Optimization Design of the Multi-Layer Cross-Sectional Layout of An Umbilical Based on the GA-GLM

Marine umbilical is one of the key equipment for subsea oil and gas exploitation,which is usually integrated by a great number of different functional components with multi-layers.The layout of these components directly affects manufacturing,operation and storage performances of the umbilical.For the multi-layer cross-sectional layout design of the umbilical,a quantifiable multi-objective optimization model is established according to the operation and storage requirements.Considering the manufacturing factors,the multi-layering strategy based on contact point identification is introduced for a great number of functional components.Then,the GA-GLM global optimization algorithm is proposed combining the genetic algorithm and the generalized multiplier method,and the selection operator of the genetic algorithm is improved based on the steepest descent method.Genetic algorithm is used to find the optimal solution in the global space,which can converge from any initial layout to the feasible layout solution.The feasible layout solution is taken as the initial value of the generalized multiplier method for fast and accurate solution.Finally,taking umbilicals with a great number of components as examples,the results show that the cross-sectional performance of the umbilical obtained by optimization algorithm is better and the solution efficiency is higher.Meanwhile,the multi-layering strategy is effective and feasible.The design method proposed in this paper can quickly obtain the optimal multi-layer cross-sectional layout,which replaces the manual design,and provides useful reference and guidance for the umbilical industry.

Dyslipidemia in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes in a Rural Community in Ganadougou, Mali: A Cross-Sectional Study

Dyslipidemia is a disorder where abnormally lipid concentrations circulate in the bloodstream. The disorder is common in type 2 diabetics (T2D) and is linked with T2D comorbidities, particularly cardiovascular disease. Dyslipidemia in T2D is typically characterized by elevated plasma triglyceride and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. There is a significant gap in the literature regarding dyslipidemia in rural parts of Africa, where lipid profiles may not be captured through routine surveillance. This study aimed to characterize the prevalence and demo-graphic profile of dyslipidemia in T2D in the rural community of Ganadougou, Mali. We performed a cross-sectional study of 104 subjects with T2D in Ganadougou between November 2021 and March 2022. Demographic and lipid profiles were collected through cross-sectional surveys and serological analyses. The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia in T2D patients was 87.5% (91/104), which did not differ by sex (P = .368). High low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was the most common lipid abnormality (78.9%, [82/104]). Dyslipidemia was associated with age and hypertension status (P = .013 and.036, respectively). High total and high LDL-C parameters were significantly associated with hypertension (P = .029 and .006, respectively). In low-resource settings such as rural Mali, there is a critical need to improve infrastructure for routine dyslipidemia screening to guide its prevention and intervention approaches. The high rates of dyslipidemia observed in Gandadougou, consistent with concomitant increases in cardiovascular diseases in Africa suggest that lipid profile assessments should be incorporated into routine medical care for T2D patients in African rural settings.

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.

Mental health and insomnia problems in healthcare workers after the COVID-19 pandemic:A multicenter cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Healthcare workers(HCWs)are at increased risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)as well as worsening mental health problems and insomnia.These problems can persist for a long period,even after the pandemic.However,less is known about this topic.AIM To analyze mental health,insomnia problems,and their influencing factors in HCWs after the COVID-19 pandemic.METHODS This multicenter cross-sectional,hospital-based study was conducted from June 1,2023 to June 30,2023,which was a half-year after the end of the COVID-19 emergency.Region-stratified population-based cluster sampling was applied at the provincial level for Chinese HCWs.Symptoms such as anxiety,depression,and insomnia were evaluated by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7,Patient Health Questionnaire-9,and Insomnia Severity Index.Factors influencing the symptoms were identified by multivariable logistic regression.RESULTS A total of 2000 participants were invited,for a response rate of 70.6%.A total of 1412 HCWs[618(43.8%)doctors,583(41.3%)nurses and 211(14.9%)nonfrontline],254(18.0%),231(16.4%),and 289(20.5%)had symptoms of anxiety,depression,and insomnia,respectively;severe symptoms were found in 58(4.1%),49(3.5%),and 111(7.9%)of the participants.Nurses,female sex,and hospitalization for COVID-19 were risk factors for anxiety,depression,and insomnia symptoms;moreover,death from family or friends was a risk factor for insomnia symptoms.During the COVID-19 outbreak,most[1086(76.9%)]of the participating HCWs received psychological interventions,while nearly all[994(70.4%)]of them had received public psychological education.Only 102(7.2%)of the HCWs received individual counseling from COVID-19.CONCLUSION Although the mental health and sleep problems of HCWs were relieved after the COVID-19 pandemic,they still faced challenges and greater risks than did the general population.Identifying risk factors would help in providing targeted interventions.In addition,although a major proportion of HCWs have received public psychological education,individual interventions are still insufficient.

