand an important public-health problem.Methods This was a school-based,cross-secti...Objective To describe the epidemiological characteristics of nonfatal child pedestrian injuries and provide information to help understand an important public-health problem.Methods This was a school-based,cross-sectional questionnaire survey.The sample （42 750 children） was obtained from two urban cities of Guangdong Province,China,using multi-stage randomized sampling.Information was collected by the respondents self-reporting in the classroom.Results The incidence rate of nonfatal child pedestrian injuries in the cities was 2.0%.Boys had a higher incidence rate （2.6%） than girls （1.4%）.Compared to other children,those aged 10 years are at the highest risk.The primary places of occurrence were sidewalks,residential roads,and crosswalks.High-risk behavior of the children immediately prior to injury included mid-block crossings,playing on roads,and crossing on red lights.The major vehicles that caused pedestrian injuries were bicycles,car or vans,and motorcycles.Bruises,fractures,and injuries to the internal organs were the top three types of injuries.Almost 40% of victims were hospitalized,and nearly 30% of the victims suffered long-term disabilities.Conclusion This study shows that nonfatal child pedestrian injuries are a very serious public-health problem in the urban cities of Guangdong.Based on the epidemiological characteristics,prevention strategies and further research should be carried out to reduce the occurrence of injuries.展开更多
In a round-oval-round pass rolling sequence, the cross-section profile of an outgoing workpiece was predicted first after getting the maximum spread. The concept ＂critical point on the contact boundary＂ was proposed...In a round-oval-round pass rolling sequence, the cross-section profile of an outgoing workpiece was predicted first after getting the maximum spread. The concept ＂critical point on the contact boundary＂ was proposed and the coordinates of the critical point were solved. The equivalent contact section area was represented and the mean roll radius was determined. The validity of this model was examined by alloy bar rolling experiment and rigid-plastic FEM simulation. Compared with the existing models, the mean roll radius obtained by this model is similar to experiment data.展开更多
Cross-section deformation is one of important factors affecting the quality of tube formation, and the tube＇s capability of transporting liquid and gas will be reduced because of the cross-section ellipse deformation...Cross-section deformation is one of important factors affecting the quality of tube formation, and the tube＇s capability of transporting liquid and gas will be reduced because of the cross-section ellipse deformation due to the effect of shear load in plastic bending process. When the tube is bent, the extrados-wall bears the tension stress and the intrados-wall bears the compression stress, synchronously the cross-section is affected by the circumferential stress. According to the above, the distribution function and curve of tangential stress can be obtained according to force balance differential equations on circumferential direction and Trasca rule. Subsequently the real state and virtual state moment equations were established, a new method was presented adopting the virtual principle of deformation system to calculate the x-axis and y-axis displacement of arbitrary point on cross-section. So the major and minor axes of deformed cross-section can be calculated according to the displacements of each point, and the variety value of major and minor axes will be obtained further. Finally the theoretical calculating result is compared with NC tube rotary-bending experiment results to verify the rationality of theoretical analysis, and the cross-section deformation rule of thin-walled tube can be received.展开更多
文摘Background Comorbidity of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)and psychiatric disorders is common,and the prevalence of at least one psychiatric disorder has been reported as high as 80%among patients with IBS.Aims To explore the association of anxiety-depressive disorders with IBS and its different subtypes,and to evaluate the associations of lifestyle habits,dietary habits and sleeping quality with IBS.Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the AL-Mahsama Family Practice Center,Ismailia,Egypt.It was carried out between October 2019 and October 2020.Participants were categorised into 175 patients with IBS,diagnosed using the Rome IV criteria,and 175 patients without IBS.A semistructured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics,lifestyle habits,dietary habits and sleep quality from both groups.The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale was used to assess anxiety symptoms,whereas the Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition was used to assess depression symptoms.Results There was a high statistically significant difference between both groups with regard to age,education,occupation and socioeconomic status(SES),being a smoker,being physically inactive,having sleep disturbance and having irregular meals;being either obese or overweight was more reported in the IBS group.There was a high statistically significant difference in the rate of anxiety and depression between patients with and without IBS.Mild,moderate and severe anxiety were reported in 37.1%,42.9%and 20.0%of patients with IBS while most(80.0%)of the patients without IBS reported mild anxiety.Regarding depression,mild,moderate and severe depression were reported in 60.0%,14.3%and 25.7%of the patients with IBS while most(82.9%)of the non-IBS participants reported mild depression.Conclusions The study shows a significant association between anxiety-depressive disorders and IBS,but no significant associations between anxiety-depressive disorders and IBS subtypes.
