Recent Progress in Optical Fiber Sensors Based on Brillouin Scattering at University of Ottawa

分布式的传感器被证明是一个强大的工具为民用结构并且监视的材料过程。在纤维散布的 Brillouin 能被用作点传感器或为分布式的传感器为点传感器或脉搏长度在厘米(Brillouin 栅栏长度) 上为温度，紧张， birefringence 和颤动的测量散布了传感器。有 20 厘米的空间分辨率的同时的紧张和温度测量与温度精确性和 0.4 的紧张精确性用 Brillouin 栅栏技术在熊猫纤维被表明吗？？

Promising use of metformin in treating neurological disorders:biomarker-guided therapies

Neurological disorders are a diverse group of conditions that affect the nervous system and include neurodegenerative diseases(Alzheimer’s disease,multiple sclerosis,Parkinson’s disease,Huntington’s disease),cerebrovascular conditions(stroke),and neurodevelopmental disorders(autism spectrum disorder).Although they affect millions of individuals around the world,only a limited number of effective treatment options are available today.Since most neurological disorders express mitochondria-related metabolic perturbations,metformin,a biguanide type II antidiabetic drug,has attracted a lot of attention to be repurposed to treat neurological disorders by correcting their perturbed energy metabolism.However,controversial research emerges regarding the beneficial/detrimental effects of metformin on these neurological disorders.Given that most neurological disorders have complex etiology in their pathophysiology and are influenced by various risk factors such as aging,lifestyle,genetics,and environment,it is important to identify perturbed molecular functions that can be targeted by metformin in these neurological disorders.These molecules can then be used as biomarkers to stratify subpopulations of patients who show distinct molecular/pathological properties and can respond to metformin treatment,ultimately developing targeted therapy.In this review,we will discuss mitochondria-related metabolic perturbations and impaired molecular pathways in these neurological disorders and how these can be used as biomarkers to guide metformin-responsive treatment for the targeted therapy to treat neurological disorders.

At-rest lateral earth pressure of compacted expansive soils:Experimental investigations and prediction approach

This paper presents experimental studies on a compacted expansive soil,from Nanyang,China for investigating the at-rest lateral earth pressureσL of expansive soils.The key studies include(i)relationships between theσL and the vertical stressσV during soaking and consolidation,(ii)the influences of initial dry densityρd0 and moisture content w 0 on the vertical and lateral swelling pressures at no swelling strain(i.e.σV0 andσL0),and(iii)evolution of theσL during five long-term wetting-drying cycles.Experimental results demonstrated that the post-soakingσL-σV relationships are piecewise linear and their slopes in the passive state(σL>σV)and active state(σL<σV)are similar to that of the consolidationσL-σV relationships in the normal-and over-consolidated states,respectively.The soakingσL-σV relationships converge to the consolidationσL-σV relationships at a thresholdσV where the interparticle swelling is restrained.TheσL0 andσV0 increase monotonically withρd0;however,they show increasing-then-decreasing trends with the w 0.The extent of compaction-induced swelling anisotropy,which is evaluated byσL0/σV0,reduces with an increase in the compaction energy and molding water content.TheσL reduces over moisture cycles and the stress relaxation in theσL during soaking is observed.An approach was developed to predict the at-rest soakingσL-σV relationships,which requires conventional consolidation and shear strength properties and one measurement of theσL-σV relationships during soaking.The proposed approach was validated using the results of three different expansive soils available in the literature.

How completely are randomized controlled trials of non-pharmacological interventions following concussion reported? A systematic review

