bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atividades antifúngicas e antibacterianas da planta medicinal jatobá (Hymenea courbaril linneaus) de ocorrência no cerrado brasileiro: uma revisão
Authors: Cruz Jhonatas Emílio Ribeiro da , Guimarães Iris Isabela da Silva Medeiros , Almeida Karine Cristine de , Amâncio Natália de Fátima Gonçalves
Published: January 2023

Atualmente 700.000 pessoas morrem a cada ano devido a infecções com microrganismos multirresistentes e esse número deve aumentar para dez milhões de mortes por ano até 2050. Nesse contexto, a busca por novos compostos antimicrobianos derivados de plantas medicinais, mais eficazes e acessíveis, como terapia alternativa para o tratamento bacteriano ou fúngico é de suma importância. O objetivo desta revisão é fornecer um extenso resumo das propriedades antibacterianas e antifúngicas in vitro da planta medicinal jatobá (Hymenea courbaril L.) comumente utilizada no bioma Cerrado brasileiro para tratar infecções. Além disso, documentar informações sobre as partes da planta avaliada, o tipo de extrato, métodos, microrganismos e metabólitos secundários usadas para a espécie. Uma busca sistemática da literatura foi realizada usando os bancos de dados eletrônicos PubMed, Scielo, Google Scholar, EBSCO e Bireme, de 2010 até a data. Dos 47 títulos identificados pela busca, 20 estavam adequados de acordo com os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Os resultados mostraram que a parte da planta mais utilizada foram a casca (50%), seguido das folhas (17%). Certos compostos como fisetina, fisetinediol, α-cadinol, óxido de cariofileno, espatulenol e taxifolina, isolado de H. courbaril, têm se mostrado ativos e devem ser mais estudados a fim de desenvolver drogas eficazes contra bactérias e fungos. Conclui-se que esta revisão será útil para estudos futuros, pois fornece informações úteis para a seleção de extratos de jatobá clinicamente importantes e suas potenciais propriedades antifúngicas e antibacterianas.
Principais complicações obstétricas causadas pelo COVID-19
Authors: Queiroz Vanessa Aparecida Marques de , Nogueira Mariana Oliveira , Caixeta Natália Caroline , Gil Flávio Rocha
Published: January 2023

Objetivo: identificar as principais complicações obstétricas em gestantes infectadas pelo SARS-CoV-2, com a finalidade de melhorar a assistência à saúde prestada ao binômio mãe-feto. Metodologia: O presente estudo trata-se de uma revisão sistemática da literatura, a qual foi realizada no mês de agosto de 2022, através de pesquisa nas bases de dados Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) e Google Scholar, utilizando os descritores “Coronavírus”, “Gestantes”, “Complicações obstétricas” e “Covid-19”. Resultados: Foram selecionados 25 artigos, publicados entre 2020 e 2022, dentre os quais foram identificadas as complicações obstétricas e fetais, mais recorrentes, associadas à COVID-19. Discussão: As alterações laboratoriais mais prevalentes foram linfopenia, aumento do D-Dímero e da proteína C reativa. Observou-se também um aumento no número de cesarianas, de partos prematuros, ruptura prematura de membranas ovulares (RPMO). Além disso, as gestantes infectadas podem ter deposição de fibrina na placenta, desenvolvendo um quadro mais grave de coagulopatia. Conclusão: Diante do exposto, é necessário o conhecimento das possíveis complicações obstétricas da infecção pelo COVID-19, a fim de melhorar a assistência à saúde prestada ao binômio mãe-feto.
Hiperparatireoidismo secundário renal em canino: relato de caso
Authors: Salles Karolina Maciel , Santos Gabriela de Assis dos , Silva Ana Beatriz Santana , Bezerra João Manoel Magalhães Almeida , Honda Claudia Natsuki
Published: January 2023

Os rins são órgãos responsáveis por manter a homeostasia do organismo, tanto nos humanos como nos animais. A perda de sua função promove a retenção de solutos que deveriam ser excretados e a não reabsorção de compostos importantes para o corpo, ocasionando em toxicidade e deficiências. Quando a doença renal se encontra avançada uma das consequências é o hiperparatireodismo secundário, sendo ele caracterizado pelo aumento contínuo da secreção do paratormônio, uma resposta fisiológica devido a diminuição do cálcio ionizado. A sintomatologia depende do grau de evolução da enfermidade, sendo a osteodistrofia frequentemente descrita nos casos com acometimento das glândulas paratireoide. Alterações como normocalcemia ou hipercalcemia associada à hiperfosfatemia e exames condizentes com doença renal crônica, confirmam a suspeita. O prognóstico para pacientes com esse agravamento costuma desfavorável. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste artigo consiste em realizar a descrição de um caso atendido de um canino, Shih tzu, onde através de exame clinico, laboratorial e de imagem foi possível concluir o diagnóstico de hiperpartireoidismo secundário renal.
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A Mini Review
Authors: Shuai Yi , Zhang Zhang , Guo Tao , Yang Rui , Jin Lei , Liu Wenjia
Published: January 2023

