Isotopic dependence of the yield ratios of light fragments from different projectiles and their unified neutron skin thicknesses

The yield ratios of neutron-proton(R(n/p))and^(3)H-^(3)He(R(^(3)H∕^(3)He))with reduced rapidity from 0 to 0.5 were simulated at 50 MeV/u even-even ^(36−56)Ca+^(40)Ca,even-even ^(48−78)Ni+^(58)Ni,and ^(100−139)Sn(every third isotopes)+112 Sn for full reduced impact parameters using the isospin-dependent quantum molecular dynamics(IQMD)model.The neutron and proton density distributions and root-mean-square radii of the reaction systems were obtained using the Skyrme-Hartree-Fock model,which was used for the phase space initialization of the projectile and target in IQMD.We defined the unified neutron skin thickness asΔRnp=<r^(2)>^(1∕2) n−<r^(2)>^(1∕2)p,which was negative for neutron-deficient nuclei.The unifiedΔRnp values for nuclei with the same relative neutron excess from different isotopic chains were nearly equal,except for extreme neutron-rich isotopes,which is a type of scaling behavior.The yield ratios of the three isotopic chain-induced reactions,which depended on the reduced impact parameter and unified neutron skin thickness,were studied.The results showed that both R(n/p)and R(^(3)H∕^(3)He)decreased with a reduced impact parameter for extreme neutron-deficient isotopes;however,they increased with reduced impact parameters for extreme neutron-rich isotopes,and increased with theΔRnp of the projectiles for all reduced impact parameters.In addition,a scaling phenomenon was observed betweenΔR np and the yield ratios in peripheral colli-sions from different isotopic chain projectiles(except for extreme neutron-rich isotopes).Thus,R(n/p)and R(^(3)H∕^(3)He)from peripheral collisions were suggested as experimental probes for extracting the neutron or proton skin thicknesses of non-extreme neutron-rich nuclei from different isotopic chains.

Using Pearson’s System of Curves to Approximate the Distributions of the Difference between Two Correlated Estimates of Signal-to-Noise Ratios: The Cases of Bivariate Normal and Bivariate Lognormal Distributions

Background: The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is recognized as an index of measurements reproducibility. We derive the maximum likelihood estimators of SNR and discuss confidence interval construction on the difference between two correlated SNRs when the readings are from bivariate normal and bivariate lognormal distribution. We use the Pearsons system of curves to approximate the difference between the two estimates and use the bootstrap methods to validate the approximate distributions of the statistic of interest. Methods: The paper uses the delta method to find the first four central moments, and hence the skewness and kurtosis which are important in the determination of the parameters of the Pearsons distribution. Results: The approach is illustrated in two examples;one from veterinary microbiology and food safety data and the other on data from clinical medicine. We derived the four central moments of the target statistics, together with the bootstrap method to evaluate the parameters of Pearsons distribution. The fitted Pearsons curves of Types I and II were recommended based on the available data. The R-codes are also provided to be readily used by the readers.

Calcium-Magnesium Ca/Mg Ratios and Their Agronomic Implications for the Optimization of Phosphate Fertilization in Rainfed Rice Farming on Acidic Ferralsol in the Forest Zone of Ivory Coast

This study is a contribution to improving rice productivity on acidic plateau soils of the tropical rainforest zone. It is based on taking into account the cationic balances of the soil in order to optimize the phosphorus (P) nutrition of rice on these acidic soils, where this nutrient constitutes a limiting factor for agricultural production. Three (3) pot trials were conducted in Adiopodoumé in the forested south of Côte d’Ivoire. The interactive effects of calcium carbonate (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg Ca ha−1) and magnesium sulfate (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg Mg ha−1) were evaluated on the response of NERICA 5 rice at doses 0, 25, 50 and 75 kg P ha−1 of natural phosphate from Togo, applied only once at the start of the experiment. Additional fertilizers of nitrogen (N) (100 kg N ha−1) and potassium (K) (50 kg KCl ha−1) were added to each of the tests in a split-plot device. The test results revealed a paddy production potential of approximately 3 to 5 t⋅ha−1 for NERICA 5 on an acidic soil, under the effect of the interaction of P, Ca and Mg. The quadratic response of rice yield to the doses of these fertilizers would be more dependent on their balance, itself influenced by Ca nutrition. For the sustainability and maintenance of rice production in agro-ecology studied, it was recommended doses of 38 kg Ca ha−1, 34 kg Mg ha−1 in a Ca/Mg ratio (1/1) with intakes of 41 kg P ha−1, overall in a ratio 1/1/1 (P/Ca/Mg) more favorable to the availability of free iron considered a guiding element of mineral nutrition. Thus, these promising results should be confirmed in a real environment for better management of the fertilization of rice cultivated on acidic plateau soils in Côte d’Ivoire.

