A comparison of the applicability of the Shannon-Wiener index,AMBI and M-AMBI indices for assessing benthic habitat health in the Huanghe(Yellow River) Estuary and adjacent areas

From a dataset of macrobenthos obtained from 18 cruises from 2004 to 2013 in the Huanghe（Yellow River）Estuary and its adjacent areas,the composition and characteristics of macrobenthos were analyzed,and the applicability of the Shannon-Wiener Index（H′）,AZTI＇s Marine Biotic Index（AMBI） and multivariate AMBI（MAMBI） for assessing benthic habitat quality was compared.The results showed a total of 203 macrobenthos in the study area.The macrobenthos were dominated by polychaetes,followed by mollusks and crustaceans.The macrobenthic ecological groups were dominated by EGI,EGII and EGIII,which respectively accounted for 31.5%,36.0% and 21.2% of the total.There were significant differences between the evaluation results of the three indices.The ecological quality status（EQS） levels given by the AMBI were greater than those given by the H′ and M-AMBI.The AMBI could not reflect the differences between 11 sites but the H′ and M-AMBI could do.Moreover,the three indices responded well to the variations in salinity（S） and dissolved oxygen（DO） in the waters.The H′ and MAMBI also responded sensitively to the differences in physical parameters,such as water depth and sediment texture.The correlation between M-AMBI and environmental pressure gradient data was the strongest.The MAMBI could effectively distinguish degraded conditions from undegraded but the H′ and AMBI could not.Therefore,the M-AMBI reflected benthic habitat health well in the study areas.However,the objectivity of evaluation results of M-AMBI needs further verification by physical,chemical and biological methods.The thresholds also need further discussion.

Temperature Impact on the Shannon-Wiener Biodiversity Index (BDI) of Zooplankton in Lake Kinneret (Israel)

The Shannon-Wiener Biodiversity Index was implemented for Zooplankton Diversity (BDI) in Lake Kinneret (1970-2001). It was computed based on monthly mean densities in relation to Epilimnetic temperatures. 4, 5 and 9 species of Copepoda, Cladocera and Rotifera, respectively, were included. Direct relations between Epilimnetic temperatures and Zooplankton Bio-Diversity Indexes (BDI) were indicated: Matching was found between low BDI and the high summer temperature and between higher BDI and the low winter temperature as well. Similar correspondence did not indicate annual means of BDI values. Zooplankton density and temperature probably resulted from smoothed confound of the averaged temperature changes. Conclusively, in themonomicticLakeKinneret located in the temperate zone with a high degree of temperature fluctuation, causation of seasonal BDI fluctuations is possible. The consistence of global warming trend might, therefore, enhance the seasonality of BDI values changes with implications for water quality.

Simpson指数和Shannon-Wiener指数若干特征的分析及“稀释效应”

基于一种假设的群落条件,对目前应用较广的两种α多样性指数——Simpson指数和Shannon-Wiener指数的特征进行对比和分析,以期能够对其进行更好地理解、应用和解释。通过假设的群落条件及情景设计证明,Simpson指数比Shannon-Wiener指数对物种均匀度更为敏感,而Shannon-Wiener指数对物种丰富度更敏感。同时,研究结果表明,物种的相对多度0.72可以近似作为一个物种是否是富集种的衡量标准。两种多样性指数都存在"稀释效应",即当一个群落新增加物种的相对多度超过某一限度时,群落多样性指数不但不增加,反而会有所下降,对于Simpson指数来说,该限度约为0.67,对于Shannon-Wiener指数来说,该限度约为0.77。