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is an oestrogen deficiency-induced, systemic skeletal disease that affects the quality of life of patients once severe complications develop. The imbalance in osteoclastogenesis and osteoblastogenesis is the crucial pathological basis of osteoporosis and it is affected by classical pathways, epigenetic regulation, post-transcriptional regulation, oxidative stress-mediated signalling, and gut microbiotas. New methods to manage postmenopausal osteoporosis are essential and urgent. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry derived bone mineral density is acknowledged as the gold standard for osteoporosis diagnosis, and FRAX®, along with other clinical risk factors, has been used for osteoporotic fracture assessment. Novel serum biomarkers, such as circulating microRNA, are emerging and showing potential for diagnosing osteoporosis and estimating fracture risk. A major aim of osteoporosis diagnosis is to clarify the origins of the disease, clarify the functions of biomarkers and their dynamic changes responding to therapy, and develop a novel diagnostic strategy in combination with current methods. Traditional therapeutics, including bisphosphonates, denosumab, oestrogen replacement, and teriparatide, have been used in osteoporosis therapy for a long time. Some severe side effects have resulted in therapy discontinuation; however, the incidence of adverse reactions is quite low. Developing novel treatments for osteoporosis using mesenchymal stem cells or Chinese medicinal herb-based therapy is of increasing interest to researchers, based on their improved safety, efficiency, and cost performance. Improvements in both diagnostic and therapeutic strategies may contribute to personalised management of osteoporosis.
Update on the Diagnosis and Anticoagulant Treatment of the Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Riva Nicoletta , Gatt Alex
Published: January 2023

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired form of thrombophilia characterised by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies and arterial/venous thrombosis or obstetric complications. Although antiphospholipid antibodies are reported in 1–5% of the general population, only a minority of these individuals will develop the clinical manifestations of APS. The typical expressions of APS are thrombotic events that can involve veins, arteries, or small vessels in any organ or tissue. Pregnancy morbidity refers mainly to early and late fetal loss, but pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, or placental insufficiency can also occur. Extra-criteria manifestations include thrombocytopenia, APS-associated nephropathy, valvular heart disease, neurological manifestations, and livedo reticularis. The diagnosis of APS is currently based on the Sydney criteria: i.e., meeting at least one clinical criterion (vascular thrombosis or pregnancy morbidity) and one laboratory criterion (lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, or anti-β2 glycoprotein-I antibodies). Anticoagulation with unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin followed by vitamin K antagonist is the standard treatment for APS patients presenting with venous thromboembolism. There is not enough evidence regarding the use of the direct oral anticoagulants in this population. Patients presenting with arterial thrombosis may receive a combination of vitamin K antagonists and low-dose aspirin. In women with obstetrical APS, the combination of low molecular weight heparin and low-dose aspirin is usually prescribed to prevent pregnancy complications. The aim of this narrative review is to summarise the latest evidence on the diagnosis and antithrombotic treatment of APS.
A Flexible Smoother Adapted to Censored Data With Outliers and Its Application to SARS-CoV-2 Monitoring in Wastewater
Authors: Courbariaux Marie , Cluzel Nicolas , Wang Siyun , Maréchal Vincent , Moulin Laurent , Wurtzer Sébastien ,   Obépine Consortium, Mouchel Jean-Marie , Maday Yvon , Nuel Grégory
Published: January 2023

A sentinel network, Obépine, has been designed to monitor SARS-CoV-2 viral load in wastewaters arriving at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in France as an indirect macro-epidemiological parameter. The sources of uncertainty in such a monitoring system are numerous, and the concentration measurements it provides are left-censored and contain outliers, which biases the results of usual smoothing methods. Hence, the need for an adapted pre-processing in order to evaluate the real daily amount of viruses arriving at each WWTP. We propose a method based on an auto-regressive model adapted to censored data with outliers. Inference and prediction are produced via a discretized smoother which makes it a very flexible tool. This method is both validated on simulations and real data from Obépine. The resulting smoothed signal shows a good correlation with other epidemiological indicators and is currently used by Obépine to provide an estimate of virus circulation over the watersheds corresponding to about 200 WWTPs.
Cardiotocography analysis by empirical dynamic modeling and Gaussian processes
Authors: Feng Guanchao , Heiselman Cassandra , Quirk J. Gerald , Djurić Petar M.
Published: January 2023

Introduction:During labor, fetal heart rate (FHR) and uterine activity (UA) can be continuously monitored using Cardiotocography (CTG). This is the most widely adopted approach for electronic fetal monitoring in hospitals. Both FHR and UA recordings are evaluated by obstetricians for assessing fetal well-being. Due to the complex and noisy nature of these recordings, the evaluation by obstetricians suffers from high interobserver and intraobserver variability. Machine learning is a field that has seen unprecedented advances in the past two decades and many efforts have been made in computerized analysis of CTG using machine learning methods. However, in the literature, the focus is often only on FHR signals unlike in evaluations performed by obstetricians where the UA signals are also taken into account.

