Traceability is the fundamental premise of all metrological activities. The establishment of a traceability chain characterized by a shortened structure, while simultaneously enabling on-site traceability, represents ...Traceability is the fundamental premise of all metrological activities. The establishment of a traceability chain characterized by a shortened structure, while simultaneously enabling on-site traceability, represents a key trend in the advancement of metrology. This study explores the periodic accuracy and overall uniformity of self-traceable gratings, employing multilayer film gratings with a nominal period of 25.00 nm as the medium. We present a comparative analysis of measurement capabilities in a self-traceable grating calibration system characterized by a ‘top-down’ calibration approach and a Si lattice constant calibration system characterized by a ‘bottom-up’ calibration approach. The results indicate that the values obtained for the multilayer film grating periods, calibrated using the self-traceable grating system, are 24.40 nm with a standard deviation of 0.11 nm. By comparing with the values derived from the Si lattice constant, which yield 24.34 nm with a standard deviation of 0.14 nm, the validity and feasibility of the self-traceable calibration system are confirmed. This system extends and complements existing metrological frameworks, offering a precise pathway for traceability in precision engineering and nanotechnology research.展开更多
Purpose:This study aimed to describe the effects of a 1-year lifestyle intervention on hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)and cardiovascular risk factors5 years after cessation of the lifestyle intervention in persons with type 2 d...Purpose:This study aimed to describe the effects of a 1-year lifestyle intervention on hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)and cardiovascular risk factors5 years after cessation of the lifestyle intervention in persons with type 2 diabetes(T2D).Methods:From April 2015 to August 2016,98 persons with T2D(duration<10 years)were randomly allocated(2:1,stratified by sex)to a 1-year lifestyle intervention group(INT)(n=64)or a standard care group(StC)(n=34).All participants received standard care with blinded,targetdriven medical therapy.INT included up to 5-6 weekly supervised aerobic and strength training sessions and dietary plans targeting a body mass index≤25 kg/m^(2).No intervention was given during the follow-up period.Forty-nine(77%)and 19(56%)participants in INT and StC attended the 6-year follow-up.Based on the original intention-to-treat population,the primary outcome was the change in HbA1c from baseline to 6-year follow-up.Secondary outcomes included weight,Low density lipoprotein(LDL)cholesterol,blood pressure(BP),and cardiorespiratory fitness.Results:Ninety-eight participants(mean age=54.6 years;46%women;mean baseline Hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)=49.8 mmol/mol)were analyzed.HbA1c changed 6%and 13%in the INT and StC from baseline to 6-year follow-up(between group difference=-6%(95%confidence interval(95%CI):-14%to 3%);p=0.18).While no differences were observed for most secondary outcomes,the diastolic BP decreased6.0(95%CI:2.1 to 9.8)mmHg more in the StC compared to INT.Conclusion:The sustained effect of the lifestyle intervention on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors was marginal,and it was surprisingly associated with inferior diastolic BP regulation.展开更多
BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS),defined according to the Rome IV diagnostic criteria,is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain related to altered bowel habits...BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS),defined according to the Rome IV diagnostic criteria,is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain related to altered bowel habits.First-line recommended treatments are limited to combining drugs targeting predominant symptoms,particularly pain(antispasmodics),constipation(laxatives),and diarrhea(loperamide),yielding only a limited therapeutic gain.GASTRAP^(■)DIRECT is a class IIa medical formulation composed of a combination of chitin-glucan and simethicone indicated for the symptomatic treatment of gas-related gastrointestinal disorders by combining different mechanisms of action.AIM To evaluate the efficacy,tolerability,and safety of 4-week GASTRAP^(■)DIRECT treatment in patients with IBS.METHODS In this prospective,multicenter,open-label trial,120 patients with IBS received three sticks of GASTRAP^(■)DIRECT(1.5 g/d of chitin-glucan and 0.75 mg/d of simethicone)per day for 4 weeks.The primary endpoint was the responder rate,defined as the number of patients whose abdominal pain score decreased by≥30%from baseline to week(W)4.The analysis was performed using the per-protocol set.Cardinal symptoms,impact of global symptoms on daily life,change in stool consistency,and improvement in defecatory disorders were evaluated.RESULTS Overall,100 patients were evaluated.At W4,67%(95%CI:57-75)showed improvement in abdominal pain(score:5.8±2.4 vs 2.9±2.0,P<0.0001).Similar improvements were observed for bloating[8.0±1.7 vs 4.7±2.9,P<0.0001;60%(95%CI:50-70)responders],abdominal distension[7.2±2.1 vs 4.4±3.1,P<0.0001;53%(95%CI:43-63)responders],and impact of global symptoms on daily life[7.1±2.0 vs 4.6±2.9,P<0.0001;54%(95%CI:44-64)responders].Stool consistency improved in most patients(90%and 57%for patients with liquid and hard stools,respectively).Overall,42%of patients with defecatory disorders reported very much/considerable improvements by W2.No severe adverse event occurred,and tolerability was rated“good”or“very good”by 93%of patients.CONCLUSION GASTRAP^(■)DIRECT is safe and well tolerated,alleviating IBS symptoms rapidly in 2 weeks.This open-label study suggests that the combination of chitin-glucan and simethicone could be beneficial in patients with IBS.展开更多
Diabetes mellitus,a chronic disease of metabolism,is characterized by a disordered production or cellular utilization of insulin.Diabetic foot disease,which comprises the spectrum of infection,ulceration,and gangrene,...Diabetes mellitus,a chronic disease of metabolism,is characterized by a disordered production or cellular utilization of insulin.Diabetic foot disease,which comprises the spectrum of infection,ulceration,and gangrene,is one of the most severe complications of diabetes and is the most common cause of hospitalization in diabetic patients.The aim of this study is to provide an evidence-based overview of diabetic foot complications.Due to neuropathy,diabetic foot infections can occur in the form of ulcers and minor skin lesions.In patients with diabetic foot ulcers,ischemia and infection are the main causes of non-healing ulcers and amputations.Hyperglycemia compromises the immune system of individuals with diabetes,leading to persistent inflammation and delayed wound healing.In addition,the treatment of diabetic foot infections is challenging due to difficulty in accurate identification of pathogenic microorganisms and the widespread issue of antimicrobial resistance.As a further complicating factor,the warning signs and symptoms of diabetic foot problems can easily be overlooked.Issues associated with diabetic foot complications include peripheral arterial disease and osteomyelitis;accordingly,the risk of these complications in people with diabetes should be assessed annually.Although antimicrobial agents represent the mainstay of treatment for diabetic foot infections,if peripheral arterial disease is present,revascularization should be considered to prevent limb amputation.A multidisciplinary approach to the prevention,diagnosis,and treatment of diabetic patients,including those with foot ulcers,is of the utmost importance to reduce the cost of treatment and avoid major adverse consequences such as amputation.展开更多