Predictive Ability of Hypertriglyceridemic Waist,Hypertriglyceridemic Waist-to-Height Ratio,and Waist-to-Hip Ratio for Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Clustering Screening among Chinese Children and Adolescents

Objective Hypertriglyceridemic waist(HW),hypertriglyceridemic waist-to-height ratio(HWHtR),and waist-to-hip ratio(WHR)have been shown to be indicators of cardiometabolic risk factors.However,it is not clear which indicator is more suitable for children and adolescents.We aimed to investigate the relationship between HW,HWHtR,WHR,and cardiovascular risk factors clustering to determine the best screening tools for cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents.Methods This was a national cross-sectional study.Anthropometric and biochemical variables were assessed in approximately 70,000 participants aged 6–18 years from seven provinces in China.Demographics,physical activity,dietary intake,and family history of chronic diseases were obtained through questionnaires.ANOVA,χ2 and logistic regression analysis was conducted.Results A significant sex difference was observed for HWHtR and WHR,but not for HW phenotype.The risk of cardiometabolic health risk factor clustering with HW phenotype or the HWHtR phenotype was significantly higher than that with the non-HW or non-HWHtR phenotypes among children and adolescents(HW:OR=12.22,95%CI:9.54-15.67;HWHtR:OR=9.70,95%CI:6.93-13.58).Compared with the HW and HWHtR phenotypes,the association between risk of cardiometabolic health risk factors(CHRF)clustering and high WHR was much weaker and not significant(WHR:OR=1.14,95%CI:0.97-1.34).Conclusion Compared with HWHtR and WHR,the HW phenotype is a more convenient indicator with higher applicability to screen children and adolescents for cardiovascular risk factors.

Clinical study of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-tolymphocyte ratio in hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis and acute biliary pancreatitis with persistent organ failure

BACKGROUND The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR)are novel inflammatory indicators that can be used to predict the severity and prognosis of various diseases.We categorize acute pancreatitis by etiology into acute biliary pancreatitis(ABP)and hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis(HTGP).AIM To investigate the clinical significance of NLR and PLR in assessing persistent organ failure(POF)in HTGP and ABP.METHODS A total of 1450 patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis(AP)for the first time at Shanxi Bethune Hospital between January 2012 and January 2023 were enrolled.The patients were categorized into two groups according to the etiology of AP:ABP in 530 patients and HTGP in 241 patients.We collected and compared the clinical data of the patients,including NLR,PLR,and AP prognostic scoring systems,within 48 h of hospital admission.RESULTS The NLR(9.1 vs 6.9,P<0.001)and PLR(203.1 vs 160.5,P<0.001)were significantly higher in the ABP group than in the HTGP group.In the HTGP group,both NLR and PLR were significantly increased in patients with severe AP and those with a SOFA score≥3.Likewise,in the ABP group,NLR and PLR were significantly elevated in patients with severe AP,modified computed tomography severity index score≥4,Japanese Severity Score≥3,and modified Marshall score≥2.Moreover,NLR and PLR showed predictive value for the development of POF in both the ABP and HTGP groups.CONCLUSION NLR and PLR vary between ABP and HTGP,are strongly associated with AP prognostic scoring systems,and have predictive potential for the occurrence of POF in both ABP and HTGP.

Experimental Study of Local Scour Around Four Piles Under Different Attack Angles and Gap Ratios

