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 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.展开更多
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 influe...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.展开更多
The state-selective cross section data are useful for understanding and modeling the x-ray emission in celestial observations.In the present work,using the cold target recoil ion momentum spectroscopy,for the first ti...The state-selective cross section data are useful for understanding and modeling the x-ray emission in celestial observations.In the present work,using the cold target recoil ion momentum spectroscopy,for the first time we investigated the state-selective single electron capture processes for S^(q+)–He and H_(2)(q=11–15)collision systems at an impact energy of q×20 keV and obtained the relative state-selective cross sections.The results indicate that only a few principal quantum states of the projectile energy level are populated in a single electron capture process.In particular,the increase of the projectile charge state leads to the population of the states with higher principal quantum numbers.It is also shown that the experimental averaged n-shell populations are reproduced well by the over-barrier model.The database is openly available in Science Data Bank at 10.57760/sciencedb.j00113.00091.展开更多
The absolute partial and total cross sections for electron impact ionization of carbon monoxide are reported for electron energies from 350 eV to 8000 eV.The product ions(CO^(+),C^(+),O^(+),CO^(2+),C^(2+),and O^(2+))a...The absolute partial and total cross sections for electron impact ionization of carbon monoxide are reported for electron energies from 350 eV to 8000 eV.The product ions(CO^(+),C^(+),O^(+),CO^(2+),C^(2+),and O^(2+))are measured by employing an ion imaging mass spectrometer and two ion-pair dissociation channels(C^(+)+O^(+)and C^(2+)+O^(+))are identified.The absolute cross sections for producing individual ions and their total,as well as for the ion-pair dissociation channels are obtained by normalizing the data of CO^(+)to that of Ar^(+)from CO-Ar mixture target with a fixed 1:1 ratio.The overall errors are evaluated by considering various kinds of uncertainties.A comprehensive comparison is made with the available data,which shows a good agreement with each other over the energy ranges that are overlapped.This work presents new cross-section data with electron energies above 1000 eV.展开更多
The neutron-induced total cross sections of natural lead have been measured in a wide energy range(0.3 eV-20 MeV)on the back-streaming white neutron beamline(Back-n)at the China Spallation Neutron Source.Neutron energ...The neutron-induced total cross sections of natural lead have been measured in a wide energy range(0.3 eV-20 MeV)on the back-streaming white neutron beamline(Back-n)at the China Spallation Neutron Source.Neutron energy was determined by the neutron total cross-section spectrometer using the time-of-flight technique.A fast multi-cell fission chamber was used as the neutron detector,and a 10-mm-thick high-purity natural lead sample was employed for the neutron transmission measurements.The on-beam background was determined using Co,In,Ag,and Cd filters.The excitation function of ^(nat)Pb(n,tot)reaction below 20 MeV was calculated using the TALYS-1.96 nuclear-reaction modeling program.The present results were compared with previous results,the evaluated data available in the five major evaluated nuclear data libraries(i.e.,ENDF/B-VIII.0,JEFF-3.3,JENDL-5,CENDL-3.2,and BROND-3.1),and the theoretical calculation curve.Good agreement was found between the new results and those of previous experiments and with the theoretical curves in the corresponding region.This measurement obtained the neutron total cross section of natural lead with good accuracy over a wide energy range and added experimental data in the resonance energy range.This provides more reliable experimental data for nuclear engineering design and nuclear data evaluation of lead.展开更多
The dynamics of a solid spherical body in an oscillating liquid flow in a vertical axisymmetric channel of variable cross section is experimentally studied.It is shown that the oscillating liquid leads to the generati...The dynamics of a solid spherical body in an oscillating liquid flow in a vertical axisymmetric channel of variable cross section is experimentally studied.It is shown that the oscillating liquid leads to the generation of intense averaged flows in each of the channel segments.The intensity and direction of these flows depend on the dimensionless oscillating frequency.In the region of studied frequencies,the dynamics of the considered body is examined when the primary vortices emerging in the flow occupy the whole region in each segment.For a fixed frequency,an increase in the oscillation amplitude leads to a phase-inclusion holding effect,i.e.,the body occupies a quasi-stationary position in one of the cells of the vertical channel,while oscillating around its average position.It is also shown that the oscillating motion of a liquid column generates an averaged force acting on the body,the magnitude of which depends on the properties of the body and its position in the channel.The quasi-stationary position is determined by the relative density and size of the body,as well as the dimensionless frequency.The behavior of the body as a function of the amplitude and frequency of fluid oscillation and relative size is discussed in detail.Such findings may be used in the future to control the position of a phase inclusion and/or to strengthen mass transfer effects in a channel of variable cross section by means of fluid oscillations.展开更多