Both diabetes and fungal infections contribute significantly to the global disease burden,with increasing trends seen in most developed and developing countries during recent decades.This is reflected in urogenital in...Both diabetes and fungal infections contribute significantly to the global disease burden,with increasing trends seen in most developed and developing countries during recent decades.This is reflected in urogenital infections caused by Candida species that are becoming ever more pervasive in diabetic patients,particularly those that present with unsatisfactory glycemic control.In addition,a relatively new group of anti-hyperglycemic drugs,known as sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors,has been linked with an increased risk for colonization of the urogenital region with Candida spp.,which can subsequently lead to an infectious process.In this review paper,we have highlighted notable virulence factors of Candida species(with an emphasis on Candida albicans)and shown how the interplay of many pathophysiological factors can give rise to vulvovaginal candidiasis,potentially complicated with recurrences and dire pregnancy outcomes.We have also addressed an increased risk of candiduria and urinary tract infections caused by species of Candida in females and males with diabetes,further highlighting possible complications such as emphysematous cystitis as well as the risk for the development of balanitis and balanoposthitis in(primarily uncircumcised)males.With a steadily increasing global burden of diabetes,urogenital mycotic infections will undoubtedly become more prevalent in the future;hence,there is a need for an evidence-based approach from both clinical and public health perspectives.展开更多
Belize has the highest rates of HIV infection in Central America and is experiencing a generalized epidemic. The Garífuna, a minority ethnic population, is at risk for HIV. This study uses survey data from Gar...Belize has the highest rates of HIV infection in Central America and is experiencing a generalized epidemic. The Garífuna, a minority ethnic population, is at risk for HIV. This study uses survey data from Garífuna men and women to examine the frequency of multiple partnerships as well as sociodemographic characteristics and behavioral constructs correlated with having multiple partners. A high proportion of respondents reported having multiple partners, but rates were significantly higher for men, and men had a higher mean number of partners than women. A high proportion of respondents reported having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the last year, with more men reporting a history of STIs than women. Regression results show the importance of improving men and women’s perceived susceptibility for HIV and encouraging them to know their HIV status. Reinforcing a social norm for partner reduction would also benefit men. Study findings support the need for HIV counseling and testing in Garífuna communities as well as STI prevention, diagnosis and treatment. This study demonstrates that reducing multiple partnerships among Garífuna men and women is critical for reducing the spread of HIV in Belize.展开更多
The aim of this work was to develop an active biopolymer based on chitosan by incorporating natural antioxidants.Five essential oils(ginger,rosemary,sage,tea tree and thyme)and six hydro-alcoholic extracts(from ginger...The aim of this work was to develop an active biopolymer based on chitosan by incorporating natural antioxidants.Five essential oils(ginger,rosemary,sage,tea tree and thyme)and six hydro-alcoholic extracts(from ginger,green and black tea,kenaf leaves,rosemary and sage plants)were tested.Migration assays were carried out to evaluate the films’activity,and total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were monitored in the simulant during storage.Interaction between natural compounds and polymeric matrix was evaluated by FTIR spectroscopy.The diffusion of the phenolic compounds was not detected in the films incorporated with hydro-alcoholic extracts(HAEs),indicating their entrapment in the chitosan.Migration was observed in the films with essential oils(EOs),and biobased films incorporated with ginger,sage or rosemary essential oils,presented the highest diffusion and antioxidant activity in the simulant,highlighting their functionality and potential to be used as food active packaging material.展开更多
Background: Many clinical trials include multiple patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to measure fatigue as secondary or exploratory endpoints of treatment effectiveness. Often, these instruments have overlapping content...Background: Many clinical trials include multiple patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to measure fatigue as secondary or exploratory endpoints of treatment effectiveness. Often, these instruments have overlapping content. The objective of this study was to compare the combined measurement properties of two fatigue scales, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue) and SF-36 vitality (VT) scale using item response theory (IRT). Methods: The FACIT-Fatigue and SF-36v2 were administered at baseline and weeks 2, 4, 7, 12, and 16 to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (n = 237) enrolled in a 52-week multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose finding study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous secukinumab administered to pa- tients with active RA. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to investigate unidimensionality among FACIT- Fatigue and VT items. A generalized partial credit IRT model was used to cross-calibrate the FACIT-Fatigue and VT items and weighted maximum-likelihood estimation was used to score a composite fatigue index. Analysis of variance was used to compare the composite fatigue index with the original scales in responding to ACR improvement and treatment effects. Results: CFA found less than adequate fit to a unidimensional model. However, specifications of alternative multidimensional models were insufficient in explaining the common variance among items. An IRT model was successfully fitted and the composite fatigue index score was found to be more responsive than the original scales to ACR improvement and treatment effects. Effect sizes and significance tests for changes in scores on the composite index were generally larger than those observed with the original scales. Conclusion: IRT methods offer a promising approach to combining items from different scales measuring the same concept that could improve the detection of treatment effects in clinical studies of RA.展开更多