In an effort to investigate and quantify the patterns of local scour,researchers embarked on an in-depth study using a systematic experimental approach.The research focused on the effects of local scour around a set of four piles,each subjected to different hydromechanical conditions.In particular,this study aimed to determine how different attack angles—the angles at which the water flow impinges on the piles,and gap ratios—the ratios of the spacing between the piles to their diameters,influence the extent and nature of scour.A comprehensive series of 35 carefully designed experiments were orchestrated,each designed to dissect the nuances in how the gap ratio and attack angle might contribute to changes in the local scour observed at the base of pile groups.During these experimental trials,a wealth of local scour data were collected to support the analysis.These data included precise topographic profiles of the sediment bed around the pile groups,as well as detailed scour time histories showing the evolution of scour at strategic feature points throughout the test procedure.The analysis of the experimental data provided interesting insights.The study revealed that the interplay between the gap ratio and the attack angle had a pronounced influence on the scouring dynamics of the pile groups.One of the key observations was that the initial phases of scour,particularly within the first hour of water flow exposure,were characterized by a sharp increase in the scour depth occurring immediately in front of the piles.After this initial rapid development,the scour depth transitioned to a more gradual change rate.In contrast,the scour topography around the piles continuously evolved.This suggests that sediment displacement and the associated sculpting of the seabed around pile foundations are sustained and progressive processes,altering the underwater landscape over time.The results of this empirical investigation have significant implications for the design and construction of offshore multi-pile foundations,providing a critical reference for engineers and designers to estimate the expected scour depth around such structures,which is an integral part of decisions regarding foundation design,selection of structural materials,and implementation of scour protection measures.

Effects of the Water-Cement Ratio and the Molding Temperature on the Hydration Heat of Cement

The effects of the water-cement ratio and the molding temperature on the hydration heat of cement were investigated with semi-adiabatic calorimetry.The specimens were prepared with water-cement ratios of 0.31,0.38,and 0.45,and the molding temperature was specified at 10 and 20℃.The experimental results show that,as the water-binder ratio increases,the value of the second temperature peak on the temperature curve of the cement paste decreases,and the age at which the peak appears is delayed.The higher the water-cement ratio,the higher the hydration heat release in the early period of cement hydration,but this trend reverses in the late period.There are intersection points of the total hydration heat curve of the cement pastes under the influence of the water-cement ratio,and this law can be observed at both molding temperatures.With the increase in the molding temperature,the age of the second temperature peak on the temperature curve of the cement paste will advance,but the temperature peak will decrease.The higher the molding temperature,the earlier the acceleration period of the cement hydration began,and the larger the hydration heat of the cement in the early stage,but the smaller the total heat in the late period.A subsection function calculation model of the hydration heat,which was based on the existing models,was proposed in order to predict the heat of the hydration of the concrete.

Prognostic role of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with non-metastatic and metastatic prostate cancer:A meta-analysis and systematic review

Objective: To analyze data available in the literature regarding a possible prognostic value of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients stratified in non-metastatic and metastatic diseases.Methods: A literature search process was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. In our meta-analysis, the pooled event rate estimated and the pooled hazard ratio were calculated using a random effect model.Results: Forty-two articles were selected for our analysis. The pooled risk difference for non-organ confined PCa between high and low NLR cases was 0.06 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.03-0.15) and between high and low PLR cases increased to 0.30 (95% CI: 0.16-0.43). In non-metastatic PCa cases, the pooled hazard ratio for overall mortality between high and low NLR was 1.33 (95% CI: 0.78-1.88) and between high and low PLR was 1.47 (95% CI: 0.91-2.03), whereas in metastatic PCa cases, between high and low NLR was 1.79 (95% CI: 1.44-2.13) and between high and low PLR was 1.05 (95% CI: 0.87-1.24).Conclusion: The prognostic values of NLR and PLR in terms of PCa characteristics and responses after treatment show a high level of heterogeneity of results among studies. These two ratios can represent the inflammatory and immunity status of the patient related to several conditions. A higher predictive value is related to a high NLR in terms of risk for overall mortality in metastatic PCa cases under systemic treatments.

Carbonation of Pure Minerals in Portland Cement:Evolution in Products as a Function of Water-to-solid Ratio

Minerals in Portland cement including tricalcium silicate(C_(3)S),β-dicalcium silicate(β-C_(2)S),tricalcium aluminate(C_(3)A),and tetracalcium ferroaluminate(C_(4)AF),show a significantly different activity and product evolution for CO_(2)curing at various water-to-solid ratios.These pure minerals were synthesized and subject to CO_(2)curing in this study to make an in-depth understanding for the carbonation properties of cement-based materials.Results showed that the optimum water-to-solid ratios of C_(3)S,β-C_(2)S,C_(3)A and C_(4)AF were 0.25,0.15,0.30 and 0.40 for carbonation,corresponding to 2 h carbonation degree of 38.5%,38.5%,24.2%,and 21.9%,respectively.The produced calcite duringβ-C_(2)S carbonation decreased as the water-to-solid ratio increased,with an increase in content of metastable CaCO_(3)of vaterite and aragonite.The thermodynamic stability of CaCO_(3)produced during carbonation was C_(3)A>C_(4)AF>β-C_(2)S>C_(3)S.The carbonation degree of Portland cement was predicted based on the results of pure minerals and the composition of cement,and the error of predicted production of CaCO_(3)was only 1.1%,which provides a potential method to predict carbonation properties of systems with a complex mineral composition.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios alone or combined with prostate-specific antigen for the diagnosis of prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer

Objective:We evaluated whether the blood parameters before prostate biopsy can diagnose prostate cancer(PCa)and clinically significant PCa(Gleason score[GS]7)in our hospital.Methods:This study included patients with increased prostate-specific antigen(PSA)up to 20 ng/mL.The associations of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and platelet-tolymphocyte ratio(PLR)alone or with PSA with PCa and clinically significant PCa were analyzed.Results:We included 365 patients,of whom 52.9%(193)had PCa including 66.8%(129)with GS of≥7.PSA density(PSAD)and PSA had better the area under the curve(AUC)of 0.722 and 0.585,respectively with pZ0.001 for detecting PCa compared with other blood parameters.PSA combined with PLR(PsPLR)and PSA with NLR(PsNLR)had better AUC of 0.608 and 0.610,respectively with p<0.05,for diagnosing GS≥7 population,compared with PSA,free/total PSA,NLR,PLR,and PsNPLR(PSA combined with NLR and PLR).NLR and PLR did not predict PCa on multivariate analysis.For GS≥7 cancer detection,in the multivariate analysis,separate models with PSA and NLR(Model 1:PsNLRþbaseline parameters)or PSA and PLR(Moder 2:PsPLRþbaseline parameters)were made.Baseline parameters comprised age,digital rectal exam-positive lesions,PSA density,free/total PSA,and magnetic resonance imaging.Model 2 containing PsPLR was statistically significant(odds ratio:2.862,95% confidence interval:1.174-6.975,p=0.021)in finding aggressive PCa.The predictive accuracy of Model 2 was increased(AUC:0.734,p<0.001)than that when only baseline parameters were used(AUC:0.693,p<0.001).Conclusion:NLR or PLR,either alone or combined with PSA,did not detect PCa.However,the combined use of PSA with PLR could find the differences between clinically significant and insignificant PCa in our retrospective study limited by the small number of samples.

Continuous wave and active Q-switched operation of Watt-level LED-pumped two-rod Nd,Ce:YAG laser

A high-performance LED-side-pumped two-rod Nd,Ce:YAG laser with continuous-wave(CW) and acousto–optical(A-O) Q-switched operation is demonstrated in this work. A symmetrically shaped flat–flat cavity with two identical LEDside-pumped laser modules is employed for power scalability. In the CW regime, the maximum output average power of laser at 1064 nm is 4.41 W, corresponding to a maximum optical conversion efficiency of 5.3% and a slope efficiency is 12.4%. In the active Q-switched regime, the pulse energy of laser reaches as high as 0.89 m J at a repetition rate of 800 Hz with a pulse width of 457.2 ns, the corresponding highest peak output power is 1.94 k W and the M~2 factor is measured to be about 8.8. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first demonstration and the highest performance of a CW LED-side-pumped two-rod laser Nd,Ce:YAG with Watt-level output reported so far.

Combining systemic inflammatory response index and albumin fibrinogen ratio to predict early serious complications and prognosis after resectable gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer has a high incidence and fatality rate,and surgery is the preferred course of treatment.Nonetheless,patient survival rates are still low,and the incidence of major postoperative complications cannot be disregarded.The systemic inflammatory response,nutritional level,and coagulation status are key factors affecting the postoperative recovery and prognosis of gastric cancer patients.The systemic inflammatory response index(SIRI)and the albumin fibrinogen ratio(AFR)are two valuable comprehensive indicators of the severity and prognosis of systemic inflammation in various medical conditions.AIM To assess the clinical importance and prognostic significance of the SIRI scores and the AFR on early postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing radical gastric cancer surgery.METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinicopathological characteristics and relevant laboratory indices of 568 gastric cancer patients from January 2018 to December 2019.We calculated and compared two indicators of inflammation and then examined the diagnostic ability of combined SIRI and AFR values for serious early postoperative complications.We scored the patients and categorized them into three groups based on their SIRI and AFR levels.COX analysis was used to compare the three groups of patients the prognostic value of various preoperative SIRI-AFR scores for 5-year overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS).RESULTS SIRI-AFR scores were an independent risk factor for prognosis[OS:P=0.004;hazards ratio(HR)=3.134;DFS:P<0.001;HR=3.543]and had the highest diagnostic power(area under the curve:0.779;95%confidence interval:0.737-0.820)for early serious complications in patients with gastric cancer.The tumor-node-metastasis stage(P=0.001),perioperative transfusion(P=0.044),positive carcinoembryonic antigen(P=0.014)findings,and major postoperative complications(P=0.011)were factors associated with prognosis.CONCLUSION Preoperative SIRI and AFR values were significantly associated with early postoperative survival and the occurrence of severe complications in gastric cancer patients.