Aluminum is the primary structural material in nuclear engineering,and its cross section induced by 14-MeV neutrons is of great significance.To address the issue of insufficient accuracy for the^(27)Al(n,2n)^(26)Al re...Aluminum is the primary structural material in nuclear engineering,and its cross section induced by 14-MeV neutrons is of great significance.To address the issue of insufficient accuracy for the^(27)Al(n,2n)^(26)Al reaction cross section,the activation method and accelerator mass spectrometry(AMS)technique were used to determine the^(27)Al(n,2n)^(26)Al cross section,which could be used as a D-T plasma ion temperature monitor in fusion reactors.At the China Academy of Engineering Physics,neutron activation was performed using a K-400 neutron generator produced by the T(d,n)4He reaction.The^(26)Al∕^(27)Al isotope ratios were measured using the newly installed GYIG 1 MV AMS at the Institute of Geochemistry,Chinese Academy of Sciences.The neutron flux was monitored by measuring the activity of 92mNb produced by the 93Nb(n,2n)92mNb reaction.The measured results were compared with available data in the experimental nuclear reaction database,and the measured values showed a reasonable degree of consistency with partially available literature data.The newly acquired cross-sectional data at 12 neutron energy points through systematic measurements clarified the divergence,which has two different growth trends from the existing experimental values.The obtained results are also compared with the corresponding evaluated database,and the newly calculated excitation functions with TALYS−1.95 and EMPIRE−3.2 codes,the agreement with CENDL−3.2,TENDL-2021 and EMPIRE−3.2 results are generally acceptable.A substantial improvement in the knowledge of the^(27)Al(n,2n)^(26)Al reaction excitation function was obtained in the present work,which will lay the foundation for the diagnosis of the fusion ion temperature,testing of the nuclear physics model,evaluation of nuclear data,etc.展开更多
This resolution 5 (25−1 factorial) study aimed to ascertain an understanding of the interactions between different geometries on the resulting Radar Cross Section (RCS) of a target. The results of the study are in lin...This resolution 5 (25−1 factorial) study aimed to ascertain an understanding of the interactions between different geometries on the resulting Radar Cross Section (RCS) of a target. The results of the study are in line with the general understanding of the impact different geometries have on RCS but show that geometries can also influence the variance of measured RCS, and typical attributes that reduce RCS increase the variance of the measured RCS. Notably, an increased angle between the front face of a plate and the direction of the radar signal decreased RCS but increased the variance of the RCS measured.展开更多
Based on the sheet, scanning electron microscope and high pressure mercury analysis method, this paper takes Jiyuan oilfield-Ma Jia mountain district 4 5 sandstone reservoir as the research object, from the reservoir ...Based on the sheet, scanning electron microscope and high pressure mercury analysis method, this paper takes Jiyuan oilfield-Ma Jia mountain district 4 5 sandstone reservoir as the research object, from the reservoir petrology, pore type and porosity, permeability, the system analyzed the reservoir characteristics and its control factors. The results show that the sandstone in the 4 5 section of Baoziwan-Majiashan area of Jiyuan oilfield is fine in size and high in filling content. The pore types were dominated by intergranular pores and dissolved pores, with a low face rate. The reservoir property is relatively poor, with mean porosity of 11.11% and mean permeability of 1.16 × 10<sup>−</sup><sup>3</sup> µm<sup>2</sup>. In the low porous, low otonic background, the development of relatively high pore hypertonic areas. Compaction and cementation should play a destructive role in reservoir properties, and dissolution should play a positive role in reservoir properties. Compaction adjusts the migration of clay minerals and miscellaneous bases in the original sediment in the study area, greatly reducing the porosity and permeability of the reservoir;the development of the cement cement, carbonate cementation and some quartz secondary compounds reduces the storage space;the dissolution effect, especially the secondary dissolution pores of the reservoir, which obviously improves the properties of the reservoir.展开更多
Double differential cross section (DDCS) of First-Born approximation is calcu-lated for the ionization of metastable 3d-state hydrogen atoms by electron impact energy at 150 eV and 250 eV. A multiple scattering theory...Double differential cross section (DDCS) of First-Born approximation is calcu-lated for the ionization of metastable 3d-state hydrogen atoms by electron impact energy at 150 eV and 250 eV. A multiple scattering theory is applied in the present study. The present results are compared with the other related the-oretical results for the ionization of hydrogen atoms from different metastable states and ground-state experimental results. The findings demonstrate a strong qualitative agreement with the existing results. The obtained results have an extensive scope for further study of such an ionization process.展开更多