p53 mutations have been linked with shortened survival rates in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Hypermethylation of RASSF1 and DAPK1 genes, which are downstream targets of p53, has also been linked to a poor progn...p53 mutations have been linked with shortened survival rates in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Hypermethylation of RASSF1 and DAPK1 genes, which are downstream targets of p53, has also been linked to a poor prognosis in lung cancer patients. We investigated whether p53 mutations, assessed as p53 stabilization by immunohistochemistry (IHC), were independent of DAPK1 and RASSF1 promoter hypermethylation. We examined 103 resected NSCLC tumors for which we had p53 IHC and RASSF1 and DAPK1 methylation data. p53 protein expression was determined by IHC and graded using a semi-quantitative scoring method. DAPK1 and RASSF1 methylations were determined on tumor blocks by MethyLight real-time PCR assays represented as the percent of methylated reference DNA (PMR). Our primary results found no evidence for an association between the p53 IHC score and RASSF1 and DAPK1 PMR values, P = 0.46 and P = 0.68, respectively.展开更多
Demographics, access to new treatment, altruistic motivations and continuity of care have been shown to influence motivation to participate in clinical trials. Less is known however, about factors that motivate resear...Demographics, access to new treatment, altruistic motivations and continuity of care have been shown to influence motivation to participate in clinical trials. Less is known however, about factors that motivate research participants to agree to take part in observational studies and provide a biologic specimen. This study evaluates and quantitates factors that motivate participation in observational studies and provide a biospecimen among cancer patients, their family members, and controls. An online survey was completed by 450 participants from a cancer genetics registry, including cancer patients, their relatives, and controls. Overall, the benefit to society and the research institution reputation were the most important motivators for participation. Cancer cases were significantly more likely to endorse personal meaningfulness as a factor for participation compared to those without cancer and women were 50% more likely than men to believe that a family benefit is an important determinant of research participation. Researcher and institutional trustworthiness as well as security of stored data were most important when deciding whether to provide a biological sample, with differences seen by gender and history of cancer. This study demonstrated which factors are most important to participants when considering participation in an observational study and donating a biospecimen. Motivational factors significantly differed by gender as well as history and stage of cancer. The application of these study results may improve participation rates in cohort studies.展开更多
Purpose: Study how economic parameters affect positions in the Academic Ranking of World Universities' top 500 published by the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Graduate School of Education in countries/regions with ...Purpose: Study how economic parameters affect positions in the Academic Ranking of World Universities' top 500 published by the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Graduate School of Education in countries/regions with listed higher education institutions. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology used capitalises on the multi-variate characteristics of the data analysed. The multi-colinearity problem posed is solved by running principal components prior to regression analysis, using both classical(OLS) and robust(Huber and Tukey) methods. Findings: Our results revealed that countries/regions with long ranking traditions are highly competitive. Findings also showed that some countries/regions such as Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy, had a larger number of universities in the top positions than predicted by the regression model. In contrast, for Japan, a country where social and economic performance is high, the number of ARWU universities projected by the model was much larger than the actual figure. In much the same vein, countries/regions that invest heavily in education, such as Japan and Denmark, had lower than expected results.Research limitations: Using data from only one ranking is a limitation of this study, but the methodology used could be useful to other global rankings. Practical implications: The results provide good insights for policy makers. They indicate the existence of a relationship between research output and the number of universities per million inhabitants. Countries/regions, which have historically prioritised higher education, exhibited highest values for indicators that compose the rankings methodology; furthermore,minimum increase in welfare indicators could exhibited significant rises in the presence of their universities on the rankings.Originality/value: This study is well defined and the result answers important questions about characteristics of countries/regions and their higher education system.展开更多
世界银行与世界卫生组织在1991年开展了全球疾病负担(global burden of disease,GBD)研究,该研究囊括了291种疾病和伤害,对1160种疾病导致的后遗症和67种危险因素以及多重危险因素进行了评估.研究中采用统一的方法严格评价了不同条件下...世界银行与世界卫生组织在1991年开展了全球疾病负担(global burden of disease,GBD)研究,该研究囊括了291种疾病和伤害,对1160种疾病导致的后遗症和67种危险因素以及多重危险因素进行了评估.研究中采用统一的方法严格评价了不同条件下有效的信息,使得这种信息具有可比性和系统性,评价来自各国家不完整的数据,利用标准化的指标报告疾病负担,并且结果具有良好的内部效度.展开更多
On World Malaria Day 2025 under the banner“Malaria Ends with Us”,China’s experience offers timely lessons for global malaria elimination.Certified malaria-free in 2021,China achieved this milestone through decades ...On World Malaria Day 2025 under the banner“Malaria Ends with Us”,China’s experience offers timely lessons for global malaria elimination.Certified malaria-free in 2021,China achieved this milestone through decades of reinvestment,local innovation,and strong political will.This commentary highlights key strategies:reinvestment after resurgence in the Huai River Basin,adaptive local leadership in Hainan,and cross-border collaboration in Yunnan.China’s integrated approach—combining ecological vector control,community engagement,and sustained surveillance—shows that ending malaria requires more than technology.It demands long-term commitment,innovation,and collective action.展开更多