基金supported by the Key Research and DevelopmentPlan in Shanxi Province of China(No.201803D421045)the Natural Science Foundation of Shanxi Province(No.2021-0302-123104)。
文摘This study introduces a novel method for reconstructing the 3D model of aluminum foam using cross-sectional sequence images.Combining precision milling and image acquisition,high-qual-ity cross-sectional images are obtained.Pore structures are segmented by the U-shaped network(U-Net)neural network integrated with the Canny edge detection operator,ensuring accurate pore delineation and edge extraction.The trained U-Net achieves 98.55%accuracy.The 2D data are superimposed and processed into 3D point clouds,enabling reconstruction of the pore structure and aluminum skeleton.Analysis of pore 01 shows the cross-sectional area initially increases,and then decreases with milling depth,with a uniform point distribution of 40 per layer.The reconstructed model exhibits a porosity of 77.5%,with section overlap rates between the 2D pore segmentation and the reconstructed model exceeding 96%,confirming high fidelity.Equivalent sphere diameters decrease with size,averaging 1.95 mm.Compression simulations reveal that the stress-strain curve of the 3D reconstruction model of aluminum foam exhibits fluctuations,and the stresses in the reconstruction model concentrate on thin cell walls,leading to localized deformations.This method accurately restores the aluminum foam’s complex internal structure,improving reconstruction preci-sion and simulation reliability.The approach offers a cost-efficient,high-precision technique for optimizing material performance in engineering applications.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82102018,62333002,T2425027,and 82327809)Data collection and sharing for this project were supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(61633018,81571062,81471120,and 81901101)+30 种基金Data collection and sharing for this project were funded by the ADNI(National Institutes of Health Grant U01 AG024904)the Department of Defense ADNI(award number W81XWH-12-2-0012).The ADNI is funded by the National Institute on Aging,the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering,and through generous contributions from the following:AbbVie,Alzheimer’s AssociationAlzheimer’s Drug Discovery FoundationAraclon BiotechBioClinica,Inc.BiogenBristol-Myers Squibb Co.CereSpir,Inc.CogstateEisai Inc.Elan Pharmaceuticals,Inc.Eli Lilly and Co.EuroImmunF.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd and its affiliated company Genentech,Inc.FujirebioG.E.HealthcareIXICO Ltd.Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy Research&Development,LLC.Johnson&Johnson Pharmaceutical Research&Development LLC.LumosityLundbeckMerck&Co.,Inc.Meso Scale Diagnostics,LLC.NeuroRx ResearchNeurotrack TechnologiesNovartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.Pfizer Inc.Piramal ImagingServierTakeda Pharmaceutical Co.and Transition Therapeutics.The Canadian Institutes of Health Research provides funds to support ADNI clinical sites in Canada.Private sector contributions are facilitated by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health(www.fnih.org).The grantee organization was the Northern California Institute for Research and Education,and the study was coordinated by the Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute at the University of Southern California.ADNI data are disseminated by the Laboratory for Neuro Imaging at the University of Southern California.
文摘Dear Editor,Growing clinical evidence shows that brain disorders are heterogeneous in phenotype,genetics,and neuropathology[1].Diagnosis and treatment tend to be affected by symptom presentation and the heterogeneity of pathology,potentially hindering clinical trials in the development of medical treatment.Brain-based subtyping studies utilize magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)and data-driven methods to discover the subtypes of diseases,providing a new perspective on disease heterogeneity.
基金supported by the Ministry of Education Chunhui Program Collaborative Scientific Research Projects(Grant No.:HZKY20220286)Henan Province Foreign Experts Introduction Program(Grant No.:HNGD2022021)+1 种基金Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province(Grant No.:23230042151)the Foundation of the National Key Program of Research and Development of China(Grant No.:2016YFC0900803)。
文摘Rapid population aging has led to an increased focus on age-related conditions such as sarcopenia.causing loss of muscle mass and strength^([1,2]). Sarcopenia is associated with adverse outcomes,including falls, functional decline, frailty, and mortality, which can lower the quality of life and shorten lifespan^([1,2]).