Patterns of Infertility and Abortion in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Infertility and abortion are significant reproductive health concerns globally, impacting individuals' well-being and healthcare systems. In Saudi Arabia, cultural, social, and religious factors influence perceptions and management of these issues, necessitating research to understand the patterns and associated factors. Study Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the patterns of infertility and abortion among 458 women in Saudi Arabia, focusing on demographic profiles, reproductive histories, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors. Methodology: Participants were recruited from healthcare facilities, and data on age, BMI, reproductive history, medical conditions, assisted reproduction methods, and lifestyle behaviors were collected. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, were conducted to examine associations between variables. Results: The majority of participants were aged 30 - 39 years (47.4%), with 76.9% experiencing secondary infertility. Among those with offspring (76.9%), 31% reported using assisted reproduction methods, primarily ovarian stimulators (54.2%). Abortion history was reported by 39.5% of participants. Significant associations were found between age and infertility type (X2 = 5.8, p = 0.054), having offspring and infertility type (X2 = 458.0, p = 0.001), menstrual irregularity and infertility type (X2 = 11.4, p = 0.001), and abortion history and delayed fertility (X2 = 10.4, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Our study reveals significant associations between demographic, medical, and lifestyle factors with infertility patterns and abortion history among Saudi women. These findings emphasize the need for tailored interventions addressing medical conditions, age-related factors, and access to reproductive healthcare services.

A Cross-Sectional Study on The Prevalence of Anemia in Maintenance Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients and Its Related Factors

Objective:To study the prevalence of anemia,the proportion of hemoglobin(Hb)levels,the treatment methods,and the influencing factors of Hb levels in maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)and peritoneal dialysis patients.Methods:In this study,602 patients with maintenance hemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis were enrolled from December 2020 to December 2022 in our hospital,and their medical records were collected and summarized.The main contents included the patient’s gender,age,primary disease,dialysis duration,dialysis method,the use of erythropoietic stimulating agents(ESA),intravenous iron,and laboratory tests.A Hb index exceeding 110 g/L was set as the standard for the prevalence of anemia.Results:The rate of anemia in patients undergoing blood purification was 83%.The proportion of ESA use was 84.1%,and the proportion of iron use was 76.7%,of which the proportion of intravenous iron used was 17.0%,and the proportion of folic acid used was 28.3%.Conclusion:The incidence of anemia in MHD patients was relatively high,with a low proportion of patients reaching the standard Hb levels.Risk factors include albumin(ALB)levels,iron storage,white blood cells,C-reactive protein,cholesterol,etc.Nutritional support,iron supplementation,and prevention of micro-inflammatory reactions can effectively promote the improvement of Hb indicators in dialysis patients to prevent anemia.

Investor Sentiment and Cross-Sectional Return after Share Issuance:Evidence from Seasonal Equity Offering in China Market

Our research on private placement of equity on China capital market reveals that firms prefer to equity financing when their stock price is overvalued and investor sentiment is high,following the market timing hypothesis.However,after private issuance,we document a significant positive abnormal return within three years.We believe firms choose to polish their financial statement before the exit of institutional investors and controlling shareholders.Through manipulation of discretional accruals,firms improve the profitability and market valuation,and help institutional investors and controlling shareholders obtain the abnormal return after private placement of equity.Nevertheless,such manipulation cannot be sustained and will do harm to other investors in the long-term.