Purpose:Despite the global shutdown of universities and research laboratories in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic,a significant and unexpected increase in scientific production was observed during 2020 and especially...Purpose:Despite the global shutdown of universities and research laboratories in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic,a significant and unexpected increase in scientific production was observed during 2020 and especially in 2021(Rousseau et al.,2023).A plausible explanation is that researchers took advantage of the lockdown period to write and develop pre-existing ideas.But what happened once that stockpile of ideas was exhausted?Design/methodology/approach:This study aims to address that question by analyzing the scientific output of fourteen highly productive countries using data from three databases:WoS,Scopus,and OpenAlex.Findings:Our analysis shows that,following the production peak in 2021,there was a general decline over the next two years(2022 and 2023)across most Western countries,including Japan and Brazil.However,this trend was not observed in China or India,which have maintained sustained growth since 2021.Russia,by contrast,has shown a continuous decline since 2021,likely related to its involvement in armed conflicts.Notably,this pattern of decline persists even when excluding the broad category of Life Sciences and Biomedicine.Research limitation:The observed phenomenon cannot be fully explained.A broader understanding would require the wide distribution of a questionnaire among researchers and institutions.Practical implications:This study provides insight into how the scientific system responded through its publication output to the temporary suspension of research institutions’activities during the COVID-19 lockdown.Originality/value:Our analysis contributes to understanding the unusual trends in research publications due to the pandemic’s influence.It can be seen as a discussion of a natural experiment in the science of science.展开更多
The aviation industry has thrived in recent years,with a significant increase in passenger numbers,leading to the development of larger aircraft fleets and the expansion of airport infrastructure.In 2019,more than 4.5...The aviation industry has thrived in recent years,with a significant increase in passenger numbers,leading to the development of larger aircraft fleets and the expansion of airport infrastructure.In 2019,more than 4.5 billion passengers traveled by airplane,which represents an 80%increase compared to 2009.As a consequence,this growth has also resulted in longer taxiing times for aircraft,increasing fuel consumption and operational costs.The industry’s CO_(2) emissions have quadrupled since the 1960s,with over 1 billion tons released in 2019,contributing to global warming.Given that the improvements being made to current propulsion systems and the production of over 600 million liters of SAF(Sustainable Aviation Fuel)in 2023 do not seem sufficient to meet the ambitious goals set by regulators and operators,the logical solution would be to develop a system capable of moving the aircraft on the ground using alternative,cleaner,and cheaper energies,such as electric power.This paper explores the latest advancements in electric propulsion systems,specifically focusing on external and onboard systems.After the state of the art is established,this paper will cover a case study and propose a new alternative for an onboard system called ETS-Electric Taxiing System.The ETS is a 100%electric system for ground handling operations designed to use only the kinetic energy stored in a battery pack,which is recovered during aircraft landing and braking events.Although there are some studies on this topic,the author considers this paper to be more comprehensive as the results computed here take into account 96 variables,60 simulations,several flight plans,and real-world data.The case study focuses on the implementation and dimensioning of the ETS,considering electric motor power and torque,and battery capacity for the Embraer Phenom 300.A brief economic and environmental analysis was also conducted,considering the operation of NetJets Europe,the world’s leading and largest private jet company.展开更多
In this paper we discuss a relatively general kind of iterative functional equation G(x,f(x), ...,f n (x)) = 0 (for allx ∈J), whereJ is a connected closed subset of the real number axis ?,G∈C m (J n+1, ?) andn ≥ 2....In this paper we discuss a relatively general kind of iterative functional equation G(x,f(x), ...,f n (x)) = 0 (for allx ∈J), whereJ is a connected closed subset of the real number axis ?,G∈C m (J n+1, ?) andn ≥ 2. Using the method of approximating fixed points by small shift of maps, choosing suitable metrics on functional spaces and finding a relation between uniqueness and stability of fixed points of maps of general spaces, we prove the existence, uniqueness and stability ofCm solutions of the above equation for any integer m ≥ 0 under relatively weak conditions, and generalize related results in reference in different aspects.展开更多
Background:Viral pathogens belonging to the orderBunyavirales pose a continuous background threat to global health,but the fact remains that they are usually neglected and their distribution is still ambiguously known...Background:Viral pathogens belonging to the orderBunyavirales pose a continuous background threat to global health,but the fact remains that they are usually neglected and their distribution is still ambiguously known.We aim to map the geographical distribution ofBunyavirales viruses and assess the environmental suitability and transmission risk of majorBunyavirales viruses in China.Methods:We assembled data on allBunyavirales viruses detected in humans,animals and vectors from multiple sources,to update distribution maps of them across China.In addition,we predicted environmental suitability at the 10 km×10 km pixel level by applying boosted regression tree models for two importantBunyavirales viruses,including Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus(CCHFV)and Rift Valley fever virus(RVFV).Based on model-projected risks and air travel volume,the imported risk of RVFV was also estimated from its endemic areas to the cities in China.Results:Here we mapped all 89 species ofBunyavirales viruses in China from January 1951 to June 2021.Nineteen viruses were shown to infect humans,including ten species first reported as human infections.A total of 447,848 cases infected withBunyavirales viruses were reported,and hantaviruses,Dabie bandavirus and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus(CCHFV)had the severest disease burden.Model-predicted maps showed that Xinjiang and southwestern Yunnan had the highest environmental suitability for CCHFV occurrence,mainly related toHyalomma asiaticum presence,while southern China had the highest environmental suitability for Rift Valley fever virus(RVFV)transmission all year round,mainly driven by livestock density,mean precipitation in the previous month.We further identified three cities including Guangzhou,Beijing and Shanghai,with the highest imported risk of RVFV potentially from Egypt,South Africa,Saudi Arabia and Kenya.Conclusions:A variety ofBunyavirales viruses are widely distributed in China,and the two major neglectedBunyavirales viruses including CCHFV and RVFV,both have the potential for outbreaks in local areas of China.Our study can help to promote the understanding of risk distribution and disease burden ofBunyavirales viruses in China,and the risk maps of CCHFV and RVFV occurrence are crucial to the targeted surveillance and control,especially in seasons and locations at high risk.展开更多