The annular volute is typically used in a slurry pump to reduce the collisions between solid particles and the volute tongue and to achieve a better resistance to blocking. However, only limited studies regarding annu...The annular volute is typically used in a slurry pump to reduce the collisions between solid particles and the volute tongue and to achieve a better resistance to blocking. However, only limited studies regarding annular volutes are available, and there is no systematic design method for annular volutes. In this study, the influence of volute casing cross-sectional flow area on the hydraulic loss, pressure pulsations, and radial force under varying working conditions in a centrifugal ceramic pump are discussed in detail. Experimental tests were conducted to validate the numerical results. The results indicated that, when the volute casing flow area increases, the hydraulic performance decreases marginally under the rated working conditions, but increases at the o-design points, specifically under large flow condition. However, the volute casing with a larger flow area has a wider high-e ciency region. In addition, the increase in the volute casing flow area will decrease the pressure pulsations in the volute, regardless of the working condition, and decrease the radial force on the shaft, therefore, providing an improved pump operational stability. It is anticipated that this study will be of benefit during the design of annular volutes.展开更多
Introduction: Thrombosis is a major cause of maternal death worldwide. During pregnancy, the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) increases fourfold to five-fold and contributes towards maternal morbidity and mortalit...Introduction: Thrombosis is a major cause of maternal death worldwide. During pregnancy, the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) increases fourfold to five-fold and contributes towards maternal morbidity and mortality. Sri Lanka does not have a proper assessment tool to detect and manage it in the antenatal care. Objectives: To identify risks factors for VTE among pregnant mothers, postpartum mothers according to RCOG (Royal College of Obstetricians) risk categorization and to assess the requirement of thromboprophylaxis. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted at the antenatal clinics and obstetrics and gynaecology wards (ward 2, 5, 8) of De Soysa Hospital for Women in 2021. Obstetric thromboprophylaxis risk assessment tool recommended by the RCOG was used for the risk assessment of pregnant mothers during the antenatal and postpartum period. Results: In antenatal period, obesity (BMI > 35), age more than 35 years and parity more than 3 were the commonest risk factors. Out of 404 mothers, 67.33% did not have any risk factors. Among others, 18.56%, 0.40%, 2.72%, 0.99% had a score of 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Patients with intermediate (0.99%) and high risk (2.72%) were commenced on thromboprophylaxis from 28 weeks. The low-risk category was not started on any treatment (28.96%, n = 97). Approximately 96% of mothers did not require any thromboprophylaxis during antenatal period. Another 404 postnatal mothers were recruited for the study group. Elective caesarean section and caesarean section during labour were the main risks identified other than pre-existing antenatal risks. 39.95 % of mothers did not have any risk factors and 37.22% of mothers had a score of 1. Conclusions: VTE risk assessment tool can be implemented at national level to detect patients at risk of VTE and improve maternal care.展开更多
BACKGROUND Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus resulting from direct damage by hyperglycemia to the nerves and/or ischemia by microvascular injury to the endoneurial vessels which supply the nerve...BACKGROUND Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus resulting from direct damage by hyperglycemia to the nerves and/or ischemia by microvascular injury to the endoneurial vessels which supply the nerves. Median nerve is one of the peripheral nerves commonly affected in diabetic neuropathy. The median nerve size has been studied in non-Nigerian diabetic populations. In attempt to contribute to existing literature, a study in a Nigerian population is needed.AIM To evaluate the cross-sectional area(CSA) of the median nerve using B-mode ultrasonography(USS) and the presence of peripheral neuropathy(PN) in a cohort of adult diabetic Nigerians.METHODS Demographic and anthropometric data of 85 adult diabetes mellitus(DM) and 85 age-and sex-matched apparently healthy control(HC) subjects were taken. A complete physical examination was performed on all study subjects to determine the presence of PN and modified Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument(MNSI) was used to grade its severity. Venous blood was taken from the study subjects for fasting lipid profile(FLP), fasting blood glucose(FBG) and glycated haemoglobin(HbA1 c) while their MN CSA was evaluated at a point 5 cm proximal to(5 cmCATL) and at the carpal tunnel(CATL) by high-resolution Bmode USS. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22.RESULTS The mean MN CSA was significantly thicker in DM subjects compared to the HC at 5 cmCATL(P < 0.01) and at the CATL(P < 0.01) on both sides. The presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN) further increased the MN CSA at the CATL(P < 0.05) but not at 5 cmCATL(P > 0.05). However, the severity of DPN had no additional effect on MN CSA 5 cm proximal to and at the CATL. There was no significant association between MN CSA and duration of DM and glycemic control.CONCLUSION Thickening of the MN CSA at 5 cmCATL and CATL is seen in DM. Presence of DPN is associated with worse thickening of the MN CSA at the CATL but not at5 cmCATL. Severity of DPN, duration of DM, and glycemic control had no additional effect on the MN CSA.展开更多
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 th...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.展开更多