文摘Dear Editor,I am writing in response to the article“Assessment of nurses’workplace silence behavior motives:A cross-sectional study”by Alhojairi et al.published in the September 2024 issue of the International Journal of Nursing Sciences[1].This is a letter written by a nurse with 10 years of clinical work experience and a personal interest in team dynamics.I appreciate the authors'recommendations on mitigating workplace silence among nurses to enhance clinical work development,and I believe their proposals could be expanded further.
文摘BACKGROUND Transition is a critical period for adolescents as they begin to assume responsibility for their own health.Similarly,the shift from pediatric to adult healthcare represents a vulnerable phase,marked by unique challenges in adolescent health care.Despite its importance,only a few studies have explored healthcare transition among adolescents in Uganda.AIM To identify factors associated with the transition to adult human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-centered care among adolescents attending HIV/AIDS clinics in Uganda.METHODS A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted among 265 adolescents,randomly selected from three antiretroviral therapy(ART)clinics,using a structured questionnaire.Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted.Individuals aged 10-20 years who were actively enrolled in the ART program between January 4,2022 and January 30,2023 were recruited.The primary outcome of interest was the transition to adult care.Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed for quantitative data,while content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data.RESULTS The prevalence of transition to adult care was 40.6%.Most participants were male(53.6%)and fell within the 13-15 age group(35.6%).Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified several factors significantly associated with transition to adult care:Age group 10-12 years[prevalence ratio(PR)=2.525,95%CI:2.121-2.944,P=0.002],Age group 13-15 years(PR=1.900,95%CI:1.196-3.416,P=0.001),successful viral load suppression(PR=1.534,95%CI:1.173-1.648,P=0.016),disclosure of HIV status to relatives(PR=5.001,95%CI:3.411-3.611,P=0.000),being prepared for transitioning(PR=5.417,95%CI:3.468-7.135,P=0.041)and having skilled pediatric caregivers(PR=3.724,95%CI:2.084-4.105,P=0.005).CONCLUSION Transition to adult care among adolescents was low.Improving transition outcomes may require strengthening individual support within the family context and integrating transition-focused care into existing specialized clinical settings to enhance the delivery of adolescent-friendly services.
文摘Arterial stiffness is considered an important indicator reflecting age-related changes in the vascular wall[1]and the risk of developing comorbidities,[2]primarily cardiovascular diseases.[3]Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide.Many factors influence the rate of arterial aging.Research results have confirmed that arterial wall stiffness increases with an increasing number of risk factors,[4]as each of them acts independently through various mechanisms,adversely affecting the structure and function of the cardiovascular system.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.51779107)Jiangsu Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.BK20170548)+1 种基金Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China(Grant No.2017M611724)Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD)
文摘The annular volute is typically used in a slurry pump to reduce the collisions between solid particles and the volute tongue and to achieve a better resistance to blocking. However, only limited studies regarding annular volutes are available, and there is no systematic design method for annular volutes. In this study, the influence of volute casing cross-sectional flow area on the hydraulic loss, pressure pulsations, and radial force under varying working conditions in a centrifugal ceramic pump are discussed in detail. Experimental tests were conducted to validate the numerical results. The results indicated that, when the volute casing flow area increases, the hydraulic performance decreases marginally under the rated working conditions, but increases at the o-design points, specifically under large flow condition. However, the volute casing with a larger flow area has a wider high-e ciency region. In addition, the increase in the volute casing flow area will decrease the pressure pulsations in the volute, regardless of the working condition, and decrease the radial force on the shaft, therefore, providing an improved pump operational stability. It is anticipated that this study will be of benefit during the design of annular volutes.