Influence of Trailing-Edge Wear on the Vibrational Behavior of Wind Turbine Blades

To study the impact of the trailing-edge wear on the vibrational behavior of wind-turbine blades,unworn blades and trailing-edge worn blades have been assessed through relevant modal tests.According to these experiments,the natural frequencies of trailing-edge worn blades-1,-2,and-3 increase the most in the second to fourth order,thefifth order increases in the middle,and thefirst order increases the least.The damping ratio data indi-cate that,in general,thefirstfive-order damping ratios of trailing-edge worn blades-1 and trailing-edge worn blades-2 are reduced,and thefirstfive-order damping ratios of trailing-edge worn blades-3 are slightly improved.The mode shape diagram shows that the trailing-edge worn blades-1 and-2 have a large swing in the tip and the blade,whereas the second-and third-order vibration shapes of the trailing edge-worn blade-3 tend to be improved.Overall,all these results reveal that the blade’s mass and the wear area are the main fac-tors affecting the vibration characteristics of wind turbine blades.

Prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in gastric cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND In recent studies,accumulating evidence has revealed a strong association between the inflammatory response and the prognosis of many tumors.There is a certain correlation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)with the prognosis in gastric cancer(GC)patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC).However,the existing research results have remained controversial.AIM To explore the relationship between NLR ratio and prognosis of GC patients receiving NAC.METHODS A thorough systematic search was performed in databases such as PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and Cochrane Library,the search is available until February 29,2024,and studies exploring the interaction of NLR with clinical outcomes were collected.Relevant studies meeting pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria were carefully chosen.The outcomes included progression-free survival(PFS),relapse-free survival,disease-free survival(DFS),and overall survival(OS).The hazard ratio(HR)and its corresponding 95%confidence interval(CI)were utilized for estimation.RESULTS Our analysis encompassed 852 patients and incorporated data from 12 cohort studies.The comprehensive analysis revealed a significant association of high NLR with reduced OS(HR=1.76;95%CI:1.22-2.54,P=0.003),relapsefree survival(HR=3.73;95%CI:1.74-7.96,P=0.0007),and PFS(HR=2.32;95%CI:1.42-3.81,P=0.0008)in patients.However,this correlation in disease-free survival was not significant.NLR demonstrated its crucial role in effectively predicting the OS of GC patients undergoing NAC at different detection times,ages,regions,and NLR thresholds.CONCLUSION In GC patients receiving NAC,an elevated NLR is strongly associated with reduced OS and PFS.NLR has become an effective biomarker for patient prognosis evaluation,providing valuable insights for the treatment strategies of NAC in GC patients.

Elliptical vibration chiseling:a novel process for texturing ultra-high-aspect-ratio microstructures on the metallic surface

High-aspect-ratio metallic surface microstructures are increasingly demanded in breakthrough applications,such as high-performance heat transfer enhancement and surface plasmon devices.However,the fast and cost-effective fabrication of high-aspect-ratio microstructures on metallic surfaces remains challenging for existing techniques.This study proposes a novel cutting-based process,namely elliptical vibration chiseling(EV-chiseling),for the high-efficiency texturing of surface microstructures with an ultrahigh aspect ratio.Unlike conventional cutting,EV-chiseling superimposes a microscale EV on a backward-moving tool.The tool chisels into the material in each vibration cycle to generate an upright chip with a high aspect ratio through material deformation.Thanks to the tool’s backward movement,the chip is left on the material surface to form a microstructure rather than falling off.Since one microstructure is generated in one vibration cycle,the process can be highly efficient using ultrafast(>1 kHz)tool vibration.A finite element analysis model is established to explore the process mechanics of EV-chiseling.Next,a mechanistic model of the microstructured surface generation is developed to describe the microstructures’aspect ratio dependency on the process parameters.Then,surface texturing tests are performed on copper to verify the efficacy of EV-chiseling.Uniformed micro ribs with a spacing of 1–10μm and an aspect ratio of 2–5 have been successfully textured on copper.Compared with the conventional EV-cutting that uses a forward-moving tool,EV-chiseling can improve the aspect ratio of textured microstructure by up to 40 times.The experimental results also verify the accuracy of the developed surface generation model of microstructures.Finally,the effects of elliptical trajectory,depth of cut,tool shape,and tool edge radius on the surface generation of micro ribs have been discussed.