Purpose:The study aimed to examine the reporting completeness of randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of non-pharmacological interventions following concussion.Methods:We searched MEDLINE,Embase,PsycInfo,CINAHL,and Web of Science up to May 2022.Two reviewers independently screened studies and assessed reporting completeness using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication(TIDieR),Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template(CERT),and international Consensus on Therapeutic Exercise aNd Training(i-CONTENT)checklists.Additional information was sought my study authors where reporting was incomplete.Risk of bias(ROB)was assessed with the Cochrane ROB-2 Tool.RCTs examining non-pharmacological interventions following concussion.Results:We included 89 RCTs(n=53 high ROB)examining 11 different interventions for concussion:sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise,cervicovestibular therapy,physical/cognitive rest,vision therapy,education,psychotherapy,hyperbaric oxygen therapy,transcranial magnetic stimulation,blue light therapy,osteopathic manipulation,and head/neck cooling.Median scores were:TIDieR 9/12(75%;interquartile range(IQR)=5;range:5-12),CERT 17/19(89%;IQR=2;range:10-19),and i-CONTENT 6/7(86%;IQR=1;range:5-7).Percentage of studies completely reporting all items was TIDieR 35%(31/89),CERT 24%(5/21),and i-CONTENT 10%(2/21).Studies were more completely reported after publication of TIDieR(t_(87)=2.08;p=0.04)and CERT(t_(19)=2.72;p=0.01).Reporting completeness was not strongly associated with journal impact factor(TIDieR:rs=0.27;p=0.01;CERT:r_(s)=-0.44;p=0.06;i-CONTENT:r_(s)=-0.17;p=0.48)or ROB(TIDieR:rs=0.11;p=0.31;CERT:rs=0.04;p=0.86;i-CONTENT:rs=0.12;p=0.60).Conclusion:RCTs of non-pharmacological interventions following concussion demonstrate moderate to good reporting completeness,but are often missing key components,particularly modifications,motivational strategies,and qualified supervisor.Reporting completeness improved after TIDieR and CERT publication,but publication in highly cited journals and low ROB do not guarantee reporting completeness.

Hand Hygiene Compliance in the Prevention of Nosocomial Infections in the Neonatal Unit of the National University Teaching Hospital of Cotonou

Objective: Despite the presence of hand washing material and the training given to medical staff regarding hygiene measures and health care procedures in October 2015, the prevalence of nosocomial infections in the neonatal unit of the National University Teaching Hospital of Cotonou (CNHU-Cotonou) was estimated at 8% in January 2016. To determine the factors that contribute to these infections, this study assessed medical staff compliance with hand hygiene measures and procedures. Method: This research was a cross-sectional and observational study conducted from February 15 to March 31, 2016 through direct and cautious observation of 47 members of the medical and paramedical staff. The study variables were hand washing before entering the neonatal unit and before entering each treatment room, hand washing before and after seeing each patient, compliance with hand washing steps, the use of hydroalcoholic solutions and adhering to the ban on mobile phone use inside the treatment room. Results: Only 15% of the medical staff followed all of the rules and measures governing hand hygiene. The result showed that 76.6% of them did not wash their hands before entering the unit;32% washed their hands before each care session;95.7% washed their hands after each care session;and 85% did not comply with the hand washing steps. Only 21.3% of the personnel used hydroalcoholic solution, and only 85% of the personnel adhered to the ban on mobile phone use within the treatment room. Conclusion: Compliance with hand hygiene measures is insufficient. These low compliance rates facilitate the occurrence of nosocomial infections. Nosocomial infections could be prevented by identifying the reasons that medical personnel do not wash their hands and by implementing a program for education/awareness on hygiene measures based on an analysis of errors and care procedures and sustained by regular evaluations.

Reconstruction of the Yangtze Ramp during Floian to Darriwilian(Ordovician)in South China:Its Morphology,Controlling Factors and Significances

A robust stratigraphic framework and a coherent depositional ramp model for the Zitai,Dawan,Meitan and Ningkuo formations of Floian–Darriwilian age(Early–Middle Ordovician)in the Yangtze(Daoba,Xiangshuidong,Daling,Gudongkou and Honghuayuan sections)and Jiangnan regions(Nanba section)was created based on lithofacies and major element analysis.Three siliciclastic(LF1–3)and six carbonate(LF4–9)lithofacies are recognized representing sediments that were deposited in mixed siliciclastic and carbonate ramp environment.The intensity of mixed sedimentation and terrigenous input were evaluated using the elemental proxies Intensity of Mixed sedimentation(IM)and Aluminum Accumulation Rate(Al AR),as well as their mean values during certain time intervals.Mixed sediments are most well-developed along the marginal Yangtze region,strongly impacted by recurrent influx of westerly derived terrigenous materials in response to global eustatic changes and regional tectonic movements,shaping the gently southeast-dipping morphology.Regular terrigenous influx resulted in periods of enhanced primary productivity on the Yangtze Ramp as evidenced by matching biodiversity peaks in planktonic organisms,i.e.,chitinozoans and acritarchs.Brachiopods and other shelly fauna were also able to proliferate as new niches developed along the gently dipping ramp floor with substrate changes.The biodiversification patterns suggest that terrigenous influx controlled in part by regional tectonics played a more important role than previously thought in the development of Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event in South China.