Knowledge,attitude,and practice of patients living with inflammatory bowel disease:A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases(IBDs)generally have poor knowledge,attitude,and practice of their disease,while the data from China are lacking.AIM To address this knowledge disparity among Chinese patients with IBD.METHODS This web-based,cross-sectional study was conducted on a cohort of IBD patients who visited the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between December 2022 and February 2023.Their socio-demographic information and the knowledge,attitude,and practice scores were collected and estimated using a self-designed questionnaire.Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to determine the pairwise correlations among knowledge,attitude,and practice scores.A multivariate logistic regression analysis was further performed to determine the independent factors associated with their knowledge,attitude,and practice scores.RESULTS A total of 353 patients(224 males)with IBD completed the questionnaires.The mean knowledge,attitude,and practice scores were 10.05±3.46(possible range:0-14),41.58±5.23(possible range:0-56),44.20±7.39(possible range:0-56),respectively,indicating good knowledge,positive attitude,and proactive practice toward IBD.Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that the knowledge score had significant positive correlations with the attitude score(r=0.371,P<0.001)and practice score(r=0.100,P<0.001).The attitude score had a significant positive correlation with the practice score(r=0.452,P<0.001).Moreover,multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that aged 30-40 years[odds ratio(OR)=4.06,95%confidence interval(CI):1.04-15.82,P=0.043],middle school education(OR=3.98,95%CI:1.29-12.33,P=0.017),high school/technical secondary school education(OR=14.06,95%CI:3.92-50.38,P<0.001),and junior college/bachelor’s degree and above education(OR=15.20,95%CI:4.15-55.650,P<0.001)were independently associated with good knowledge.The higher knowledge score was independently associated with a positive attitude(OR=1.23,95%CI:1.11-1.36,P<0.001).The higher attitude score was independently associated with proactive practice(OR=1.20,95%CI:1.11-1.30,P<0.001).CONCLUSION Chinese patients with IBD might have good knowledge,a positive attitude,and proactive practice toward their disease.However,a small number of specific items require education.

Exercise, Depression, and Anxiety in Young People: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background:Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent among adolescents and have multiple negative effects on their physical and mental health.While exercise can reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety,the rela-tionship between mental disorders among American university students has been rarely reported.Accordingly,this study aimed to explore the association between exercise,depression and anxiety among American university students in the 2018–2019 academic year.Methods:In this cross-sectional study,the association between exercise,depression and anxiety was investigated in a large representative sample of American university students.In the 2018–2019 academic year,university students aged 18+years old from 79 institutions participated in this school-based study.The questionnaire included measurements of demographic characteristics,exercise,and validated screen instructions for depression(PHQ-9)and anxiety(GAD-7).The multivariable logistic regression model was applied to explore the association between exercise,depression and anxiety.Results:A total of 62026 indivi-duals(31.9%males)participated in this survey,and the prevalence of exercising at least 5 h each day was 24.6%.The prevalence of depression and anxiety was 25.7%and 22.3%,respectively.In the multivariable logistic regres-sion model,compared to exercise at least 5 h daily,participants whose exercise less than 1 h daily(OR=1.31[1.29,1.33],p<0.05),2 to 3 h daily(OR=1.13[1.11,1.15],p<0.05),3 to 4 h daily(OR=1.04[1.02,1.06],p<0.05),were correlated with greater odds of depression,while exercise less than 1 h daily(OR=1.23[1.21,1.25],p<0.05),2 to 3 h daily(OR=1.10[1.08,1.12],p<0.05)were significantly correlated with great-er odds of anxiety.Conclusion:Higher levels of exercise are associated with lower risk of depression and anxiety among American university students.Community and school interventions should focus on increasing exercise participation in university populations to promote both physical and mental health.