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 ...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.展开更多
High-resolution ultrasonography was used to analyze the nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve at 7 sites: the wrist crease, pisiform bone, hamate bone, 6 cm proximal to the tip of the wrist crease, p...High-resolution ultrasonography was used to analyze the nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve at 7 sites: the wrist crease, pisiform bone, hamate bone, 6 cm proximal to the tip of the wrist crease, proximal forearm (where the nerve enters the pronator teres muscle), 4 cm proximal to the tip of the medial epicondyle, and mid-humerus (mid-point between elbow crease and axilla) in 200 healthy volunteers from Guiyang, China. Results showed similar CSA values between the left and right sides, but the CSA 6 cm proximal to the tip of the wrist crease, proximal forearm, 4 cm proximal to tip of the medial epicondyle, and mid-humerus in males was greater than that of females. Moreover, CSA values at the wrist crease, pisiform bone, and hamate bone were greater in the middle-aged and old groups when compared to the young group, and correlated with body mass and height. Thus, reference values of median nerve CSA of the upper limbs can facilitate the analysis of abnormal nerve conditions.展开更多
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 ...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.展开更多
Although ultrasound measurements have been used in previous studies on carpal tunnel syndrome to visualize injury to the median nerve, whether such ultrasound data can indicate the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome r...Although ultrasound measurements have been used in previous studies on carpal tunnel syndrome to visualize injury to the median nerve, whether such ultrasound data can indicate the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome remains controversial. The cross-sectional areas of the median nerve at the tunnel inlet and outlet can show swelling and compression of the nerve at the carpal. We hypothesized that the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet to outlet accurately reflects the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome. To test this, high-resolution ultrasound with a linear array transducer at 5–17 MHz was used to assess 77 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The results showed that the cut-off point for the inlet-to-outlet ratio was 1.14. Significant differences in the inlet-to-outlet ratio were found among patients with mild, moderate, and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. The cut-off point in the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the median nerve was 1.29 between mild and more severe(moderate and severe) carpal tunnel syndrome patients with 64.7% sensitivity and 72.7% specificity. The cut-off point in the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the median nerve was 1.52 between the moderate and severe carpal tunnel syndrome patients with 80.0% sensitivity and 64.7% specificity. These results suggest that the inlet-to-outlet ratio reflected the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome.展开更多
The cross-sectional area (CSA) of small pulmonary vessels can be quantified by CT, which is a reliable method of evaluating vascular alterations in such vessels. However, the optimal number of slices required for accu...The cross-sectional area (CSA) of small pulmonary vessels can be quantified by CT, which is a reliable method of evaluating vascular alterations in such vessels. However, the optimal number of slices required for accurate quantitation remains unknown. We evaluated relationships among all slices at 10-mm interval and all slices at 3-cm interval, 6-cm interval, and 3-slices and found the closest correlation (0.939) between all slices at 10-mm intervals and 3-cm intervals. Thus, all slices at 3-cm intervals are suitable for accurately measuring CSA.展开更多
To reduce the experimental uncertainty in the 235 U resonance energy region and improve the detection efficiency for neutron total cross section measurements compared with those obtained with the neutron total cross s...To reduce the experimental uncertainty in the 235 U resonance energy region and improve the detection efficiency for neutron total cross section measurements compared with those obtained with the neutron total cross section spectrometer(NTOX), a dedicated lithium-containing scintillation detector has been developed on the Back-n beam line at the China Spallation Neutron Source. The Fast Scintillator-based Neutron Total Cross Section(FAST) spectrometer has been designed based on a Cs2Li La Br6(CLLB) scintillator considering the γ-ray flash and neutron environment on the Back-n beam line. The response of the CLLB scintillator to neutrons and γ-rays was evaluated with different 6Li/7 Li abundance ratios using Geant4. The neutron-γdiscrimination performance of the CLLB has been simulated considering different scintillation parameters, physical designs,and light readout modes. A cubic 6Li-enriched( > 90%) CLLB scintillator, which has a thickness of 4-9 mm and side length of no less than 50 mm to cover the Φ 50 mm neutron beam at the spectrometer position, has been proposed coupling to a side readout SiPM array to construct the FAST spectrometer. The developed simulation techniques for neutron-γ discrimination performance could provide technical support for other neutron-induced reaction measurements on the Back-n beam line.展开更多
文摘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.