Physical fitness before and during the COVID-19 pandemic:Results of annual national physical fitness surveillance among 16,647,699 Japanese children and adolescents between 2013 and 2021

Background:Limited nationally representative evidence is available on temporal trends in physical fitness(PF)for children and adolescents during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic.The primary aim was to examine the temporal trends in PF for Japanese children and adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.The secondary aim was to estimate the concurrent trends in body size(measured as body mass and height)and movement behaviors(exercise,screen,and sleep time).Methods:Census PF data for children in Grade 5(aged 10-11 years)and adolescents in Grade 8(aged 13-14 years)were obtained for the years 2013-2021 from the National Survey of Physical Fitness,Athletic Performance,and Exercise Habits in Japan(n=16,647,699).PF and body size were objectively measured,and movement behaviors were self-reported.Using sample-weighted linear regression,temporal trends in mean PF were calculated before the pandemic(2013-2019)and during the pandemic(2019-2021)with adjustments for age,sex,body size,and exercise time.Results:When adjusted for age,sex,body size,and exercise time,there were significant declines in PF during the pandemic,with the largest declines observed in 20-m shuttle run(standardized(Cohen’s)effect size(ES)=-0.109 per annum(p.a.))and sit-ups performance(ES=-0.133p.a.).The magnitude of the declines in 20-m shuttle run and sit-ups performances were 18-and 15-fold larger,respectively,than the improvements seen before the pandemic(2013-2019),after adjusting for age,sex,body size,and exercise time.During the pandemic,both body mass and screen time significantly increased,and exercise time decreased.Conclusion:Declines in 20-m shuttle run and sit-ups performances suggest corresponding declines in population health during the COVID-19pandemic.

Canadian university students’ perceptions of future personal infertility

Objective: University is a time for self-discovery, development of independence and transition to adulthood. It is not well examined whether childless university students also consider the potential of future personal infertility. The objective of this study was to document expectations and perceptions related to personal infertility in a sample of young adults. Methods: Using a qualitative approach, interviews were conducted with 39 male and female university students in Ottawa, Canada. Interview topics included contemplation of personal infertility, anticipated gendered experience of infertility and cultural perceptions of infertility. Results: The possibility of future infertility was not contemplated by most participants (74%). Although students generally expected infertility to be an emotional experience, women especially anticipated that infertility would be associated with negative gender identity and reduced self-esteem. Ethnic-minority participants from pro-natalist countries perceived infertility to be stigmatized by their communities, particularly against women. Conclusions: This sample of childless young adults anticipated many gendered and cultural dimensions of the experience of infertility, suggesting that these perceptions are shaped well in advance of contemplation of family planning.

Systematic review of mixing technology for recycling waste tailings as cemented paste backfill in mines in China

The development of industry is inseparable from the support of mining.However,mining processes consume a large amount of energy,and increased tailing emissions can have a significant impact on the environment.In the past few decades,the mining industry developed many technologies that are related to mineral energy management,of which cemented paste backfill(CPB)is one of the representative technologies.CPB has been successfully applied to mine ground control and tailings management.In CPB technology,the mixing process is the key to achieving materials with good final quality and controlled properties.However,in the preparation process,the mixed homogeneity of the CPB is difficult to achieve because of fine tailings,high solid volume fraction,and high viscosity.Most research focused on the effect of mixing ingredients on CPB properties rather than on the preparation process of the CPB.Therefore,improving the performance and reducing the production cost of CPB by optimizing the mixing process are important.This review summarizes the current studies on the mixing technology of CPB and its application status in China.Then,it compares the advantages and disadvantages of multiple mixing equipment and discusses the latest results and research hotspots in paste preparation.Finally,it concludes the challenges and development trends of mixing technology on the basis of the relevant application cases in China to promoting cement-based material mixing technology development.