Simulation Study of Diesel Spray Tilt Angle and Ammonia Energy Ratio Effect on Ammonia-Diesel Dual-Fuel Engine Performance

Ammonia-diesel dual fuel(ADDF)engines for transportation applications are an important way to reduce carbon emissions.In order to achieve better combustion of ammonia in diesel engines.A small-bore single-cylinder engine was converted into an ADDF engine with the help of mature computational fluid dynamics(CFD)simulation software to investigate the performance of an engine with a high ammonia energy ratio(AER),and to study the effect of spray tilt angle on ADDF engine.The results showed that the increase in AER reduced nitric oxide(NO)and nitrogen dioxide(NO2)emissions but increased nitrous oxide(N2O)and unburned ammonia emissions.AER in the range of 50%-70%achieved lower greenhouse gases(GHG)emissions than the pure diesel mode.Relative to the pure diesel mode,when the AER was 60%,the indicated thermal efficiency(ITE)was increased by 0.2%and the GHG emissions were decreased by 22.3%,but carbon monoxide(CO)and Hydrocarbon(HC)emissions were increased.Increasing the in-cylinder combustion temperature or high-temperature region range of the ADDF engine could reduce GHG emissions.At an AER of 60%,an increase in the spray tilt angle helped the ammonia combustion in the residual gap to reduce the unburned ammonia emissions.Compared to the pure diesel mode with a spray tilt angle of 75°,an AER of 60%with a spray tilt angle of 77.5°improved the ITE by 1.5%,and reduced theGHGemissions by 25.7%.Adjusting the spray tilt angle of theADDFengine also reducedCOandHCemissions.This is an effective way to improve ADDF engine performance by adjusting the spray tilt angle.

Predictive Value of the Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) to Predict the Development of Preeclampsia and Pregnancy Induced Hypertension at 1st Trimester

Introduction: Hypertensive disorder in pregnancy affects 4 to 6 percent of all pregnancies and carries risks for the both baby and the mother. Only a few groups of women who are at high-risk pregnancies are received prophylaxis Aspirin, more than 15 percent of women develop pre-eclampsia with a single minor risk factor. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the 1st trimester NLR value of normotensive, pregnancy induced hypertensive and pre-eclamptic pregnant women. The study was conducted with a sample of 416, antenatal patients who were admitted to ward 25, at Colombo North Teaching Hospital Ragama. Data was collected as separated three groups. NLR value was calculated separately and ANOVA test was used to analyze the 3 categorical data. Post HOC test was done to assess the multiple comparison. Results: The prevalence rates of pregnancy induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia among the pregnant women were 8.6% and 5.7%. The mean NLR values of normotensive group was 2.708, pregnancy induced hypertensive group was 2.650 and pre eclamptic group was 3.789. There was a significant difference in NLR value between pre eclamptic group and other two groups with P value of Conclusion: The 1st trimester NLR value of pre eclamptic patients significantly increased compared to normotensive women.

Red cell distribution width-to-albumin ratio is a simple promising prognostic marker in acute cholangitis requiring biliary drainage