文摘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.
基金Project supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2017YFA0402400)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.11974358 and 11934004)+1 种基金the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDB34020000)the Heavy Ion Research Facility in Lanzhou(HIRFL).
文摘The state-selective cross section data are useful for understanding and modeling the x-ray emission in celestial observations.In the present work,using the cold target recoil ion momentum spectroscopy,for the first time we investigated the state-selective single electron capture processes for S^(q+)–He and H_(2)(q=11–15)collision systems at an impact energy of q×20 keV and obtained the relative state-selective cross sections.The results indicate that only a few principal quantum states of the projectile energy level are populated in a single electron capture process.In particular,the increase of the projectile charge state leads to the population of the states with higher principal quantum numbers.It is also shown that the experimental averaged n-shell populations are reproduced well by the over-barrier model.The database is openly available in Science Data Bank at 10.57760/sciencedb.j00113.00091.
基金Project supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant No.2022YFA1602502)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.12127804)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant Nos.XDB34000000)。
文摘The absolute partial and total cross sections for electron impact ionization of carbon monoxide are reported for electron energies from 350 eV to 8000 eV.The product ions(CO^(+),C^(+),O^(+),CO^(2+),C^(2+),and O^(2+))are measured by employing an ion imaging mass spectrometer and two ion-pair dissociation channels(C^(+)+O^(+)and C^(2+)+O^(+))are identified.The absolute cross sections for producing individual ions and their total,as well as for the ion-pair dissociation channels are obtained by normalizing the data of CO^(+)to that of Ar^(+)from CO-Ar mixture target with a fixed 1:1 ratio.The overall errors are evaluated by considering various kinds of uncertainties.A comprehensive comparison is made with the available data,which shows a good agreement with each other over the energy ranges that are overlapped.This work presents new cross-section data with electron energies above 1000 eV.
基金This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.12375296)the Key Laboratory of Nuclear Data Foundation(No.JCKY2022201C153)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province of China(Nos.2021JJ40444,2020RC3054)the Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS(No.2023014)the National Key Research and Development Plan(No.2022YFA1603303).
文摘The neutron-induced total cross sections of natural lead have been measured in a wide energy range(0.3 eV-20 MeV)on the back-streaming white neutron beamline(Back-n)at the China Spallation Neutron Source.Neutron energy was determined by the neutron total cross-section spectrometer using the time-of-flight technique.A fast multi-cell fission chamber was used as the neutron detector,and a 10-mm-thick high-purity natural lead sample was employed for the neutron transmission measurements.The on-beam background was determined using Co,In,Ag,and Cd filters.The excitation function of ^(nat)Pb(n,tot)reaction below 20 MeV was calculated using the TALYS-1.96 nuclear-reaction modeling program.The present results were compared with previous results,the evaluated data available in the five major evaluated nuclear data libraries(i.e.,ENDF/B-VIII.0,JEFF-3.3,JENDL-5,CENDL-3.2,and BROND-3.1),and the theoretical calculation curve.Good agreement was found between the new results and those of previous experiments and with the theoretical curves in the corresponding region.This measurement obtained the neutron total cross section of natural lead with good accuracy over a wide energy range and added experimental data in the resonance energy range.This provides more reliable experimental data for nuclear engineering design and nuclear data evaluation of lead.