The main purpose of this paper is to establish the Ekeland’s variational principle andCaristi’s fixed point theorem in probabilistic metric spaces and to give a direct simple proofof the equivalence between these tw...The main purpose of this paper is to establish the Ekeland’s variational principle andCaristi’s fixed point theorem in probabilistic metric spaces and to give a direct simple proofof the equivalence between these two theorems in the probabilistic metric space. The resultspresented in this paper generalize the corresponding results of [9--12].展开更多
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 61925504 and 52475563)the National Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant Nos. 2022YFF0607600 and 2022YFF0605502)+1 种基金Key Laboratory of Metrology and Calibration Technology Fund Project (Grant No. JLKG2023001B001)Aeronautical Science Foundation Project (Grant No. 20230056038001)。
文摘Traceability is the fundamental premise of all metrological activities. The establishment of a traceability chain characterized by a shortened structure, while simultaneously enabling on-site traceability, represents a key trend in the advancement of metrology. This study explores the periodic accuracy and overall uniformity of self-traceable gratings, employing multilayer film gratings with a nominal period of 25.00 nm as the medium. We present a comparative analysis of measurement capabilities in a self-traceable grating calibration system characterized by a ‘top-down’ calibration approach and a Si lattice constant calibration system characterized by a ‘bottom-up’ calibration approach. The results indicate that the values obtained for the multilayer film grating periods, calibrated using the self-traceable grating system, are 24.40 nm with a standard deviation of 0.11 nm. By comparing with the values derived from the Si lattice constant, which yield 24.34 nm with a standard deviation of 0.14 nm, the validity and feasibility of the self-traceable calibration system are confirmed. This system extends and complements existing metrological frameworks, offering a precise pathway for traceability in precision engineering and nanotechnology research.
基金funding from TrygFondenThe Centre for Physical Activity Research(CFAS)is supported by a grant from TrygFonden+4 种基金support for this work was provided by a grant from the Danish Diabetes Academyfunded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation(MR-L)and a grant from Rigshospitalet(MYJ)supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research(MFE-176582)the Section for Biostatistics and Evidence-Based Research,the Parker Institute,Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital is supported by a core grant from the Oak Foundation(OCAY-18-774-OFIL)the strategic research alliance Excellence of Diabetes Research in Sweden(EXODIAB)funded by the Swedish Research Council(EXODIAB,2009-1039,2018-02837)。
文摘Purpose:This study aimed to describe the effects of a 1-year lifestyle intervention on hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)and cardiovascular risk factors5 years after cessation of the lifestyle intervention in persons with type 2 diabetes(T2D).Methods:From April 2015 to August 2016,98 persons with T2D(duration<10 years)were randomly allocated(2:1,stratified by sex)to a 1-year lifestyle intervention group(INT)(n=64)or a standard care group(StC)(n=34).All participants received standard care with blinded,targetdriven medical therapy.INT included up to 5-6 weekly supervised aerobic and strength training sessions and dietary plans targeting a body mass index≤25 kg/m^(2).No intervention was given during the follow-up period.Forty-nine(77%)and 19(56%)participants in INT and StC attended the 6-year follow-up.Based on the original intention-to-treat population,the primary outcome was the change in HbA1c from baseline to 6-year follow-up.Secondary outcomes included weight,Low density lipoprotein(LDL)cholesterol,blood pressure(BP),and cardiorespiratory fitness.Results:Ninety-eight participants(mean age=54.6 years;46%women;mean baseline Hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)=49.8 mmol/mol)were analyzed.HbA1c changed 6%and 13%in the INT and StC from baseline to 6-year follow-up(between group difference=-6%(95%confidence interval(95%CI):-14%to 3%);p=0.18).While no differences were observed for most secondary outcomes,the diastolic BP decreased6.0(95%CI:2.1 to 9.8)mmHg more in the StC compared to INT.Conclusion:The sustained effect of the lifestyle intervention on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors was marginal,and it was surprisingly associated with inferior diastolic BP regulation.
文摘BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS),defined according to the Rome IV diagnostic criteria,is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain related to altered bowel habits.First-line recommended treatments are limited to combining drugs targeting predominant symptoms,particularly pain(antispasmodics),constipation(laxatives),and diarrhea(loperamide),yielding only a limited therapeutic gain.GASTRAP^(■)DIRECT is a class IIa medical formulation composed of a combination of chitin-glucan and simethicone indicated for the symptomatic treatment of gas-related gastrointestinal disorders by combining different mechanisms of action.AIM To evaluate the efficacy,tolerability,and safety of 4-week GASTRAP^(■)DIRECT treatment in patients with IBS.METHODS In this prospective,multicenter,open-label trial,120 patients with IBS received three sticks of GASTRAP^(■)DIRECT(1.5 g/d of chitin-glucan and 0.75 mg/d of simethicone)per day for 4 weeks.The primary endpoint was the responder rate,defined as the number of patients whose abdominal pain score decreased by≥30%from baseline to week(W)4.The analysis was performed using the per-protocol set.Cardinal symptoms,impact of global symptoms on daily life,change in stool consistency,and improvement in defecatory disorders were evaluated.RESULTS Overall,100 patients were evaluated.At W4,67%(95%CI:57-75)showed improvement in abdominal pain(score:5.8±2.4 vs 2.9±2.0,P<0.0001).Similar improvements were observed for bloating[8.0±1.7 vs 4.7±2.9,P<0.0001;60%(95%CI:50-70)responders],abdominal distension[7.2±2.1 vs 4.4±3.1,P<0.0001;53%(95%CI:43-63)responders],and impact of global symptoms on daily life[7.1±2.0 vs 4.6±2.9,P<0.0001;54%(95%CI:44-64)responders].Stool consistency improved in most patients(90%and 57%for patients with liquid and hard stools,respectively).Overall,42%of patients with defecatory disorders reported very much/considerable improvements by W2.No severe adverse event occurred,and tolerability was rated“good”or“very good”by 93%of patients.CONCLUSION GASTRAP^(■)DIRECT is safe and well tolerated,alleviating IBS symptoms rapidly in 2 weeks.This open-label study suggests that the combination of chitin-glucan and simethicone could be beneficial in patients with IBS.