Endoscopy demand among county people in southeast China:A cross-sectional study

Objective The popularization of gastroenteroscopy and the introduction of comfortable medical care have further promoted the growth of people's demand,especially the demand for painless endoscopy.This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the current situation and change in county people's demand for endoscopy to promote the development of endoscopy centers in county hospitals in southeast China.Methods From October to December 2021,patients and their family members who came to the Gastroenterology Department in Suichang County People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province were randomly selected to complete the questionnaire.A total of 838 valid questionnaires were collected.Additionally,the original software data of the Endoscopy Center were sampled and retrieved(from October to December every year from 2018 to 2021)for statistical analysis of real-world data.Those who would choose painless endoscopy the next time in the valid questionnaires were included in the painless endoscopy group,while those who would choose ordinary endoscopy the next time were included in the ordinary endoscopy group.Results The stepwise forward binary logistic regression model analysis showed that,patients with“secondhand smoke exposure”were more willing to choose painless endoscopy(OR=1.459,95%CI:1.050-2.028,p=0.025).However,patients with an education level of“primary and below”and“junior high school”,and patients who are suffering from“currently experiencing abdominal distension”,were more willing to choose ordinary endoscopy(OR=0.270,95%CI:0.149-0.488,p<0.001;OR=0.528,95%CI:0.330-0.845,p=0.008;OR=0.536,95%CI:0.334-0.861,p=0.010).Patients with previous experience in painless endoscopy tended to choose painless endoscopy the next time,while patients with previous experience in ordinary endoscopy tended to choose ordinary endoscopy the next time(χ^(2)=140.97,p<0.001).From 2018 to 2021,the proportion of painless endoscopy has increased yearly(p<0.001).Most patients indicated that they would“regularly review gastroenteroscopy”(477/838,56.9%).Conclusions With Suichang County of Zhejiang Province as the representative,the demand for painless endoscopy for people's gastrointestinal cancer detection in southeast China has been increasing yearly.The development of endoscopy centers in county-level hospitals can basically meet the demand growth.Meanwhile,advanced concepts such as comfortable medical care and regular follow-up are gradually popularized at the grassroots level in southeast China.

Determinants of internet addiction among medical students in Casablanca: a cross-sectional study

Objective:This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and determinants of Internet addiction among medical students at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca,Morocco.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study conducted among students at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy in Casablanca between October and March 2020.An online questionnaire was administered to students to collect data and internet addiction was assessed by the Young questionnaire.A score threshold≥50 was adopted to define addiction.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with internet addiction.Results:Out of a total of 4093 FMPC students enrolled in the 2020-2021 academic year,506 agreed to participate in this study,including 303 females and 203 males.The mean addiction score assessed on the Young scale was(49.08±16.11).The prevalence of Internet addiction was 44.5%(225/506,95% CI:40% to 49%).Multiple regression analysis showed that being older than 20 years(OR=0.17,95% CI:0.40 to 0.64),being female(OR=1.70,95% CI:1.04 to 2.78),being in the dissertation year(6th year)(OR=5.17,95% CI:2.23 to 11.44),having a history of psychiatric consultation(OR=2.64,95% CI:1.34 to 5.21),having divorced parents(OR=2.64,95% CI:1.05 to 5.87),use of sleeping medication(OR=2.9,95% CI:1.05 to 3.70),sleep disorders(OR=2.06,95% CI:1.25 to 3.79),sleep deprivation(OR=2.26,95% CI:1.39 to 3.65),excessive daytime sleepiness(OR=5.39,95% CI:2.19 to 13.24),anxiety disorders(OR=1.47,95% CI:1.18 to 2.30),duration of internet connection(>4 h)(OR=11.43,95% CI:4.85 to 27.66),and having frequent conflicts with parents(OR=2.37,95% CI:1.49 to 3.79)and friends(OR=0.26,95% CI:0.11 to 0.65)were independently associated with internet addiction.Conclusion:The prevalence of Internet addiction among medical students in Casablanca remains high.Targeted action on the determinants would be of great value in prevention.

A Critical Review of the Effects of Stock Returns and Market Timing on Capital Structure

Capital structure is regarded as the combination of debt and equity firms used to finance operations and investments.The choice of capital structure significantly impacts a company’s cost of capital,profitability,and risk profile.Among a series of factors that affect capital structure,this paper focuses on stock returns and market timing.In this review,an array of papers is analyzed to summarize what current research claims regarding the influence of stock returns and market timing on capital structure.This paper centers on the stock return and market timing theories and also discusses other theories like the trade-off theory,the pecking order theory,and the signaling theory.