文摘The dynamics of a solid spherical body in an oscillating liquid flow in a vertical axisymmetric channel of variable cross section is experimentally studied.It is shown that the oscillating liquid leads to the generation of intense averaged flows in each of the channel segments.The intensity and direction of these flows depend on the dimensionless oscillating frequency.In the region of studied frequencies,the dynamics of the considered body is examined when the primary vortices emerging in the flow occupy the whole region in each segment.For a fixed frequency,an increase in the oscillation amplitude leads to a phase-inclusion holding effect,i.e.,the body occupies a quasi-stationary position in one of the cells of the vertical channel,while oscillating around its average position.It is also shown that the oscillating motion of a liquid column generates an averaged force acting on the body,the magnitude of which depends on the properties of the body and its position in the channel.The quasi-stationary position is determined by the relative density and size of the body,as well as the dimensionless frequency.The behavior of the body as a function of the amplitude and frequency of fluid oscillation and relative size is discussed in detail.Such findings may be used in the future to control the position of a phase inclusion and/or to strengthen mass transfer effects in a channel of variable cross section by means of fluid oscillations.
基金the Open Project of Guangxi Key Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Technology(NLK 2022-04)the Central Government Guidance Funds for Local Scientific and Technological Development,China(No.Guike,ZY22096024)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(12065003)Guangxi Key R&D Project(2023AB07029).
文摘Aluminum is the primary structural material in nuclear engineering,and its cross section induced by 14-MeV neutrons is of great significance.To address the issue of insufficient accuracy for the^(27)Al(n,2n)^(26)Al reaction cross section,the activation method and accelerator mass spectrometry(AMS)technique were used to determine the^(27)Al(n,2n)^(26)Al cross section,which could be used as a D-T plasma ion temperature monitor in fusion reactors.At the China Academy of Engineering Physics,neutron activation was performed using a K-400 neutron generator produced by the T(d,n)4He reaction.The^(26)Al∕^(27)Al isotope ratios were measured using the newly installed GYIG 1 MV AMS at the Institute of Geochemistry,Chinese Academy of Sciences.The neutron flux was monitored by measuring the activity of 92mNb produced by the 93Nb(n,2n)92mNb reaction.The measured results were compared with available data in the experimental nuclear reaction database,and the measured values showed a reasonable degree of consistency with partially available literature data.The newly acquired cross-sectional data at 12 neutron energy points through systematic measurements clarified the divergence,which has two different growth trends from the existing experimental values.The obtained results are also compared with the corresponding evaluated database,and the newly calculated excitation functions with TALYS−1.95 and EMPIRE−3.2 codes,the agreement with CENDL−3.2,TENDL-2021 and EMPIRE−3.2 results are generally acceptable.A substantial improvement in the knowledge of the^(27)Al(n,2n)^(26)Al reaction excitation function was obtained in the present work,which will lay the foundation for the diagnosis of the fusion ion temperature,testing of the nuclear physics model,evaluation of nuclear data,etc.
文摘This resolution 5 (25−1 factorial) study aimed to ascertain an understanding of the interactions between different geometries on the resulting Radar Cross Section (RCS) of a target. The results of the study are in line with the general understanding of the impact different geometries have on RCS but show that geometries can also influence the variance of measured RCS, and typical attributes that reduce RCS increase the variance of the measured RCS. Notably, an increased angle between the front face of a plate and the direction of the radar signal decreased RCS but increased the variance of the RCS measured.
文摘Based on the sheet, scanning electron microscope and high pressure mercury analysis method, this paper takes Jiyuan oilfield-Ma Jia mountain district 4 5 sandstone reservoir as the research object, from the reservoir petrology, pore type and porosity, permeability, the system analyzed the reservoir characteristics and its control factors. The results show that the sandstone in the 4 5 section of Baoziwan-Majiashan area of Jiyuan oilfield is fine in size and high in filling content. The pore types were dominated by intergranular pores and dissolved pores, with a low face rate. The reservoir property is relatively poor, with mean porosity of 11.11% and mean permeability of 1.16 × 10<sup>−</sup><sup>3</sup> µm<sup>2</sup>. In the low porous, low otonic background, the development of relatively high pore hypertonic areas. Compaction and cementation should play a destructive role in reservoir properties, and dissolution should play a positive role in reservoir properties. Compaction adjusts the migration of clay minerals and miscellaneous bases in the original sediment in the study area, greatly reducing the porosity and permeability of the reservoir;the development of the cement cement, carbonate cementation and some quartz secondary compounds reduces the storage space;the dissolution effect, especially the secondary dissolution pores of the reservoir, which obviously improves the properties of the reservoir.