Shannon-Wiener多样性指数两种计算方法的比较研究

在应用群落多样性指数评价调查海域群落物种多样性或进行海域生态环境评价时,常用基于样方数据(方法 1)或基于区域混合样数据(方法 2)2种方法计算Shannon-Wiener多样性指数。为了比较哪种方法所得结果能更好地反映调查海域群落多样性状况,并且分析多样性指数与样本含量的关系,本实验根据2009年胶州湾潮滩湿地大型底栖动物季度调查数据,应用再抽样模拟方法对2种多样性指数计算方法进行了比较研究。结果表明,对于相同样本含量,基于样方数据计算的Shannon-Wiener多样性指数值小于基于区域混合样数据计算的结果。方法 1所计算的群落多样性指数与样本含量无关;而方法 2计算的多样性指数值随样本含量的增加而增加,并在样本含量为20时接近"真值"并趋于稳定,其相对估计误差(REE)和相对偏差(RB)较小,表明样本含量影响方法 2的多样性指数的计算。在评价调查海域群落物种多样性或进行海域生态环境评价时,应该使用基于区域混合样数据的计算方法,并保证足够的样本含量,才能客观地反映海域群落生物多样性现状。

基于Shannon-Wiener指数的中国森林物种多样性保育价值评估方法

针对森林物种多样性保育价值评估尚缺乏逻辑推理方法的现状,提出了更为客观合理的Shannon-Wiener指数评估法。此方法通过森林生态系统的Shannon-Wiener多样性指数和林分面积,计算其物种多样性保育价值。基于此方法,利用第六次全国森林资源连续清查数据和来自中国森林生态系统定位研究网络(CFERN)所属生态站的数万个观测数据,对中国森林物种多样性保育价值进行了计算。结果表明,黑龙江和云南两省生物物种保育总价值在全国名列前茅,海南省尽管单价最高,但森林面积较小,其总价值较低。广大西北以及华北地区森林平均单位面积价值和总价值普遍较低。将全国39种林分类型归为如下几类:单价高总量少型、单价高总量大型、单价低总量少型、单价低总量大型和中间类型,针对不同的类群采取不同的保护政策,有利于推动生物多样性保护工作。与目前流行的支付意愿法(WTP)相比,Shannon-Wiener指数评估法的优越性在于:以生态系统的自然属性为基础,每个指标都具有明确的意义,评价结果更接近理论认识,且结果之间可比性强。

基于Shannon-Wiener指数的干燥过程中物料含水率均匀性计算及验证

为了改善带式干燥机内流场结构,提高干燥机内水分均匀度,在计算流体力学(computational fluid dynamics,CFD)理论的基础上,利用FLUENT软件包模拟并探讨堆积厚度、热风流速、热风温度和热风含水率对干燥后物料含水率的影响,并辅以试验验证。在Shannon-wiener指数的基础上计算干燥机内含水率均匀度,并与传统水分均匀性(Mu)计算方法和CFD计算的平均值作比较。利用FLUENT软件包数值模拟并试验验证了2种导流板(普通导流板和翼型导流板)的干燥效果。结果表明:试验测得各测孔的风速与数值模拟的结果吻合。4类因素中堆积厚度对含水率均匀度影响最大,厚度为80 mm的槟榔层的含水率比厚度为40、60 mm的更均匀。含水率均匀度曲线的趋势相似,但含水率均匀度与CFD计算结果更接近。水分均匀性指数曲线显示堆积厚度为80 mm的试验水分均匀性远高于其他试验,当物料厚度为80 mm时,进口热风温度70℃,热风流速1.5 m/s,进口热风含水率0.24的试验条件更有利于水分均匀地分布。翼型导流板使得槟榔含水率从0.285降到0.215,水分均匀性指数提高至0.926,干燥效率提升。

电针对慢性应激抑郁大鼠行为学和肠道微生物每孔颜色平均变化率、Shannon-Wiener多样性指数的影响

目的观察电针对慢性应激抑郁大鼠行为学和肠道菌群每孔颜色平均变化率(Average well color development,AWCD)、Shannon-Wiener多样性指数的影响,探讨电针治疗抑郁症的作用机制。方法将60只SD大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、调神畅情组和普通电针组,建立温和不可预见性应激抑郁模型,造模成功后予不同干预方法,观察各组大鼠行为学及肠道微生物AWCD、Shannon-Wiener多样性指数的变化。结果与正常组比较,模型组大鼠呈抑郁样表现,AWCD、Shannon-Wiener多样性指数均显著降低。与模型组比较,调神畅情组和普通电针组大鼠抑郁样症状明显改善,AWCD、Shannon-Wiener多样性指数均明显升高。结论电针能够改善慢性应激抑郁大鼠行为学表现,并提高其肠道微生物群落AWCD和Shannon-Wiener多样性指数,这可能是电针治疗抑郁症的作用机制之一。