Influence of relative compaction and degree of saturation on the deformation characteristics of bentonite under freeze-thaw cycles

Bentonite,consisting of clay minerals of the montmorillonite group,has been widely used as an adsorbent and backfill material in nuclear waste disposal and groundwater remediation.It is challenging to use bentonite as a filling material in cold regions since bentonite is highly sensitive to thermal environmental changes,during which its bulk volume and microstructure change significantly.In this study,a series of one-dimensional and three-dimensional freeze-thaw tests were carried out within a closed system to investigate the influencing factors of the deformation of bentonite under freeze-thaw cycles.Results show that the initial soil water content greatly impacts bentonite's deformation during freeze-thaw cycles.For an initial higher degree of saturation(Sr),the expansion caused by the formation of ice lenses has a greater impact than the shrinkage induced by dehydration,ice-cementation,and so on.Conversely,bentonite tends to shrink at a lower degree of saturation during freezing.And the critical degree of saturation that determines bentonite's behavior of frost heave or frost shrinkage seems to be roughly 0.8.As the number of freeze-thaw cycles rises,initially uncompacted bentonite clay becomes more compacted,and initially compacted bentonite clay remains unchanged.

Qualitative Assessment of Postharvest Stomata and Chloroplast Degradation in Contrasting Abscission Resistant Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.)

Balsam fir is an important Christmas tree species, especially in eastern Canada. The natural Christmas tree industry faces a challenge in postharvest needle abscission. Though there have been many studies describing the physiological triggers and consequences in postharvest balsam fir, there have been no studies describing morphological or ultrastructural changes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine changes in stomata and chloroplast of postharvest needles. Branches were collected from low and high needle abscission resistance balsam fir genotypes, placed in water, and displayed in typical household conditions for 11 weeks. Needle abscission, chlorophyll fluorescence, and water uptake were monitored throughout. Needles stomata and chloroplasts were examined under a scanning and transmission electron microscope, respectively, each week. All branches had increased abscission, decreased chlorophyll fluorescence, and decreased water uptake over time. Needle surfaces accumulated fungal hyphae, especially in stomata. Chloroplasts demonstrated some dysfunction within two weeks, with notable decreases in chloroplast starch and increases in plastoglobulins. Within several weeks thylakoid membranes had been dismantled as chloroplasts transformed into gerontoplasts. All biophysical and structural changes were more pronounced in low needle abscission resistant genotypes. This research identifies a potential role for needle fungi in postharvest needle abscission and confirms the postharvest senescence of chloroplasts. Though it was previously speculated that chloroplasts must senesce postharvest, this study identifies how quickly this process occurs and that it occurs at different rates in contrasting genotypes.

Congenital Chylothorax Treated with Oral Sildenafil—Case Report from Nigeria and Review of Literature

Congenital chylothorax, a condition in which chyle accumulates in the pleural cavity, is extremely rare. The reported incidence is 1 in 24,000 births. Medical treatment using octreotide as well as chemical and surgical pleurodesis has been reported, but also few reports on the successful use of Sildenafil exists. We herein report a case of congenital chylothorax referred to our Hospital at 7 days-old. Sildenafil was introduced on day 6 post intubation. Before the introduction of sildenafil, the peak total daily drainage was 106 ml/kg/day (340 mls/day), and after sildenafil was introduced, the total daily drainage dropped progressively to 10 ml/kg/day by day 11 post intubation. This case report highlights the successful use of oral Sildenafil for treatment of congenital chylothorax and also peculiarities of management related to a resource- constrained developing country setting in Africa.