文摘Diabetes mellitus,a chronic disease of metabolism,is characterized by a disordered production or cellular utilization of insulin.Diabetic foot disease,which comprises the spectrum of infection,ulceration,and gangrene,is one of the most severe complications of diabetes and is the most common cause of hospitalization in diabetic patients.The aim of this study is to provide an evidence-based overview of diabetic foot complications.Due to neuropathy,diabetic foot infections can occur in the form of ulcers and minor skin lesions.In patients with diabetic foot ulcers,ischemia and infection are the main causes of non-healing ulcers and amputations.Hyperglycemia compromises the immune system of individuals with diabetes,leading to persistent inflammation and delayed wound healing.In addition,the treatment of diabetic foot infections is challenging due to difficulty in accurate identification of pathogenic microorganisms and the widespread issue of antimicrobial resistance.As a further complicating factor,the warning signs and symptoms of diabetic foot problems can easily be overlooked.Issues associated with diabetic foot complications include peripheral arterial disease and osteomyelitis;accordingly,the risk of these complications in people with diabetes should be assessed annually.Although antimicrobial agents represent the mainstay of treatment for diabetic foot infections,if peripheral arterial disease is present,revascularization should be considered to prevent limb amputation.A multidisciplinary approach to the prevention,diagnosis,and treatment of diabetic patients,including those with foot ulcers,is of the utmost importance to reduce the cost of treatment and avoid major adverse consequences such as amputation.
文摘Both diabetes and fungal infections contribute significantly to the global disease burden,with increasing trends seen in most developed and developing countries during recent decades.This is reflected in urogenital infections caused by Candida species that are becoming ever more pervasive in diabetic patients,particularly those that present with unsatisfactory glycemic control.In addition,a relatively new group of anti-hyperglycemic drugs,known as sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors,has been linked with an increased risk for colonization of the urogenital region with Candida spp.,which can subsequently lead to an infectious process.In this review paper,we have highlighted notable virulence factors of Candida species(with an emphasis on Candida albicans)and shown how the interplay of many pathophysiological factors can give rise to vulvovaginal candidiasis,potentially complicated with recurrences and dire pregnancy outcomes.We have also addressed an increased risk of candiduria and urinary tract infections caused by species of Candida in females and males with diabetes,further highlighting possible complications such as emphysematous cystitis as well as the risk for the development of balanitis and balanoposthitis in(primarily uncircumcised)males.With a steadily increasing global burden of diabetes,urogenital mycotic infections will undoubtedly become more prevalent in the future;hence,there is a need for an evidence-based approach from both clinical and public health perspectives.
文摘Belize has the highest rates of HIV infection in Central America and is experiencing a generalized epidemic. The Garífuna, a minority ethnic population, is at risk for HIV. This study uses survey data from Garífuna men and women to examine the frequency of multiple partnerships as well as sociodemographic characteristics and behavioral constructs correlated with having multiple partners. A high proportion of respondents reported having multiple partners, but rates were significantly higher for men, and men had a higher mean number of partners than women. A high proportion of respondents reported having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the last year, with more men reporting a history of STIs than women. Regression results show the importance of improving men and women’s perceived susceptibility for HIV and encouraging them to know their HIV status. Reinforcing a social norm for partner reduction would also benefit men. Study findings support the need for HIV counseling and testing in Garífuna communities as well as STI prevention, diagnosis and treatment. This study demonstrates that reducing multiple partnerships among Garífuna men and women is critical for reducing the spread of HIV in Belize.
文摘The aim of this work was to develop an active biopolymer based on chitosan by incorporating natural antioxidants.Five essential oils(ginger,rosemary,sage,tea tree and thyme)and six hydro-alcoholic extracts(from ginger,green and black tea,kenaf leaves,rosemary and sage plants)were tested.Migration assays were carried out to evaluate the films’activity,and total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were monitored in the simulant during storage.Interaction between natural compounds and polymeric matrix was evaluated by FTIR spectroscopy.The diffusion of the phenolic compounds was not detected in the films incorporated with hydro-alcoholic extracts(HAEs),indicating their entrapment in the chitosan.Migration was observed in the films with essential oils(EOs),and biobased films incorporated with ginger,sage or rosemary essential oils,presented the highest diffusion and antioxidant activity in the simulant,highlighting their functionality and potential to be used as food active packaging material.