Background: It is crucial to assess the severity of acute cholangitis(AC). There are currently several prognostic markers. However, the accuracies of these markers are not satisfied. The present study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the red cell distribution width(RDW)-to-albumin ratio(RAR) for the prognosis of AC. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients diagnosed with AC between May 2019 and March 2022. RAR was calculated, and its predictive ability for in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit(ICU) admission, bacteremia, and the length of hospitalization were analyzed. Results: Out of 438 patients, 34(7.8%) died. Multivariate analysis showed that malignant etiology [odds ratio(OR) = 4.816, 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.936-11.980], creatinine(OR = 1.649, 95% CI: 1.095-2.484), and RAR(OR = 2.064, 95% CI: 1.494-2.851) were independent risk factors for mortality. When adjusted for relevant covariates, including age, sex, malignant etiology, Tokyo severity grading(TSG), Charlson comorbidity index, and creatinine, RAR significantly predicted mortality(adjusted OR = 1.833, 95% CI: 1.280-2.624). When the cut-off of RAR was set to 3.8, its sensitivity and specificity for mortality were 94.1% and 56.7%, respectively. Patients with an RAR of > 3.8 had a 20.9-fold(OR = 20.9, 95% CI: 4.9-88.6) greater risk of mortality than the remaining patients. The area under the curve value of RAR for mortality was 0.835(95% CI: 0.770-0.901), which was significantly higher than that of TSG and the other prognostic markers, such as C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio, and procalcitonin-to-albumin ratio. Lastly, RAR was not inferior to TSG in predicting ICU admission, bacteremia, and the length of hospitalization. Conclusions: RAR successfully predicted the in-hospital mortality, ICU admission, bacteremia, and the length of hospitalization of patients with AC, especially in-hospital mortality. RAR is a promising marker that is more convenient than TSG and other prognostic markers for predicting the prognosis of patients with AC.

Preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts symptomatic anastomotic leakage in elderly colon cancer patients: Multicenter propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),a composite inflammatory biomarker,is associated with the prognosis in patients with colorectal tumors.However,whether the NLR can be used as a predictor of symptomatic postoperative ana-stomotic leakage(AL)in elderly patients with colon cancer is unclear.AIM To assess the role of the NLR in predicting the occurrence of symptomatic AL after surgery in elderly patients with colon cancer.METHODS Data from elderly colon cancer patients who underwent elective radical colectomy with anastomosis at three centers between 2018 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the best predictive cutoff value for the NLR.Twenty-two covariates were matched using a 1:1 propensity score matching method,and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine risk factors for the development of postoperative AL.RESULTS Of the 577 patients included,36(6.2%)had symptomatic AL.The optimal cutoff value of the NLR for predicting AL was 2.66.After propensity score matching,the incidence of AL was significantly greater in the≥2.66 NLR subgroup than in the<2.66 NLR subgroup(11.5%vs 2.5%;P=0.012).Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed statistically significant correlations between blood transfusion intraoperatively and within 2 d postoper-atively,preoperative albumin concentration,preoperative prognostic nutritional index,and preoperative NLR and AL occurrence(P<0.05);multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that an NLR≥2.66[odds ratio(OR)=5.51;95%confidence interval(CI):1.50-20.26;P=0.010]and blood transfusion intraoperatively and within 2 d postoperatively(OR=2.52;95%CI:0.88-7.25;P=0.049)were risk factors for the occurrence of symptomatic AL.CONCLUSION A preoperative NLR≥2.66 and blood transfusion intraoperatively and within 2 d postoperatively are associated with a higher incidence of postoperative symptomatic AL in elderly patients with colon cancer.The preoperative NLR has predictive value for postoperative symptomatic AL after elective surgery in elderly patients with colon cancer.

Predictive value of positive lymph node ratio in patients with locally advanced gastric remnant cancer

BACKGROUND Traditional lymph node stage(N stage)has limitations in advanced gastric remnant cancer(GRC)patients;therefore,establishing a new predictive stage is necessary.AIM To explore the predictive value of positive lymph node ratio(LNR)according to clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of locally advanced GRC.METHODS Seventy-four patients who underwent radical gastrectomy and lymphadenectomy for locally advanced GRC were retrospectively reviewed.The relationship between LNR and clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed.The survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression model.RESULTS Number of metastatic LNs,tumor diameter,depth of tumor invasion,Borrmann type,serum tumor biomarkers,and tumor-node-metastasis(TNM)stage were correlated with LNR stage and N stage.Univariate analysis revealed that the factors affecting survival included tumor diameter,anemia,serum tumor biomarkers,vascular or neural invasion,combined resection,LNR stage,N stage,and TNM stage(all P<0.05).The median survival time for those with LNR0,LNR1,LNR2 and LNR3 stage were 61,31,23 and 17 mo,respectively,and the differences were significant(P=0.000).Anemia,tumor biomarkers and LNR stage were independent prognostic factors for survival in multivariable analysis(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION The new LNR stage is uniquely based on number of metastatic LNs,with significant prognostic value for locally advanced GRC,and could better differentiate overall survival,compared with N stage.