文摘Double differential cross section (DDCS) of First-Born approximation is calcu-lated for the ionization of metastable 3d-state hydrogen atoms by electron impact energy at 150 eV and 250 eV. A multiple scattering theory is applied in the present study. The present results are compared with the other related the-oretical results for the ionization of hydrogen atoms from different metastable states and ground-state experimental results. The findings demonstrate a strong qualitative agreement with the existing results. The obtained results have an extensive scope for further study of such an ionization process.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.51779107)Jiangsu Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.BK20170548)+1 种基金Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China(Grant No.2017M611724)Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD)
文摘The annular volute is typically used in a slurry pump to reduce the collisions between solid particles and the volute tongue and to achieve a better resistance to blocking. However, only limited studies regarding annular volutes are available, and there is no systematic design method for annular volutes. In this study, the influence of volute casing cross-sectional flow area on the hydraulic loss, pressure pulsations, and radial force under varying working conditions in a centrifugal ceramic pump are discussed in detail. Experimental tests were conducted to validate the numerical results. The results indicated that, when the volute casing flow area increases, the hydraulic performance decreases marginally under the rated working conditions, but increases at the o-design points, specifically under large flow condition. However, the volute casing with a larger flow area has a wider high-e ciency region. In addition, the increase in the volute casing flow area will decrease the pressure pulsations in the volute, regardless of the working condition, and decrease the radial force on the shaft, therefore, providing an improved pump operational stability. It is anticipated that this study will be of benefit during the design of annular volutes.
文摘Introduction: Thrombosis is a major cause of maternal death worldwide. During pregnancy, the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) increases fourfold to five-fold and contributes towards maternal morbidity and mortality. Sri Lanka does not have a proper assessment tool to detect and manage it in the antenatal care. Objectives: To identify risks factors for VTE among pregnant mothers, postpartum mothers according to RCOG (Royal College of Obstetricians) risk categorization and to assess the requirement of thromboprophylaxis. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted at the antenatal clinics and obstetrics and gynaecology wards (ward 2, 5, 8) of De Soysa Hospital for Women in 2021. Obstetric thromboprophylaxis risk assessment tool recommended by the RCOG was used for the risk assessment of pregnant mothers during the antenatal and postpartum period. Results: In antenatal period, obesity (BMI > 35), age more than 35 years and parity more than 3 were the commonest risk factors. Out of 404 mothers, 67.33% did not have any risk factors. Among others, 18.56%, 0.40%, 2.72%, 0.99% had a score of 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Patients with intermediate (0.99%) and high risk (2.72%) were commenced on thromboprophylaxis from 28 weeks. The low-risk category was not started on any treatment (28.96%, n = 97). Approximately 96% of mothers did not require any thromboprophylaxis during antenatal period. Another 404 postnatal mothers were recruited for the study group. Elective caesarean section and caesarean section during labour were the main risks identified other than pre-existing antenatal risks. 39.95 % of mothers did not have any risk factors and 37.22% of mothers had a score of 1. Conclusions: VTE risk assessment tool can be implemented at national level to detect patients at risk of VTE and improve maternal care.
文摘BACKGROUND Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus resulting from direct damage by hyperglycemia to the nerves and/or ischemia by microvascular injury to the endoneurial vessels which supply the nerves. Median nerve is one of the peripheral nerves commonly affected in diabetic neuropathy. The median nerve size has been studied in non-Nigerian diabetic populations. In attempt to contribute to existing literature, a study in a Nigerian population is needed.AIM To evaluate the cross-sectional area(CSA) of the median nerve using B-mode ultrasonography(USS) and the presence of peripheral neuropathy(PN) in a cohort of adult diabetic Nigerians.METHODS Demographic and anthropometric data of 85 adult diabetes mellitus(DM) and 85 age-and sex-matched apparently healthy control(HC) subjects were taken. A complete physical examination was performed on all study subjects to determine the presence of PN and modified Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument(MNSI) was used to grade its severity. Venous blood was taken from the study subjects for fasting lipid profile(FLP), fasting blood glucose(FBG) and glycated haemoglobin(HbA1 c) while their MN CSA was evaluated at a point 5 cm proximal to(5 cmCATL) and at the carpal tunnel(CATL) by high-resolution Bmode USS. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22.RESULTS The mean MN CSA was significantly thicker in DM subjects compared to the HC at 5 cmCATL(P < 0.01) and at the CATL(P < 0.01) on both sides. The presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN) further increased the MN CSA at the CATL(P < 0.05) but not at 5 cmCATL(P > 0.05). However, the severity of DPN had no additional effect on MN CSA 5 cm proximal to and at the CATL. There was no significant association between MN CSA and duration of DM and glycemic control.CONCLUSION Thickening of the MN CSA at 5 cmCATL and CATL is seen in DM. Presence of DPN is associated with worse thickening of the MN CSA at the CATL but not at5 cmCATL. Severity of DPN, duration of DM, and glycemic control had no additional effect on the MN CSA.