文摘Background: Many clinical trials include multiple patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to measure fatigue as secondary or exploratory endpoints of treatment effectiveness. Often, these instruments have overlapping content. The objective of this study was to compare the combined measurement properties of two fatigue scales, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue) and SF-36 vitality (VT) scale using item response theory (IRT). Methods: The FACIT-Fatigue and SF-36v2 were administered at baseline and weeks 2, 4, 7, 12, and 16 to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (n = 237) enrolled in a 52-week multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose finding study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous secukinumab administered to pa- tients with active RA. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to investigate unidimensionality among FACIT- Fatigue and VT items. A generalized partial credit IRT model was used to cross-calibrate the FACIT-Fatigue and VT items and weighted maximum-likelihood estimation was used to score a composite fatigue index. Analysis of variance was used to compare the composite fatigue index with the original scales in responding to ACR improvement and treatment effects. Results: CFA found less than adequate fit to a unidimensional model. However, specifications of alternative multidimensional models were insufficient in explaining the common variance among items. An IRT model was successfully fitted and the composite fatigue index score was found to be more responsive than the original scales to ACR improvement and treatment effects. Effect sizes and significance tests for changes in scores on the composite index were generally larger than those observed with the original scales. Conclusion: IRT methods offer a promising approach to combining items from different scales measuring the same concept that could improve the detection of treatment effects in clinical studies of RA.
文摘p53 mutations have been linked with shortened survival rates in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Hypermethylation of RASSF1 and DAPK1 genes, which are downstream targets of p53, has also been linked to a poor prognosis in lung cancer patients. We investigated whether p53 mutations, assessed as p53 stabilization by immunohistochemistry (IHC), were independent of DAPK1 and RASSF1 promoter hypermethylation. We examined 103 resected NSCLC tumors for which we had p53 IHC and RASSF1 and DAPK1 methylation data. p53 protein expression was determined by IHC and graded using a semi-quantitative scoring method. DAPK1 and RASSF1 methylations were determined on tumor blocks by MethyLight real-time PCR assays represented as the percent of methylated reference DNA (PMR). Our primary results found no evidence for an association between the p53 IHC score and RASSF1 and DAPK1 PMR values, P = 0.46 and P = 0.68, respectively.
文摘Demographics, access to new treatment, altruistic motivations and continuity of care have been shown to influence motivation to participate in clinical trials. Less is known however, about factors that motivate research participants to agree to take part in observational studies and provide a biologic specimen. This study evaluates and quantitates factors that motivate participation in observational studies and provide a biospecimen among cancer patients, their family members, and controls. An online survey was completed by 450 participants from a cancer genetics registry, including cancer patients, their relatives, and controls. Overall, the benefit to society and the research institution reputation were the most important motivators for participation. Cancer cases were significantly more likely to endorse personal meaningfulness as a factor for participation compared to those without cancer and women were 50% more likely than men to believe that a family benefit is an important determinant of research participation. Researcher and institutional trustworthiness as well as security of stored data were most important when deciding whether to provide a biological sample, with differences seen by gender and history of cancer. This study demonstrated which factors are most important to participants when considering participation in an observational study and donating a biospecimen. Motivational factors significantly differed by gender as well as history and stage of cancer. The application of these study results may improve participation rates in cohort studies.
基金funded by CAPES (Coordinacao de Aperfeicoamento do Ensino) grant N. BEX 8354/13-8 awarded to Esteban Fernández Tuesta
文摘Purpose: Study how economic parameters affect positions in the Academic Ranking of World Universities' top 500 published by the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Graduate School of Education in countries/regions with listed higher education institutions. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology used capitalises on the multi-variate characteristics of the data analysed. The multi-colinearity problem posed is solved by running principal components prior to regression analysis, using both classical(OLS) and robust(Huber and Tukey) methods. Findings: Our results revealed that countries/regions with long ranking traditions are highly competitive. Findings also showed that some countries/regions such as Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy, had a larger number of universities in the top positions than predicted by the regression model. In contrast, for Japan, a country where social and economic performance is high, the number of ARWU universities projected by the model was much larger than the actual figure. In much the same vein, countries/regions that invest heavily in education, such as Japan and Denmark, had lower than expected results.Research limitations: Using data from only one ranking is a limitation of this study, but the methodology used could be useful to other global rankings. Practical implications: The results provide good insights for policy makers. They indicate the existence of a relationship between research output and the number of universities per million inhabitants. Countries/regions, which have historically prioritised higher education, exhibited highest values for indicators that compose the rankings methodology; furthermore,minimum increase in welfare indicators could exhibited significant rises in the presence of their universities on the rankings.Originality/value: This study is well defined and the result answers important questions about characteristics of countries/regions and their higher education system.
文摘世界银行与世界卫生组织在1991年开展了全球疾病负担(global burden of disease,GBD)研究,该研究囊括了291种疾病和伤害,对1160种疾病导致的后遗症和67种危险因素以及多重危险因素进行了评估.研究中采用统一的方法严格评价了不同条件下有效的信息,使得这种信息具有可比性和系统性,评价来自各国家不完整的数据,利用标准化的指标报告疾病负担,并且结果具有良好的内部效度.
文摘On World Malaria Day 2025 under the banner“Malaria Ends with Us”,China’s experience offers timely lessons for global malaria elimination.Certified malaria-free in 2021,China achieved this milestone through decades of reinvestment,local innovation,and strong political will.This commentary highlights key strategies:reinvestment after resurgence in the Huai River Basin,adaptive local leadership in Hainan,and cross-border collaboration in Yunnan.China’s integrated approach—combining ecological vector control,community engagement,and sustained surveillance—shows that ending malaria requires more than technology.It demands long-term commitment,innovation,and collective action.