Lung Function Impairment among Gasoline Attendants: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Occupational health is an important consideration, especially for people that work in an environment with pollutants. Gasoline attendants are individuals that work in filling stations. They are constantly exposed to gasoline fumes and automobile engine products from vehicle exhaust. This increases the risk of acute and chronic respiratory diseases and carcinogenesis among them. The risk of health complications tends to increase with the duration of exposure. The study aimed to determine the proportion of gasoline attendants with lung function impairment. Methods and Materials: Two hundred and eight eligible participants were recruited for this study. A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in Esan West local government area of Edo state, Nigeria. The study was carried out for a period of six months from December 2015 to May 2016. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic characteristics, work history, mode of exposure and duration of exposure to petrol fumes. Lung function was assessed using a DTspiro spirometer (Model POP 10. Serial no 110843-005);also the anthropometric parameters of the respondent were measured. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 20.0. Frequency and percentages were used to present categorical data. The mean and standard deviation of continuous variables were calculated and compared using the student’s t-test. The criteria of significant association were assumed for a p-value less than 0.05. Results: A total of one hundred and forty petrol pump attendants and one hundred and forty controls participated in this study. The mean age for petrol pump attendants was 24 ± 3.1 years and 23 ± 2.8 years for the control group. There were no significant differences in the gender distribution and anthropometric parameters as observed in this study. The lung impairment pattern observed in this study was obstructive in twelve (8.6%) gasoline pump attendants and restrictive pattern in thirty-nine (27.9%) gasoline pump attendants, while only four (2.9%) had an obstructive pattern and twelve (8.6%) had a restrictive pattern of lung impairment among the control group. This implies that a restrictive pattern was predominant. This study also observed that there was an increase in the number of gasoline pump attendants with declined lung function compared to the control group. Conclusion: Restrictive pattern of lung impairment was more predominant than the obstructive pattern among gasoline pump attendants. As a result, public health interventions should be instituted among these individuals, especially in developing countries.

The Frequency of the v-AKT Murine Thymoma Viral Oncogene Homologue 1 Gene Amplification among Sudanese Women with Ovarian Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Protein kinase B (AKT/PKB) family is frequently amplified in ovarian cancer (OC). To the greatest of our knowledge, there is a lack of published reports about the amplification of the genes belonging to the AKT family among Sudanese women with OC. The present study was conducted to detect the AKT1 gene amplification and its association with tumour types, grades, and ages among Sudanese women with OC, bearing in mind the ethnic variation. Methods: This institution-based study included 79 cases of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer (OC) at Omdurman Maternity Hospital in the period 2013-2018. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections were used to extract RNA. AKT1 gene amplification was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR. Results: The mean age (±SD) of included women was 49.29 (±13.612). The amplification of AKT1 gene was observed in 18/79 (22.8%) of OC women, with a high frequency in women with undifferentiated 1/2 (50%), clear cell 2/6 (33.3%), mucinous 3/11 (27.3%), endometrioid 3/17 (17.6%), and serous carcinomas 5/30 OC (16.7%). High frequency was seen in women with low (26.3%;n = 10/28) rather than in higher (19.5%;n = 8/33) grade carcinoma, and in older (25.8%;n = 8/23) rather than younger (18.2%;n = 2/9) women. No significant association between AKT1 gene amplification and tumour types, grades, and ages of women was observed (Fisher’s Exact test: p = 0.405, 0.593 and 0.851, respectively). Conclusion: AKT1 gene amplification arises in around one-fifth of Sudanese women with ovarian cancer (OC). It is seen more in undifferentiated, clear cell, and mucinous tumours types, and more frequently in low tumour grade and older women, but not to a statistically significant level. These outcomes sustenance previous studies suggesting that activated AKT genes have a vital role in OC progression and may offer a plan for targeted therapy and prognostic evaluation.

Early endotracheal intubation is not associated with the rate of return of spontaneous circulation following cardiac arrest at the emergency department:an exploratory analysis

Cardiac arrest poses a significant global public health challenge,manifesting in approximately 550,000 cases annually within the United States.[1]In-hospital cardiac arrest(IHCA)is commonly attributed to airways and respiratory issues.[2]Recommendations emphasize the expertise of responders in airway management.[3]Various options exist,such as chest compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR),bag-mask ventilation(BMV),and advanced airways.The BMV and advanced airways are not deemed equivalent or superior based on previous evidence.[4]Achieving consistency in choosing and timing the optimal airway approach during IHCA is crucial.The current American Heart Association guidelines suggest an advanced airway strategy when endotracheal intubation(ETI)success rates are high,but the optimal time for advanced airway management remains unclear.[5]Wong et al[6]revealed that survival improved by less than 5 min with advanced airway management.According to a subgroup analysis of IHCA patients in emergency departments(EDs),early intubation was associated with a 1.5-fold greater rate of return of spontaneous circulation(ROSC)than in other locations.[7]ED patients’constant monitoring and immediate management,with readily available intubation equipment,enhance early intubation and survival rates.[6]Nonetheless,IHCA patients intubated within the first 15 min had a lower ROSC rate.