基于Shannon-Wiener指数的艾丁湖流域植被分布及物种多样性研究

采用植被样地调查,应用植被种类、数量及长势统计结果计算流域尺度及单个样地的ShannonWiener指数,结合样地浅井采集的土壤易溶盐样、重量含水率样测试结果,初步建立了艾丁湖流域荒漠区及湖畔区天然植被群落盖度、物种空间分布与土壤含水率、含盐量之间的关系,对比分析了艾丁湖流域荒漠区及湖畔区不同生境条件下的物种多样性特征。研究表明:(1)研究区内共统计到天然植物19种,其中疏叶骆驼刺分布最为广泛,芦苇次之;(2)流域尺度植被物种香农多样性指数为1.39,香农均衡度指数为0.47,物种较少,均衡度差;(3)因地势、地下水、土壤理化性状和气象的差异,荒漠区和湖畔区植被分布在群落结构和物种组成上差异明显,表现为多样性和均衡度变化的不一致性。

基于Shannon-Wiener指数的三明市森林生物多样性评价

参考LY/T 1721—2008森林生态系统服务功能评估规范,以2006年三明市森林资源二类调查数据为基础,采用Shannon-Wiener指数计算三明市森林生物多样性保护价值。结果表明:三明市森林生物多样性保护价值为396.80亿元,单位森林面积生物多样性保护价值为2.28万元·hm-2,森林生物多样性保护价值占到福建省的20.58%,单位森林面积生物多样性保护价值略高于福建省平均水平(2.11万元·hm-2),高于全国平均水平(1.40万元·hm-2)。

Impact of body mass index on adverse kidney events in diabetes mellitus patients: A systematic-review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The incidence of chronic kidney disease among patients with diabetes mellitus(DM)remains a global concern.Long-term obesity is known to possibly influence the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus.However,no previous meta-analysis has assessed the effects of body mass index(BMI)on adverse kidney events in patients with DM.AIM To determine the impact of BMI on adverse kidney events in patients with DM.METHODS A systematic literature search was performed on the PubMed,ISI Web of Science,Scopus,Ovid,Google Scholar,EMBASE,and BMJ databases.We included trials with the following characteristics:(1)Type of study:Prospective,retrospective,randomized,and non-randomized in design;(2)participants:Restricted to patients with DM aged≥18 years;(3)intervention:No intervention;and(4)kidney adverse events:Onset of diabetic kidney disease[estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)of<60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and/or microalbuminuria value of≥30 mg/g Cr],serum creatinine increase of more than double the baseline or end-stage renal disease(eGFR<15 mL/min/1.73 m2 or dialysis),or death.RESULTS Overall,11 studies involving 801 patients with DM were included.High BMI(≥25 kg/m2)was significantly associated with higher blood pressure(BP)[systolic BP by 0.20,95%confidence interval(CI):0.15–0.25,P<0.00001;diastolic BP by 0.21 mmHg,95%CI:0.04–0.37,P=0.010],serum albumin,triglycerides[standard mean difference(SMD)=0.35,95%CI:0.29–0.41,P<0.00001],low-density lipoprotein(SMD=0.12,95%CI:0.04–0.20,P=0.030),and lower high-density lipoprotein(SMD=–0.36,95%CI:–0.51 to–0.21,P<0.00001)in patients with DM compared with those with low BMIs(<25 kg/m2).Our analysis showed that high BMI was associated with a higher risk ratio of adverse kidney events than low BMI(RR:1.22,95%CI:1.01–1.43,P=0.036).CONCLUSION The present analysis suggested that high BMI was a risk factor for adverse kidney events in patients with DM.