文摘Purpose:Despite the global shutdown of universities and research laboratories in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic,a significant and unexpected increase in scientific production was observed during 2020 and especially in 2021(Rousseau et al.,2023).A plausible explanation is that researchers took advantage of the lockdown period to write and develop pre-existing ideas.But what happened once that stockpile of ideas was exhausted?Design/methodology/approach:This study aims to address that question by analyzing the scientific output of fourteen highly productive countries using data from three databases:WoS,Scopus,and OpenAlex.Findings:Our analysis shows that,following the production peak in 2021,there was a general decline over the next two years(2022 and 2023)across most Western countries,including Japan and Brazil.However,this trend was not observed in China or India,which have maintained sustained growth since 2021.Russia,by contrast,has shown a continuous decline since 2021,likely related to its involvement in armed conflicts.Notably,this pattern of decline persists even when excluding the broad category of Life Sciences and Biomedicine.Research limitation:The observed phenomenon cannot be fully explained.A broader understanding would require the wide distribution of a questionnaire among researchers and institutions.Practical implications:This study provides insight into how the scientific system responded through its publication output to the temporary suspension of research institutions’activities during the COVID-19 lockdown.Originality/value:Our analysis contributes to understanding the unusual trends in research publications due to the pandemic’s influence.It can be seen as a discussion of a natural experiment in the science of science.
文摘The aviation industry has thrived in recent years,with a significant increase in passenger numbers,leading to the development of larger aircraft fleets and the expansion of airport infrastructure.In 2019,more than 4.5 billion passengers traveled by airplane,which represents an 80%increase compared to 2009.As a consequence,this growth has also resulted in longer taxiing times for aircraft,increasing fuel consumption and operational costs.The industry’s CO_(2) emissions have quadrupled since the 1960s,with over 1 billion tons released in 2019,contributing to global warming.Given that the improvements being made to current propulsion systems and the production of over 600 million liters of SAF(Sustainable Aviation Fuel)in 2023 do not seem sufficient to meet the ambitious goals set by regulators and operators,the logical solution would be to develop a system capable of moving the aircraft on the ground using alternative,cleaner,and cheaper energies,such as electric power.This paper explores the latest advancements in electric propulsion systems,specifically focusing on external and onboard systems.After the state of the art is established,this paper will cover a case study and propose a new alternative for an onboard system called ETS-Electric Taxiing System.The ETS is a 100%electric system for ground handling operations designed to use only the kinetic energy stored in a battery pack,which is recovered during aircraft landing and braking events.Although there are some studies on this topic,the author considers this paper to be more comprehensive as the results computed here take into account 96 variables,60 simulations,several flight plans,and real-world data.The case study focuses on the implementation and dimensioning of the ETS,considering electric motor power and torque,and battery capacity for the Embraer Phenom 300.A brief economic and environmental analysis was also conducted,considering the operation of NetJets Europe,the world’s leading and largest private jet company.
文摘In this paper we discuss a relatively general kind of iterative functional equation G(x,f(x), ...,f n (x)) = 0 (for allx ∈J), whereJ is a connected closed subset of the real number axis ?,G∈C m (J n+1, ?) andn ≥ 2. Using the method of approximating fixed points by small shift of maps, choosing suitable metrics on functional spaces and finding a relation between uniqueness and stability of fixed points of maps of general spaces, we prove the existence, uniqueness and stability ofCm solutions of the above equation for any integer m ≥ 0 under relatively weak conditions, and generalize related results in reference in different aspects.
基金National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFC2302004)National Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars of China(81825019)。
文摘Background:Viral pathogens belonging to the orderBunyavirales pose a continuous background threat to global health,but the fact remains that they are usually neglected and their distribution is still ambiguously known.We aim to map the geographical distribution ofBunyavirales viruses and assess the environmental suitability and transmission risk of majorBunyavirales viruses in China.Methods:We assembled data on allBunyavirales viruses detected in humans,animals and vectors from multiple sources,to update distribution maps of them across China.In addition,we predicted environmental suitability at the 10 km×10 km pixel level by applying boosted regression tree models for two importantBunyavirales viruses,including Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus(CCHFV)and Rift Valley fever virus(RVFV).Based on model-projected risks and air travel volume,the imported risk of RVFV was also estimated from its endemic areas to the cities in China.Results:Here we mapped all 89 species ofBunyavirales viruses in China from January 1951 to June 2021.Nineteen viruses were shown to infect humans,including ten species first reported as human infections.A total of 447,848 cases infected withBunyavirales viruses were reported,and hantaviruses,Dabie bandavirus and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus(CCHFV)had the severest disease burden.Model-predicted maps showed that Xinjiang and southwestern Yunnan had the highest environmental suitability for CCHFV occurrence,mainly related toHyalomma asiaticum presence,while southern China had the highest environmental suitability for Rift Valley fever virus(RVFV)transmission all year round,mainly driven by livestock density,mean precipitation in the previous month.We further identified three cities including Guangzhou,Beijing and Shanghai,with the highest imported risk of RVFV potentially from Egypt,South Africa,Saudi Arabia and Kenya.Conclusions:A variety ofBunyavirales viruses are widely distributed in China,and the two major neglectedBunyavirales viruses including CCHFV and RVFV,both have the potential for outbreaks in local areas of China.Our study can help to promote the understanding of risk distribution and disease burden ofBunyavirales viruses in China,and the risk maps of CCHFV and RVFV occurrence are crucial to the targeted surveillance and control,especially in seasons and locations at high risk.
基金The project is supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘The main purpose of this paper is to establish the Ekeland’s variational principle andCaristi’s fixed point theorem in probabilistic metric spaces and to give a direct simple proofof the equivalence between these two theorems in the probabilistic metric space. The resultspresented in this paper generalize the corresponding results of [9--12].