基金Supported by the National Key Basic Research Program of China(973 Program,No.2014CB543001)the Twelfth Five-Year National Science and Technology Support Program(No.2013BAI02B06)
文摘OBJECTIVE:To assess the relationship between disease symptoms and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome (Zheng) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.METHODS:RA Patients were recruited in Guang'anmen Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University,and diagnosed with a particular RA Zheng from their symptoms.Demographic characteristics,self-reported symptoms,and blood samples were collected from patients.All data were input into EpiData and analyzed using SPSS software.RESULTS:The study included 302 RA patients (age range:18-86 years).All patients were Chinese,and 85.1% were women.Cold and fatigue triggers were reported by 8.6% of patients,followed by triggers such as childbirth (4.3%),cold (3.0%),dampness (2.0%),menopause (1.3%),and psychentonia (0.7%).The most prevalent Zheng was dampness and heat blockage (Shire Yuzu in Chinese,SRYZ),diagnosed in 39.4% of patients (119),followed by phlegm and stagnation blockage (Tanyu Bizu,TYBZ) in 21.5%,liver and kidney deficiency (Ganshen Buzu,GSBZ) in 18.5%,dual deficiency of Qi and blood (Qixue Liangxu,QXLX) in 9.6%,cold and dampness blockage (Hanshi Bizu,HSBZ) in 6%,and wind and dampness blockage (Fengshi Bizu,FSBZ) in 5%.Increased length of time since RA diagnosis was associated with the GSBZ group.Patients diagnosed with the SRYZ Zheng had the highest disease activity score.Patients diagnosed with the QXLX Zheng had the lowest blood platelet counts;patients diagnosed with the QXLX and HSBZ Zhengs had lower C-reactive protein levels and lower health assessment questionnaire scores.Patients diagnosed with the GSBZ and QXLX Zhengs had the highest health assessment questionnaire scores.CONCLUSION:The specific Zheng was related to RA characteristics.The findings suggest that eliminating dampness,cooling the patient,and promoting blood circulation may assist in treating severe RA.
基金supported by grants from the State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control[2015SKLID502]the National Natural Science Foundation of China[81602903]Youth Science and Technology Talented Project of special scientific research in health and family planning commission in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region[2016Y25]
文摘The carriage rate and serotype distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae（S.pneumoniae）in a healthy population in China remains unclear.In this study,we collected the oropharyngeal swabs from513 individuals in Xinjiang,China.Real-time PCR targeting the lytA gene and 12 serotypes were assessed to identify S.pneumoniae carriage.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 50775109, Grant No. 51075201)Important Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 50735002)Open Foundation for National Key laboratory of the Numerical Manufacturing Equipment and Technology of China (Grant No. DMETKF2009002)
文摘In the traditional flow-resistance-differential (FRD) type valve-less piezoelectric pump, the generated outflow and pressure are discontinuous because of the inherent periodicity and fluctuation of the pump. To overcome these drawbacks, utilizing the bending vibration of piezoelectric bimorph to drive fluid was conducted. However, our investigation on the current status of this piezoelectric bimorph pump shows that larger driving force and vibration amplitude are required for fluid pumping; the pumping can be realized through the centrifugal force; and the mechanism of fluid pumping is no longer further studied. Based on these cases, the paper designed a piezoelectric-stack pump with variable-cross-section oscillating (VCSO) vibrator by imitating the swing of the caudal-fin of tuna, and the pump is neither the rotating type nor the volumetric type according to the taxonomy. The interaction between the oscillating vibrator and the fluid parcel is firstly analyzed from the viewpoint of momentum conservation, and the analytical expression of pump flow rate is obtained. Then the modal and harmonic response analyses on the vibrator immerged in water are carried out. From the analyses the first two orders resonance frequencies are 832 Hz and 1 939 Hz, respectively, and the peak value of the tip amplitude is 0.6 mm. Laser Doppler vibrometer is used to measure both the frequency and vibration amplitude, and the determined first two orders resonance frequencies are 617 Hz and 1 356 Hz, respectively. The measured tip amplitude reaches to the peak value of 0.3 mm. At last, experimental measurement for the flow rates with different driving frequencies is conducted. The results show that the flow rate can reach 560 mL/min at 1 370 Hz when the pump runs under the backpressure of 30 mm water column. And the flow rate is as much as 560% of that of experiment results carried out by researchers from Brazil. The proposed pump innovates in both theory and taxonomy; in addition, the pump overcomes the drawbacks such as large flow fluctuation and low flow rate in the traditional FRD type pumps, which will help to broaden the application of the valve-less piezoelectric pump.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.51479135,51525803 and 51679167)the Science Fund for Creative Research Groups of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.51621092)+1 种基金the Major State Basic Research Development Program of China(973 Program,Grant No.2014CB046801)the Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin(Grant No.15JCQNJC07700)
文摘An experimental study on a bare flexible cylinder as well as cylinders fitted with two types of cross-sectioned helical strakes was carried out in a towing tank. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of strakes’ cross-section on the vortex-induced vibrations （VIV） suppression of a flexible cylinder. The square-sectioned and round-sectioned helical strakes were selected in the experimental tests. The uniform current was generated by towing the cylinder models along the tank using a towing carriage. The Reynolds number was in the range of 800–16000. The strain responses were measured by the strain gages in cross-flow （CF） and in-line （IL） directions. A modal analysis method was adopted to obtain the displacement responses using the strain signals in different measurement positions. The comparison of the experimental results among the bare cylinder, square-sectioned straked cylinder and round-sectioned straked cylinder was performed. The helical strakes can effectively reduce the strain amplitude, displacement amplitude, response frequencies and dominant modes of a flexible cylinder excited by VIV. And the mean drag coefficients of straked cylinders were approximately consistent with each other. In addition, the square-sectioned and round-sectioned strakes nearly share the similar VIV reduction behaviors. Sometimes, the strakes with round-section represent more excellent effects on the VIV suppression of response frequency than those with square-section.