Methods:Machine learning is a field that has seen unprecedented advances in the past two decades and many efforts have been made in computerized analysis of CTG using machine learning methods. However, in the literature, the focus is often only on FHR signals unlike in evaluations performed by obstetricians where the UA signals are also taken into account. In this paper, we propose to model intrapartum CTG recordings from a dynamical system perspective using empirical dynamic modeling with Gaussian processes, which is a Bayesian nonparametric approach for estimation of functions.

Results and Discussion:In the context of our paper, Gaussian processes are capable for simultaneous estimation of the dimensionality of attractor manifolds and reconstructing of attractor manifolds from time series data. This capacity of Gaussian processes allows for revealing causal relationships between the studied time series. Experimental results on real CTG recordings show that FHR and UA signals are causally related. More importantly, this causal relationship and estimated attractor manifolds can be exploited for several important applications in computerized analysis of CTG recordings including estimating missing FHR samples, recovering burst errors in FHR tracings and characterizing the interactions between FHR and UA signals.
A poly (glycerol-sebacate-acrylate) nanosphere enhanced injectable hydrogel for wound treatment
Authors: Luo Jiajia , Sun Fenglei , Rao Pinhua , Zhu Tonghe , Liu Yonghang , Du Juan , Chen Sihao , Jin Xiangyun , Jin Jiale , Chai Yi
Published: January 2023

Wound repair remains a huge clinical challenge, which can cause bleeding, infection, and patient death. In our current research, a bioactive, injectable, multifunctional composite hydrogel doped with nanospheres was prepared with antibacterial and angiogenesis-promoting functions for the treatment of wounds. Amino groups in ε-polylysine (ε-EPL) undergo dynamic Schiff base reaction cross-linking with oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA), and F127 exhibits unique temperature sensitivity to form an injectable thermosensitive hydrogel (FHE10), which can form a hydrogel to cover the wound at body temperature. Nanospheres (PNs) prepared using poly (glyceryl-sebacate-acrylate) (PGSA) were loaded into hydrogels (FHE10) for promoting wound repair. The prepared FHE10 exhibited rapid gelation, good injectable abilities, and showed resistance to the flourish of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). In vitro investigations showed that FHE10 had good hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility. FHE10@PNs exhibited good proliferation, migration, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF-1). Furthermore, FHE10@PNs significantly promoted reepithelialization and collagen deposition as well as micro-vascularization compared with the use of FHE10 or PNs alone, thereby accelerating the repair of wounds. In general, this study demonstrated that the multifunctional injectable composite hydrogel showed great potential in wound treatment.
Electron microscopic imaging and NanoSIMS investigation on physiological responses of Aspergillus niger under Pb(II) and Cd(II) stress
Authors: Pan Shang , Li Zhaoyan , Wang Jiayi , Li Xuefei , Meng Lingzi , Chen Yunhui , Su Mu , Li Zhen
Published: January 2023

In the bioremediation process, coexistence of lead (Pb) and cadmium causes complex toxicity, resulting in the difficulty of bioremediation. This study investigated the physiological responses and bioaccumulation mechanisms of the typical filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger under the coexistence of Pb and Cd. Four treatments were set up, i.e., control, sole Pb, sole Cd, and coexistence of Pb and Cd. The morphology of A. niger were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. Then, nano-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) was applied to accurately investigate the distribution of heavy metals in the fungal cells under the coexistence of Pb and Cd. Finally, the metallogenic process and mineral types were simulated by Geochemist’s Workbench (GWB). The electron microscopic and NanoSIMS imaging showed that Pb and Cd were accumulated in both the extracellular and intracellular regions of the A. niger cells. In particular, the accumulated Pb content was ten times higher than that of Cd. However, Cd showed stronger toxicity than Pb to A. niger. Compared with the control treatment, Cd stress resulted in a two-fold increase of cell diameter and more extracellular substances, whereas the cell diameter increased nearly four times in the coexistence treatment. Moreover, the bioaccumulation of Pb was more intense than that of Cd during competitive sorption. The GWB simulation confirmed that Pb2+ can form multiple minerals (e.g., PbC2O4, PbHPO4, and Pb3(PO4)2, etc.), which significantly weakened its toxicity on the cell surface. This study elucidated the morphological characteristics of A. niger and competitive bioaccumulation under the coexistence of Pb and Cd, which would facilitate the application of microorganisms to the bioremediation of coexisted metals.
DEB-TACE with irinotecan versus C-TACE for unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a prospective clinical study
Authors: Wang Junxiao , Xue Yaoqin , Liu Rui , Wen Zhenyu , Ma Zhenhu , Yang Xiang , Yu Lingxiang , Yang Bin , Xie Hui
Published: January 2023