Dynamic convergent shock compression initiated by return current in high-intensity laser-solid interactions

We investigate the dynamics of convergent shock compression in solid cylindrical targets irradiated by an ultrafast relativistic laser pulse.Our particle-in-cell simulations and coupled hydrodynamic simulations reveal that the compression process is initiated by both magnetic pressure and surface ablation associated with a strong transient surface return current with density of the order of 10^(17) A/m^(2) and lifetime of 100 fs.The results show that the dominant compression mechanism is governed by the plasma β,i.e.,the ratio of thermal pressure to magnetic pressure.For targets with small radius and low atomic number Z,the magnetic pressure is the dominant shock compression mechanism.According to a scaling law,as the target radius and Z increase,the surface ablation pressure becomes the main mechanism generating convergent shocks.Furthermore,an indirect experimental indication of shocked hydrogen compression is provided by optical shadowgraphy measurements of the evolution of the plasma expansion diameter.The results presented here provide a novel basis for the generation of extremely high pressures exceeding Gbar(100 TPa)to enable the investigation of high-pressure physics using femtosecond J-level laser pulses,offering an alternative to nanosecond kJ-laser pulse-driven and pulsed power Z-pinch compression methods.

Increased number of symptoms during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection in athletes is associated with prolonged time to return to full sports performance—AWAREⅧ

Purpose The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with prolonged time to return to full performance(RTFP)in athletes with recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection.Methods Prospective cohort study with cross sectional analysis.A total of 84 athletes with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection assessed at a coronavirus disease 2019 recovery clinic gave a history of age,sex,type/level of sport,co-morbidities,pre-infection training hours,and 26 acute SARS-CoV-2 symptoms from 3 categories(“nose and throat”,“chest and neck”,and“whole body”/systemic).Data on days to RTFP were obtained by structured interviews.Factors associated with RTFP were demographics,sport participation,history of co-morbidities,pre-infection training history,and acute symptoms(type,number).Outcomes were:(a)days to RTFP(median,interquartile range(IQR))in asymptomatic(n=7)and symptomatic athletes(n=77),and(b)hazard ratios(HRs;95%confidence interval)for symptomatic athletes with vs.without a factor(univariate,multiple models).HR<1 was predictive of higher percentage chance of prolonged RTFP.Significance was p<0.05.Results Days to RTFP were 30 days(IQR:23–40)for asymptomatic and 64 days(IQR:42–91)for symptomatic participants(p>0.05).Factors associated with prolonged RTFP(univariate models)were:females(HR=0.57;p=0.014),endurance athletes(HR=0.41;p<0.0001),co-morbidity number(HR=0.75;p=0.001),and respiratory disease history(HR=0.54;p=0.026).In symptomatic athletes,prolonged RTFP(multiple models)was significantly associated with increased“chest and neck”(HR=0.85;p=0.017)and“nose and throat”(HR=0.84;p=0.013)symptoms,but the association was more profound between prolonged RFTP and increased total number of“all symptoms”(HR=0.91;p=0.001)and“whole body”/systemic(HR=0.82;p=0.007)symptoms.Conclusion A larger number of total symptoms and specifically“whole body”/systemic symptoms during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection in athletes is associated with prolonged RTFP.

Correlation of dietary mineral intake and malnutrition in cancer patients:A multicenter cross-sectional study