Effectiveness and safety of apixaban and rivaroxaban vs warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of direct oral anticoagulants(DOACs)included a low proportion of atrial fibrillation(AF)patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD),and suggested that DOACs are safe and effective in patients with mild-to-moderate CKD.In a metanalysis of RCTs and observational studies,DOACs were associated with better efficacy(vs warfarin)in early CKD and had similar efficacy and safety profiles in patients with stages IV-V CKD.But few studies have provided data on the safety and effectiveness of each DOAC vs warfarin in patients with stage III CKD.The effectiveness and safety of DOACs in those patients are still subject to debate.AIM To assess and compare the effectiveness and safety of apixaban and rivaroxaban vs warfarin in this patient population.METHODS A cohort of patients with an inpatient or outpatient code for AF and stage III CKD who were newly prescribed apixaban and rivaroxaban was created using the administrative databases from the Quebec province of Canada between 2013 and 2017.The primary effectiveness outcome was a composite of ischemic stroke,systemic embolism,and death,whereas the primary safety outcome was a composite of major bleeding within a year of DOAC vs warfarin initiation.Treatment groups were compared in an under-treatment analysis using inverse probability of treatment weighting and Cox proportional hazards.RESULTS A total of 8899 included patients filled out a new oral anticoagulation therapy claim;3335 for warfarin and 5564 for DOACs.Compared with warfarin,15 mg and 20 mg rivaroxaban presented a similar effectiveness and safety composite risk.Apixaban 5.0 mg was associated with a lower effectiveness composite risk[Hazard ratio(HR)0.76;95%confidence interval(CI):0.65-0.88]and a similar safety risk(HR 0.94;95%CI:0.66-1.35).Apixaban 2.5 mg was associated with a similar effectiveness composite(HR 1.00;95%CI:0.79-1.26)and a lower safety risk(HR 0.65;95%CI:0.43-0.99.Although,apixaban 5.0 mg was associated with a better effectiveness(HR 0.76;95%CI:0.65-0.88),but a similar safety risk profile(HR 0.94;95%CI:0.66-1.35).The observed improvement in the effectiveness composite for apixaban 5.0 mg was driven by a reduction in mortality(HR 0.61;95%CI:0.43-0.88).CONCLUSION In comparison with warfarin,rivaroxaban and apixaban appear to be effective and safe in AF patients with stage III CKD.

Associations between meeting 24-hour movement guidelines and quality of life among children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

Background:The Canadian 24-hour movement behavior(24-HMB)guidelines suggest that a limited amount of screen time use,an adequate level of physical activity(PA),and sufficient sleep duration are beneficial for ensuring and optimizing the health and quality of life(QoL)of children and adolescents.However,this topic has yet to be examined for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder(ASD)specifically.The aim of this cross-sectional observational study was to examine the associations between meeting 24-HMB guidelines and several QoLrelated indicators among a national sample of American children and adolescents with ASD.Methods:Data were taken from the 2020 U.S.National Survey of Children’s Health dataset.Participants(n=956)aged 617 years and currently diagnosed with ASD were included.The exposure of interest was adherence to the 24-HMB guidelines.Outcomes were QoL indicators,including learning interest/curiosity,repeating grades,adaptive ability,victimization by bullying,and behavioral problems.Categorical variables were described with unweighted sample counts and weighted percentages.Age,sex,race,preterm birth status,medication,behavioral treatment,household poverty level,and the educational level of the primary caregivers were included as covariates.Odds ratio(OR)and 95%confidence interval(95%CI)were used to present the strength of association between adherence to 24-HMB guidelines and QoL-related indicators.Results:Overall,452 participants(45.34%)met 1 of the 3 recommendations,216(22.65%)met 2 recommendations,whereas only 39 participants(5.04%)met all 3 recommendations.Compared with meeting none of the recommendations,meeting both sleep duration and PA recommendations(OR=3.92,95%CI:1.639.48,p<0.001)or all 3 recommendations(OR=2.11,95%CI:1.034.35,p=0.04)was associated with higher odds of showing learning interest/curiosity.Meeting both screen time and PA recommendations(OR=0.15,95%CI:0.040.61,p<0.05)or both sleep duration and PA recommendations(OR=0.24,95%CI:0.070.87,p<0.05)was associated with lower odds of repeating any grades.With respect to adaptive ability,participants who met only the PA recommendation of the 24-HMB were less likely to have difficulties dressing or bathing(OR=0.11,95%CI:0.020.66,p<0.05)than those who did not.For participants who met all 3 recommendations(OR=0.38,95%CI:0.150.99,p=0.05),the odds of being victimized by bullying was lower.Participants who adhered to both sleep duration and PA recommendations were less likely to present with severe behavioral problems(OR=0.17,95%CI:0.040.71,p<0.05)than those who did not meet those guidelines.Conclusion:Significant associations were found between adhering to 24-HMB guidelines and selected QoL indicators.These findings highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a key factor in promoting and preserving the QoL of children with ASD.