A phenology-based vegetation index for improving ratoon rice mapping using harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 data

Ratoon rice,which refers to a second harvest of rice obtained from the regenerated tillers originating from the stubble of the first harvested crop,plays an important role in both food security and agroecology while requiring minimal agricultural inputs.However,accurately identifying ratoon rice crops is challenging due to the similarity of its spectral features with other rice cropping systems(e.g.,double rice).Moreover,images with a high spatiotemporal resolution are essential since ratoon rice is generally cultivated in fragmented croplands within regions that frequently exhibit cloudy and rainy weather.In this study,taking Qichun County in Hubei Province,China as an example,we developed a new phenology-based ratoon rice vegetation index(PRVI)for the purpose of ratoon rice mapping at a 30 m spatial resolution using a robust time series generated from Harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2(HLS)images.The PRVI that incorporated the red,near-infrared,and shortwave infrared 1 bands was developed based on the analysis of spectro-phenological separability and feature selection.Based on actual field samples,the performance of the PRVI for ratoon rice mapping was carefully evaluated by comparing it to several vegetation indices,including normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI),enhanced vegetation index(EVI)and land surface water index(LSWI).The results suggested that the PRVI could sufficiently capture the specific characteristics of ratoon rice,leading to a favorable separability between ratoon rice and other land cover types.Furthermore,the PRVI showed the best performance for identifying ratoon rice in the phenological phases characterized by grain filling and harvesting to tillering of the ratoon crop(GHS-TS2),indicating that only several images are required to obtain an accurate ratoon rice map.Finally,the PRVI performed better than NDVI,EVI,LSWI and their combination at the GHS-TS2 stages,with producer's accuracy and user's accuracy of 92.22 and 89.30%,respectively.These results demonstrate that the proposed PRVI based on HLS data can effectively identify ratoon rice in fragmented croplands at crucial phenological stages,which is promising for identifying the earliest timing of ratoon rice planting and can provide a fundamental dataset for crop management activities.

Method for evaluation of geological strength index of carbonate cliff rocks:Coupled hyperspectral-digital borehole image technique

The deterioration of unstable rock mass raised interest in evaluating rock mass quality.However,the traditional evaluation method for the geological strength index(GSI)primarily emphasizes the rock structure and characteristics of discontinuities.It ignores the influence of mineral composition and shows a deficiency in assessing the integrity coefficient.In this context,hyperspectral imaging and digital panoramic borehole camera technologies are applied to analyze the mineral content and integrity of rock mass.Based on the carbonate mineral content and fissure area ratio,the strength reduction factor and integrity coefficient are calculated to improve the GSI evaluation method.According to the results of mineral classification and fissure identification,the strength reduction factor and integrity coefficient increase with the depth of rock mass.The rock mass GSI calculated by the improved method is mainly concentrated between 40 and 60,which is close to the calculation results of the traditional method.The GSI error rates obtained by the two methods are mostly less than 10%,indicating the rationality of the hyperspectral-digital borehole image coupled evaluation method.Moreover,the sensitivity of the fissure area ratio(Sr)to GSI is greater than that of the strength reduction factor(a),which means the proposed GSI is suitable for rocks with significant fissure development.The improved method reduces the influence of subjective factors and provides a reliable index for the deterioration evaluation of rock mass.

Spectral purification improves monitoring accuracy of the comprehensive growth evaluation index for film-mulched winter wheat