Background:To examine the correlation between the dietary mineral intake and the nutritional status of patients suffering from malignan-cies.Methods:This multi-center cross-sectional study included a total of 866 patients with malignant tumors recruited from seven hospitals throughout China.The information of socio-demographic characteristics and biochemical indicators were obtained from electronic medical records of inpatients.Dietary data were collected using a 3-day 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire.The intake of energy,dietary calcium(Ca),phosphorus(P),potassium(K),sodium(Na),magnesium(Mg),iron(Fe),zinc(Zn),selenium(Se),copper(Cu)and manganese(Mn)were estimated according to the Chinese Food Composition Tables standard edition.The weight and height of patients were measured,and the body mass index(BMI)was calculated.Nutritional risk and malnutrition were assessed by the Nutritional Screening 2002(NRS 2002)and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition(GLIM)diagnostic criteria.We used a multivariable logistic regression model to estimate the asso-ciations between dietary minerals and malnutrition.Results:The patients had an average age of 61.98(±15.49)years,and 40.6%(n=352)were female.Slightly less than half(44.5%)of the patients were at nutritional risk(NRS 2002≥3),and 32.7%were diagnosed with malnutrition(using the GUM criteria).Univariate analy-ses revealed that there was a statistically significant relationship between dietary mineral intake and the occurrence of nutritional risk(P<0.001).After adjusting the collinearity,we found that higher levels of P,Mn and Se intake were negatively associated with nutritional risk as-sessed by the NRS 2002 score.Moderate intake of Ca and high intake of Zn might also decrease the nutritional risk(Ca:OR,0.53,95%CI,0.32-0.88;Zn:OR,0.36,95%CI,0.19-0.68).However,no significant relationships were observed between any dietary mineral intake and malnutrition identified by the GUM criteria.Conclusions:Dietary minerals,especially P,Se,and Mn,may have a protective effect on the occurrence of nutritional risk in patients with malignant tumors.In addition,patients should maintain appropriate levels of Ca and Zn.

Straw return increases crop production by improving soil organic carbon sequestration and soil aggregation in a long-term wheat-cotton cropping system

Straw return is a promising strategy for managing soil organic carbon(SOC)and improving yield stability.However,the optimal straw return strategy for sustainable crop production in the wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)-cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.)cropping system remains uncertain.The objective of this study was to quantify the long-term(10 years)impact of carbon(C)input on SOC sequestration,soil aggregation and crop yields in a wheat-cotton cropping system in the Yangtze River Valley,China.Five treatments were arranged with a single-factor randomized design as follows:no straw return(Control),return of wheat straw only(Wt),return of cotton straw only(Ct),return of 50%wheat and 50%cotton straw(Wh-Ch)and return of 100%wheat and 100%cotton straw(Wt-Ct).In comparison to the Control,the SOC content increased by 8.4 to 20.2%under straw return.A significant linear positive correlation between SOC sequestration and C input(1.42-7.19 Mg ha^(−1)yr^(−1))(P<0.05)was detected.The percentages of aggregates of sizes>2 and 1-2 mm at the 0-20 cm soil depth were also significantly elevated under straw return,with the greatest increase of the aggregate stability in the Wt-Ct treatment(28.1%).The average wheat yields increased by 12.4-36.0%and cotton yields increased by 29.4-73.7%,and significantly linear positive correlations were also detected between C input and the yields of wheat and cotton.The average sustainable yield index(SYI)reached a maximum value of 0.69 when the C input was 7.08 Mg ha^(−1)yr^(−1),which was close to the maximum value(SYI of 0.69,C input of 7.19 Mg ha^(−1)yr^(-1))in the Wt-Ct treatment.Overall,the return of both wheat and cotton straw was the best strategy for improving SOC sequestration,soil aggregation,yields and their sustainability in the wheat-cotton rotation system.

Wideband radar cross-section reduction by a double-layer-plasma-based metasurface

Reduction of the radar cross-section(RCS) is the key to stealth technology. To improve the RCS reduction effect of the designed checkerboard metasurface and overcome the limitation of thinlayer plasma in RCS reduction technology, a double-layer-plasma-based metasurface—composed of a checkerboard metasurface, a double-layer plasma and an air gap between them—was investigated. Based on the principle of backscattering cancellation, we designed a checkerboard metasurface composed of different artificial magnetic conductor units;the checkerboard metasurface can reflect vertically incident electromagnetic(EM) waves in four different inclined directions to reduce the RCS. Full-wave simulations confirm that the doublelayer-plasma-based metasurface can improve the RCS reduction effect of the metasurface and the plasma. This is because in a band lower than the working band of the metasurface, the RCS reduction effect is mainly improved by the plasma layer. In the working band of the metasurface,impedance mismatching between the air gap and first plasma layer and between first and second plasma layers cause the scattered waves to become more dispersed, so the propagation path of the EM waves in the plasma becomes longer, increasing the absorption of the EM waves by the plasma. Thus, the RCS reduction effect is enhanced. The double-layer-plasma-based metasurface can be insensitive to the polarization of the incoming EM waves, and can also maintain a satisfactory RCS reduction band when the incident waves are oblique.