文摘BACKGROUND Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus resulting from direct damage by hyperglycemia to the nerves and/or ischemia by microvascular injury to the endoneurial vessels which supply the nerves. Median nerve is one of the peripheral nerves commonly affected in diabetic neuropathy. The median nerve size has been studied in non-Nigerian diabetic populations. In attempt to contribute to existing literature, a study in a Nigerian population is needed.AIM To evaluate the cross-sectional area(CSA) of the median nerve using B-mode ultrasonography(USS) and the presence of peripheral neuropathy(PN) in a cohort of adult diabetic Nigerians.METHODS Demographic and anthropometric data of 85 adult diabetes mellitus(DM) and 85 age-and sex-matched apparently healthy control(HC) subjects were taken. A complete physical examination was performed on all study subjects to determine the presence of PN and modified Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument(MNSI) was used to grade its severity. Venous blood was taken from the study subjects for fasting lipid profile(FLP), fasting blood glucose(FBG) and glycated haemoglobin(HbA1 c) while their MN CSA was evaluated at a point 5 cm proximal to(5 cmCATL) and at the carpal tunnel(CATL) by high-resolution Bmode USS. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22.RESULTS The mean MN CSA was significantly thicker in DM subjects compared to the HC at 5 cmCATL(P < 0.01) and at the CATL(P < 0.01) on both sides. The presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN) further increased the MN CSA at the CATL(P < 0.05) but not at 5 cmCATL(P > 0.05). However, the severity of DPN had no additional effect on MN CSA 5 cm proximal to and at the CATL. There was no significant association between MN CSA and duration of DM and glycemic control.CONCLUSION Thickening of the MN CSA at 5 cmCATL and CATL is seen in DM. Presence of DPN is associated with worse thickening of the MN CSA at the CATL but not at5 cmCATL. Severity of DPN, duration of DM, and glycemic control had no additional effect on the MN CSA.
文摘Previous studies have described racial and socioeconomic disparities in the treatment of infertility. Patient factors such as attitudes and awareness may be contributing factors. Since primary care is often the setting that serves as an entry into other areas of medicine, we sought to evaluate men＇s attitudes and awareness of male infertility in the primary care setting. To do this, we performed a cross-sectional survey of men＇s attitudes toward men＇s health issues in 210 men from two primary care clinic waiting rooms in Atlanta, Georgia. The survey was self-administered with closed-ended question items and was approximately 20 min in length. Of the 310 men approached, 210 agreed to participate and returned completed surveys. Overall, 52% of men said they were ＂very＂ or ＂somewhat＂ familiar with infertility and 25% were familiar with treatments for infertility. Some men had heard of surgery （21%） and medication （35%） as treatments for male infertility. Awareness and familiarity with the condition was greater in high socioeconomic status men （i.e. college graduates or those with income 〉$100 k per year） but did not differ by race on multivariate analysis. Attitudes toward infertility varied by race with non-Caucasian men being more likely to indicate that infertility is a serious condition, to be concerned about infertility, and to believe it decreases a man＇s quality-of-life. Therefore, a lack of awareness, but not negative attitudes, may contribute to previously-described disparities in the treatment of infertility.