In order to further improve the utility of unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)remote-sensing for quickly and accurately monitoring the growth of winter wheat under film mulching, this study examined the treatments of ridge mulching,ridge–furrow full mulching, and flat cropping full mulching in winter wheat.Based on the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) method, four agronomic parameters (leaf area index, above-ground biomass, plant height, and leaf chlorophyll content) were used to calculate the comprehensive growth evaluation index (CGEI) of the winter wheat, and 14 visible and near-infrared spectral indices were calculated using spectral purification technology to process the remote-sensing image data of winter wheat obtained by multispectral UAV.Four machine learning algorithms, partial least squares, support vector machines, random forests, and artificial neural network networks(ANN), were used to build the winter wheat growth monitoring model under film mulching, and accuracy evaluation and mapping of the spatial and temporal distribution of winter wheat growth status were carried out.The results showed that the CGEI of winter wheat under film mulching constructed using the FCE method could objectively and comprehensively evaluate the crop growth status.The accuracy of remote-sensing inversion of the CGEI based on the ANN model was higher than for the individual agronomic parameters, with a coefficient of determination of 0.75,a root mean square error of 8.40, and a mean absolute value error of 6.53.Spectral purification could eliminate the interference of background effects caused by mulching and soil, effectively improving the accuracy of the remotesensing inversion of winter wheat under film mulching, with the best inversion effect achieved on the ridge–furrow full mulching area after spectral purification.The results of this study provide a theoretical reference for the use of UAV remote-sensing to monitor the growth status of winter wheat with film mulching.

Association between triglyceride-glucose index and colorectal polyps:A retrospective cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Colorectal polyps(CPs)are frequently occurring abnormal growths in the colorectum,and are a primary precursor of colorectal cancer(CRC).The triglyceride-glucose(TyG)index is a novel marker that assesses metabolic health and insulin resistance,and has been linked to gastrointestinal cancers.AIM To investigate the potential association between the TyG index and CPs,as the relation between them has not been documented.METHODS A total of 2537 persons undergoing a routine health physical examination and colonoscopy at The First People's Hospital of Kunshan,Jiangsu Province,China,between January 2020 and December 2022 were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study.After excluding individuals who did not meet the eligibility criteria,descriptive statistics were used to compare characteristics between patients with and without CPs.Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations between the TyG index and the prevalence of CPs.The TyG index was calculated using the following formula:Ln[triglyceride(mg/dL)×glucose(mg/dL)/2].The presence and types of CPs was determined based on data from colonoscopy reports and pathology reports.RESULTS A nonlinear relation between the TyG index and the prevalence of CPs was identified,and exhibited a curvilinear pattern with a cut-off point of 2.31.A significant association was observed before the turning point,with an odds ratio(95% confidence interval)of 1.70(1.40,2.06),P<0.0001.However,the association between the TyG index and CPs was not significant after the cut-off point,with an odds ratio(95% confidence interval)of 0.57(0.27,1.23),P=0.1521.CONCLUSION Our study revealed a curvilinear association between the TyG index and CPs in Chinese individuals,suggesting its potential utility in developing colonoscopy screening strategies for preventing CRC.

Renal resistive index measurements by ultrasound in patients with liver cirrhosis:Magnitude and associations with renal dysfunction

BACKGROUND The hemodynamic alterations seen in liver cirrhosis lead to renal vasoconstriction,ultimately causing acute kidney injury(AKI).The renal resistive index(RRI)is the most common Doppler ultrasound variable for measuring intrarenal vascular resistance.AIM To evaluate the association of the RRI with AKI in patients with liver cirrhosis and to identify risk factors for high RRI.METHODS This was a prospective observational study,where RRI was measured using Doppler ultrasound in 200 consecutive hospitalized patients with cirrhosis.The association of RRI with AKI was studied.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was utilized to determine discriminatory cut-offs of RRI for various AKI phenotypes.Multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of high RRI.RESULTS The mean patient age was 49.08±11.68 years,with the majority(79.5%)being male;the predominant etiology of cirrhosis was alcohol(39%).The mean RRI for the study cohort was 0.68±0.09,showing a progressive increase with higher Child-Pugh class of cirrhosis.Overall,AKI was present in 129(64.5%)patients.The mean RRI was significantly higher in patients with AKI compared to those without it(0.72±0.06 vs 0.60±0.08;P<0.001).A total of 82 patients(41%)had hepatorenal syndrome(HRS)-AKI,29(22.4%)had prerenal AKI(PRA),and 18(13.9%)had acute tubular necrosis(ATN)-AKI.The mean RRI was significantly higher in the ATN-AKI(0.80±0.02)and HRS-AKI(0.73±0.03)groups than in the PRA(0.63±0.07)and non-AKI(0.60±0.07)groups.RRI demonstrated excellent discriminatory ability in distinguishing ATN-AKI from non-ATN-AKI(area under ROC curve:93.9%).AKI emerged as an independent predictor of high RRI(adjusted odds ratio[OR]:11.52),and high RRI independently predicted mortality among AKI patients(adjusted OR:3.18).CONCLUSION In cirrhosis patients,RRI exhibited a significant association with AKI,effectively differentiated between AKI phenotypes,and predicted AKI mortality.