Construction and Implementation of a Privacy-Preserving Identity-Based Encryption Architecture

A recent proposal by Adams integrates the digital credentials (DC) technology of Brands with the identity-based encryption (IBE) technology of Boneh and Franklin to create an IBE scheme that demonstrably enhances privacy for users. We refer to this scheme as a privacy-preserving identity-based encryption (PP-IBE) construction. In this paper, we discuss the concrete implementation considerations for PP-IBE and provide a detailed instantiation (based on q-torsion groups in supersingular elliptic curves) that may be useful both for proof-of-concept purposes and for pedagogical purposes.

Dabrafenib,an inhibitor of RIP3 kinase-dependent necroptosis,reduces ischemic brain injury

Ischemic brain injury triggers neuronal cell death by apoptosis via caspase activation and by necroptosis through activation of the receptor-interacting protein kinases （RIPK） associated with the tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-a）/death receptor. Recent evidence shows RIPK inhibitors are neuroprotective and al- leviate ischemic brain injury in a number of animal models, however, most have not yet undergone clinical trials and safety in humans remains in question. Dabrafenib, originally identified as a B-raf inhibitor that is currently used to treat melanoma, was later revealed to be a potent RIPK3 inhibitor at micromolar con- centrations. Here, we investigated whether Dabrafenib would show a similar neuroprotective effect in mice subjected to ischemic brain injury by photothrombosis. Dabrafenib administered intraperitoneally at 10 mg/ kg one hour after photothrombosis-induced focal ischemic injury significantly reduced infarct lesion size in C57BL6 mice the following day, accompanied by a markedly attenuated upregulation of TNF-u. However, subsequent lower doses （5 mg/kg/day） failed to sustain this neuroprotective effect after 4 days. Dabrafenib bl ocked lipopolysaccharides-induced activation of TNF-ct in bone marrow-derived macrophages, suggesting that Dabrafenib may attenuate TNF-ct-induced necroptotic pathway after ischemic brain injury. Since Dab- rafenib is already in clinical use for the treatment of melanoma, it might be repurposed for stroke therapy.

Strength evolution and deformation behaviour of cemented paste backfill at early ages： Effect of curing stress, filling strategy and drainage

In this study, a pressure cell apparatus is developed to investigate the early age evolution of the strength and deformation behaviour of cemented paste backfill(CPB) when subjected to various loading conditions under different curing scenarios. The different curing scenarios that are simulated include:(1)drained and undrained conditions,(2) different filling rates,(3) different filling sequences, and(4) different curing stresses. The findings show that drainage, curing stress, curing time and filling rate influence the mechanical and deformation behaviours of CPB materials. The coupled effects of consolidation, drainage and suction contribute to the strength development of drained CPB subjected to curing stress. On the other hand, particle rearrangement caused by the applied pressure and suction development due to self-desiccation plays a significant role in the strength gain of undrained CPB cured under stress.Furthermore, curing stress induces slightly faster rate of cement hydration, which can contribute to strength acquisition.