基金supported by the Medical Science and Technology Project of Zhejiang Province[2014KYA231]
文摘Kidney stones are a common urinary system condition that can progress to kidney disease. Previous studies on the association between tea consumption and kidney stones are inconsistent. A cross-sectional study to investigate the association between tea consumption and kidney stones was conducted from 2013 to 2014 and recruited 9,078 northern Chinese adults. A total of 8,807 participants were included in the final analysis. Participants＇ prevalence of kidney stones was 1.07%, 1.73%, and 2.25% based on their tea consumption frecluencv of never, occasionally,
基金provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 51274204 and 51134025)National Key Basic Research Program (No. 2010CB732002)The Ministry of Education Program for New Century Excellent Talents to Support Project of China (No. NCET-12-0965)
文摘Using digital laser dynamic caustics experimental system and conducting simulation experiment researched the influence rule of blasting excavation of a new roadway on neighboring existed different cross-section roadways. The experimental results show that the influence of blast load on adjacent roadway has a good relationship with the cross-section of roadway. The expansion distance of precrack existed in circular, arch-wall, rectangular roadway is respectively 1.76, 1.61 and 0 cm under blast load.At the same time, the direct-blast side of rectangular roadway has more obvious damage compared with circular and arch-wall roadway. It explains that plane reflects more stress wave than arc, so that it exerts more tensile failure in the direct-blast side, which leads to less stress wave diffracting to the precrack in the back-blast side. When the precrack extends, higher value dynamic stress intensity factor in circular roadway works longer than that of arch-wall roadway. Indirectly, it explains that plane's weakening function on stress wave is significantly stronger than arc. Stress wave brings about self-evident influence on the upper and bottom endpoints of the rectangular roadway, and it respectively extends 1.03, 2.06 cm along the line link direction of the center of the blasthole and the upper and bottom endpoints on the right wall.
文摘Objective To describe the epidemiological characteristics of nonfatal child pedestrian injuries and provide information to help understand an important public-health problem.Methods This was a school-based,cross-sectional questionnaire survey.The sample （42 750 children） was obtained from two urban cities of Guangdong Province,China,using multi-stage randomized sampling.Information was collected by the respondents self-reporting in the classroom.Results The incidence rate of nonfatal child pedestrian injuries in the cities was 2.0%.Boys had a higher incidence rate （2.6%） than girls （1.4%）.Compared to other children,those aged 10 years are at the highest risk.The primary places of occurrence were sidewalks,residential roads,and crosswalks.High-risk behavior of the children immediately prior to injury included mid-block crossings,playing on roads,and crossing on red lights.The major vehicles that caused pedestrian injuries were bicycles,car or vans,and motorcycles.Bruises,fractures,and injuries to the internal organs were the top three types of injuries.Almost 40% of victims were hospitalized,and nearly 30% of the victims suffered long-term disabilities.Conclusion This study shows that nonfatal child pedestrian injuries are a very serious public-health problem in the urban cities of Guangdong.Based on the epidemiological characteristics,prevention strategies and further research should be carried out to reduce the occurrence of injuries.
文摘In a round-oval-round pass rolling sequence, the cross-section profile of an outgoing workpiece was predicted first after getting the maximum spread. The concept ＂critical point on the contact boundary＂ was proposed and the coordinates of the critical point were solved. The equivalent contact section area was represented and the mean roll radius was determined. The validity of this model was examined by alloy bar rolling experiment and rigid-plastic FEM simulation. Compared with the existing models, the mean roll radius obtained by this model is similar to experiment data.
基金supported by "Eleven Five Years Plan" Basic Research Item of National Defense of China (Grant No. B2220060048)
文摘Cross-section deformation is one of important factors affecting the quality of tube formation, and the tube＇s capability of transporting liquid and gas will be reduced because of the cross-section ellipse deformation due to the effect of shear load in plastic bending process. When the tube is bent, the extrados-wall bears the tension stress and the intrados-wall bears the compression stress, synchronously the cross-section is affected by the circumferential stress. According to the above, the distribution function and curve of tangential stress can be obtained according to force balance differential equations on circumferential direction and Trasca rule. Subsequently the real state and virtual state moment equations were established, a new method was presented adopting the virtual principle of deformation system to calculate the x-axis and y-axis displacement of arbitrary point on cross-section. So the major and minor axes of deformed cross-section can be calculated according to the displacements of each point, and the variety value of major and minor axes will be obtained further. Finally the theoretical calculating result is compared with NC tube rotary-bending experiment results to verify the rationality of theoretical analysis, and the cross-section deformation rule of thin-walled tube can be received.