文摘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.
文摘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.
基金the Science and Technology Foundation Program of Guizhou Province,No. J[2009]2157
文摘High-resolution ultrasonography was used to analyze the nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve at 7 sites: the wrist crease, pisiform bone, hamate bone, 6 cm proximal to the tip of the wrist crease, proximal forearm (where the nerve enters the pronator teres muscle), 4 cm proximal to the tip of the medial epicondyle, and mid-humerus (mid-point between elbow crease and axilla) in 200 healthy volunteers from Guiyang, China. Results showed similar CSA values between the left and right sides, but the CSA 6 cm proximal to the tip of the wrist crease, proximal forearm, 4 cm proximal to tip of the medial epicondyle, and mid-humerus in males was greater than that of females. Moreover, CSA values at the wrist crease, pisiform bone, and hamate bone were greater in the middle-aged and old groups when compared to the young group, and correlated with body mass and height. Thus, reference values of median nerve CSA of the upper limbs can facilitate the analysis of abnormal nerve conditions.
文摘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.
基金supported by a grant from the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery in China,No.14DZ2273300the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai in China,No.13ZR1404600a grant from the National Key Basic Research Program of China(973 Program),No.2014CB542201
文摘Although ultrasound measurements have been used in previous studies on carpal tunnel syndrome to visualize injury to the median nerve, whether such ultrasound data can indicate the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome remains controversial. The cross-sectional areas of the median nerve at the tunnel inlet and outlet can show swelling and compression of the nerve at the carpal. We hypothesized that the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet to outlet accurately reflects the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome. To test this, high-resolution ultrasound with a linear array transducer at 5–17 MHz was used to assess 77 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The results showed that the cut-off point for the inlet-to-outlet ratio was 1.14. Significant differences in the inlet-to-outlet ratio were found among patients with mild, moderate, and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. The cut-off point in the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the median nerve was 1.29 between mild and more severe(moderate and severe) carpal tunnel syndrome patients with 64.7% sensitivity and 72.7% specificity. The cut-off point in the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the median nerve was 1.52 between the moderate and severe carpal tunnel syndrome patients with 80.0% sensitivity and 64.7% specificity. These results suggest that the inlet-to-outlet ratio reflected the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome.
文摘The cross-sectional area (CSA) of small pulmonary vessels can be quantified by CT, which is a reliable method of evaluating vascular alterations in such vessels. However, the optimal number of slices required for accurate quantitation remains unknown. We evaluated relationships among all slices at 10-mm interval and all slices at 3-cm interval, 6-cm interval, and 3-slices and found the closest correlation (0.939) between all slices at 10-mm intervals and 3-cm intervals. Thus, all slices at 3-cm intervals are suitable for accurately measuring CSA.
基金supported by the Key Laboratory of Nuclear Data Foundation(No.JCKY2022201C153)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.11505216),Educational Commission of Hunan Province of China(No.19B488)Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province of China(Nos.2021JJ40444 and 2020RC3054).
文摘To reduce the experimental uncertainty in the 235 U resonance energy region and improve the detection efficiency for neutron total cross section measurements compared with those obtained with the neutron total cross section spectrometer(NTOX), a dedicated lithium-containing scintillation detector has been developed on the Back-n beam line at the China Spallation Neutron Source. The Fast Scintillator-based Neutron Total Cross Section(FAST) spectrometer has been designed based on a Cs2Li La Br6(CLLB) scintillator considering the γ-ray flash and neutron environment on the Back-n beam line. The response of the CLLB scintillator to neutrons and γ-rays was evaluated with different 6Li/7 Li abundance ratios using Geant4. The neutron-γdiscrimination performance of the CLLB has been simulated considering different scintillation parameters, physical designs,and light readout modes. A cubic 6Li-enriched( > 90%) CLLB scintillator, which has a thickness of 4-9 mm and side length of no less than 50 mm to cover the Φ 50 mm neutron beam at the spectrometer position, has been proposed coupling to a side readout SiPM array to construct the FAST spectrometer. The developed simulation techniques for neutron-γ discrimination performance could provide technical support for other neutron-induced reaction measurements on the Back-n beam line.