Three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index and choroidal thickness in fellow eyes of acute and chronic primary angle-closure using swept-source optical coherence tomography

AIM:To compare the three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index(CVI)and choroidal thickness between fellow eyes of acute primary angle-closure(F-APAC)and chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma(F-CPACG)and the eyes of normal controls.METHODS:This study included 37 patients with unilateral APAC,37 with asymmetric CPACG without prior treatment,and 36 healthy participants.Using swept-source optical coherence tomography(SS-OCT),the macular and peripapillary choroidal thickness and three-dimensional CVI were measured and compared globally and sectorally.Pearson’s correlation analysis and multivariate regression models were used to evaluate choroidal thickness or CVI with related factors.RESULTS:The mean subfoveal CVIs were 0.35±0.10,0.33±0.09,and 0.29±0.04,and the mean subfoveal choroidal thickness were 315.62±52.92,306.22±59.29,and 262.69±45.55μm in the F-APAC,F-CPACG,and normal groups,respectively.All macular sectors showed significantly higher CVIs and choroidal thickness in the F-APAC and F-CPACG eyes than in the normal eyes(P<0.05),while there were no significant differences between the F-APAC and F-CPACG eyes.In the peripapillary region,the mean overall CVIs were 0.21±0.08,0.20±0.08,and 0.19±0.05,and the mean overall choroidal thickness were 180.45±54.18,174.82±50.67,and 176.18±37.94μm in the F-APAC,F-CPACG,and normal groups,respectively.There were no significant differences between any of the two groups in all peripapillary sectors.Younger age,shorter axial length,and the F-APAC or F-CPACG diagnosis were significantly associated with higher subfoveal CVI and thicker subfoveal choroidal thickness(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The fellow eyes of unilateral APAC or asymmetric CPACG have higher macular CVI and choroidal thickness than those of the normal controls.Neither CVI nor choroidal thickness can distinguish between eyes predisposed to APAC or CPACG.A thicker choroid with a higher vascular volume may play a role in the pathogenesis of primary angle-closure glaucoma.

On traceable iterated line graph and hamiltonian path index

Xiong and Liu[21]gave a characterization of the graphs G for which the n-iterated line graph L^(n)(G)is hamiltonian,for n≥2.In this paper,we study the existence of a hamiltonian path in L^(n)(G),and give a characterization of G for which L^(n)(G)has a hamiltonian path.As applications,we use this characterization to give several upper bounds on the hamiltonian path index of a graph.

Association between the cumulative triglyceride-glucose index and the recurrence of atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency catheter ablation