A nested case-control study of maternal-neonatal transmission of hepatitis B virus in a Chinese population

AIM:To examine the determinants of maternal-neonatal transmission of hepatitis B virus(HBV) METHODS:A nested case-control study was conducted in Changsha,Hunan,People's Republic of China from January 1,2005 to September 31,2006 To avoid potential maternal blood contamination,we collected vein blood of newborns immediately after birth and before initial hepatitis B vaccination to determine the HBV infection status of the newborn For each HBsAg-positive infant,one HBsAg-negative infant born to an HBsAg-positive mother was matched by hospital at birth(same),gender(same),and date of birth(within 1 mo) A faceto-face interview was conducted to collect clinical and epidemiological data Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the independent effects of various determinants on maternal-neonatal transmission of HBV RESULTS:A total of 141 HBsAg-positive infants and 141 individually matched HBsAg-negative infants were included in the final analysis Maternal first-degree family history of HBV infection,intrahepatic cholestasis,and premature rupture of membranes were risk factors for perinatal transmission of HBV,whereas systematic treatment and HBV immunoglobulin injections for mothers with HBV infection were protective factors for maternal-neonatal transmission of HBV,after adjustment for potential confounding factors CONCLUSION:For HBsAg-positive mothers,systematic treatment,HBV immunoglobulin administration,and controlling intrahepatic cholestasis and pregnancy complications may reduce the incidence of perinatal transmission of HBV.

Review of collapse triggering mechanism of collapsible soils due towetting

Loess soil deposits are widely distributed in arid and semi-arid regions and constitute about 10% of land area of the world.These soils typically have a loose honeycomb-type meta-stable structure that is susceptible to a large reduction in total volume or collapse upon wetting.Collapse characteristics contribute to various problems to infrastructures that are constructed on loess soils.For this reason,collapse triggering mechanism for loess soils has been of significant interest for researchers and practitioners all over the world.This paper aims at providing a state-of-the-art review on collapse mechanism with special reference to loess soil deposits.The collapse mechanism studies are summarized under three different categories,i.e.traditional approaches,microstructure approach,and soil mechanics-based approaches.The traditional and microstructure approaches for interpreting the collapse behavior are comprehensively summarized and critically reviewed based on the experimental results from the literature.The soil mechanics-based approaches proposed based on the experimental results of both compacted soils and natural loess soils are reviewed highlighting their strengths and limitations for estimating the collapse behavior.Simpler soil mechanics-based approaches with less parameters or parameters that are easy-to-determine from conventional tests are suggested for future research to better understand the collapse behavior of natural loess soils.Such studies would be more valuable for use in conventional geotechnical engineering practice applications.

Effects of Tai Ji Quan training on gait kinematics in older Chinese women with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Although Tai Ji Quan has been shown to relieve pain and improve functional mobility in people with knee osteoarthritis(OA), little is known about its potential benefits on gait characteristics among older Chinese women who have a high prevalence of both radiographic and symptomatic knee OA. This study aims to assess the efficacy of a tailored Tai Ji Quan intervention on gait kinematics for older Chinese women with knee OA.Methods: A randomized controlled trial involving 46 older women in Shanghai, China, with clinically diagnosed knee OA. Randomized(1:1)participants received either a 60 min Tai Ji Quan session(n = 23) 3 times weekly or a 60 min bi-weekly educational session(n = 23) for 24 weeks.Primary outcomes were changes in gait kinematic measures from baseline to 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes included changes in scores on the Western Ontario and Mc Master University Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC) and Short Physical Performance Battery(SPPB).Results: After 24 weeks the Tai Ji Quan group demonstrated better performance in gait velocity(mean difference, 8.40 cm/s, p = 0.01), step length(mean difference, 3.52 cm, p = 0.004), initial contact angle(mean difference, 2.19°, p = 0.01), and maximal angle(mean difference, 2.61°,p = 0.003) of flexed knees during stance phase compared to the control group. In addition, the Tai Ji Quan group showed significant improvement in WOMAC scores(p < 0.01)(mean difference,-4.22 points in pain, p = 0.002;-2.41 points in stiffness, p < 0.001;-11.04 points in physical function, p = 0.006) and SPPB scores(mean difference, 1.22 points, p < 0.001).Conclusion: Among older Chinese women with knee OA, a tailored Tai Ji Quan intervention improved gait outcomes. The intervention also improved overall function as indexed by the WOMAC and SPPB. These results support the use of Tai Ji Quan for older Chinese adults with knee OA to both improve their functional mobility and reduce pain symptomatology.