BACKGROUND Triglyceride-glucose(TyG)index values are a new surrogate marker for insulin resistance.This study aimed to explore the relationship between cumulative TyG index values and atrial fibrillation(AF)recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation(RFCA).METHODS A total of 576 patients with AF who underwent RFCA at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University were included in this study.The participants were grouped based on cumulative TyG index values tertiles within 3 months after ablation.Cox regression and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to determine the relationship between cumulative TyG index values and AF recurrence.The predictive value of all risk factors was assessed by receiver operating curve analysis.RESULTS There were 375 patients completed the study(age:63.23±10.73 years,64.27%male).The risk of AF recurrence increased with increasing cumulative TyG index values tertiles.After adjusting for potential confounders,patients in the medium cumulative TyG index group[hazard ratio(HR)=4.949,95%CI:1.778–13.778,P=0.002]and the high cumulative TyG index group(HR=8.716,95%CI:3.371–22.536,P<0.001)had a higher risk of AF recurrence than those in the low cumulative TyG index group.The restricted cubic spline regression model also showed an increased risk of AF recurrence with increasing cumulative TyG index values.When considering cumulative TyG index values,left atrial diameter,and lactate dehydrogenase levels as a comprehensive factor,the model could effectively predict AF recurrence after RFCA[area under the curve(AUC)=0.847,95%CI:0.797–0.897,P<0.001].CONCLUSIONS Cumulative TyG index values were a risk factor for AF recurrence after RFCA.Monitoring longitudinal TyG index values may assist with optimized for risk stratification and outcome prediction for AF recurrence.

An evaluation of ureteral diameter ratio and vesicoureteral reflux index in the treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux

Objective:Vesicoureteral reflux(VUR)index is a simple,validated tool that reliably predicts significant improvement and spontaneous resolution of primary reflux in children.The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the ureter diameter ratio(UDR)and VUR index(VURx)of patients treated with endoscopic injection(EI)and ureteroneocystostomy(UNC)methods in the pediatric age group due to primary VUR.Methods:Patients under the age of 18 years old who underwent EI and UNC with the diagnosis of primary VUR between January 2011 and September 2021 were determined as the participants.The UDR was assessed using voiding cystourethrography,and the VURx score was determined prior to treatment based on hospital records included in the study.Results:A total of 255 patients,60(23.5%)boys and 195(76.5%)girls,with a mean age of 76.5(range 13.0e204.0)months,were included in the study.EI was applied to 130(51.0%)patients and UNC was applied to 125(49.0%)patients due to primary VUR.The optimum cut-off for the distal UDR was obtained as 0.17 with sensitivity and specificity of 73.0%and 63.0%,respectively.The positive and negative predictive values were 66.0%and 70.0%,respectively.Conclusion:When the UDR and VURx score are evaluated together for the surgical treatment of primary VUR in the pediatric age group,it is thought that it may be useful in predicting the clinical course of the disease and evaluating surgical treatment options.

Assessment on eco-environmental quality of the Yellow River Basin by considering desertification index

Desertification has had a significant impact on the ecological environment of the Yellow River Basin(YRB)in China.However,previous studies on the evaluation of the ecological environment quality(EEQ)in the YRB have paid limited attention to the indicator of desertification.It is of great significance to incorporate the desertification index into the spatiotemporal assessment of the EEQ in the YRB in order to protect the ecological environment in the region.In this study,based on multi-source remote sensing data from 91 cities in the YRB,this article proposes a desertification remote sensing ecological index(DRSEI)model,which builds upon the traditional Remote Sensing Ecological Index(RSEI)model,to analyze the spatiotemporal changes in the EEQ in the YRB from 2001 to 2021.Furthermore,using the geographic detector(GD),and geographically and temporally weighted regression(GTWR)model,the study assesses the impact of human and natural factors on the EEQ in the YRB.The research findings indicate that:(1)Compared to the traditional RSEI,the improved DRSEI shows a decreasing trend in the evaluation results of the EEQ.Among the 24 cities,the change in DRSEI exceeds 0.05 compared to RSEI,accounting for 26.37%of the YRB.The remaining 67 cities have changes within a range of less than 0.05,accounting for 73.63%of the YRB.(2)The results of the GD for individual and interactive effects reveal that rainfall and elevation have significant individual and interactive effects on the EEQ.Furthermore,after the interaction with natural factors,the explanatory power of human factors gradually increases over time.The spatial heterogeneity results of GTWR demonstrate that rainfall has a strong direct positive impact on the EEQ,accounting for 98.90%of the influence,while temperature exhibits a more pronounced direct inhibitory effect,accounting for 76.92%of the influence.Human activities have a strong negative impact on the EEQ and a weak positive impact.