Objectives: DEB-TACE with irinotecan and C-TACE were compared with regards to safety and efficacy for the therapy of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

Methods: Institutional Review Board approved our trial and we registered it in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900022856). Forty patients with biopsy-confirmed ICC were randomised to either receive DEB-TACE or C-TACE treatment with 20 patients in each treatment arm. The primary endpoints objective response rate (ORR) and progression free survival (PFS) using the mRECIST to evaluate the tumours. The secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and safety. The chi-square was used to analyse the data. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox analysis were used to evaluate the survival data.

Results: ORR (70% in DEB-TACE group vs. 20% in C-TACE, p = .001) at 1 month after therapy, ORR (50% vs. 15%, p = .018) at 3 months and DCR (70% vs. 30%, p = .011) at 6 months, while no difference was found in other groups. (all p > .05) The median PFS with DEB-TACE was longer than that with C-TACE (8.0 months vs. 3.0 months) (p = .042). Although the median OS was longer with DEB-TACE than with C-TACE (11.5 months vs. 9.0 months), the difference was not statistically significant (p = .280). The Cox regression analysis demonstrated that TACE sessions (p = .017) and low CA125 levels (p = .001) were independent favourable prognostic factors. The most frequent adverse event was elevated transaminase levels (20/20 in DEB-TACE group vs. 15/20 in C-TACE group) (p = .047).

Conclusion: Our prospective study suggested better ORR and PFS with DEB-TACE with irinotecan as compared to C-TACE with irinotecan in the treatment of unresectable ICC.
Cell Cluster Sorting in Automated Differentiation of Patient-specific Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Towards Blood Cells
Authors: Ma Zhiyao , Toledo Marcelo Augusto Szymanskide , Wanek Paul , Elsafi Mabrouk Mohamed H. , Smet Francis , Pulak Rock , Pieske Simon , Piotrowski Tobias , Herfs Werner , Brecher Christian , Schmitt Robert H. , Wagner Wolfgang , Zenke Martin
Published: January 2023

Graphical Abstract

Clonal iPS cell lines and embryoid bodies (EB) of defined size are obtained by cell cluster sorting in an automated platform.
Low-intensity continuous ultrasound to inhibit cancer cell migration
Authors: González Itziar , Luzuriaga Jon , Valdivieso Alba , Candil Manuel , Frutos Jesús , López Jaime , Hernández Luis , Rodríguez-Lorenzo Luis , Yagüe Virginia , Blanco Jose Luis , Pinto Alberto , Earl Julie
Published: January 2023

In recent years, it has been verified that collective cell migration is a fundamental step in tumor spreading and metastatic processes. In this paper, we demonstrate for the first time how low-intensity ultrasound produces long-term inhibition of collective migration of epithelial cancer cells in wound healing processes. In particular, we show how pancreatic tumor cells, PANC-1, grown as monolayers in vitro respond to these waves at frequencies close to 1 MHz and low intensities (<100 mW cm−2) for 48–72 h of culture after some minutes of a single ultrasound irradiation. This new strategy opens a new line of action to block the spread of malignant cells in cancer processes. Despite relevant spatial variations of the acoustic pressure amplitude induced in the assay, the cells behave as a whole, showing a collective dynamic response to acoustic performance. Experiments carried out with samples without previous starving showed remarkable effects of the LICUs from the first hours of culture, more prominent than those with experiments with monolayers subjected to fasting prior to the experiments. This new strategy to control cell migration demonstrating the effectiveness of LICUS on not starved cells opens a new line of action to study effects of in vivo ultrasonic actuation on tumor tissues with malignant cells. This is a proof-of-concept study to demonstrate the physical effects of ultrasound stimulation on tumor cell migration. An in-depth biological study of the effects of ultrasounds and underlying biological mechanisms is on-going but out of the scope of this article.
Serum D-dimer is not predictive of placenta-mediated complications in pregnancy at high risk: The multicentric prospective cohort AngioPred study
Authors: Hovine Agathe , Chauleur Céline , Gauld Christophe , Rancon Florence , Gris Jean-Christophe , Tardy Brigitte , Giraud Antoine , Raia-Barjat Tiphaine
Published: January 2023

Background: The theory that D-dimer level might has a predictive or diagnostic role in preeclampsia needs to be explored. Aim of the study was to evaluate the association between serum D-dimer level and the occurrence of placenta-mediated complications (PMC) in a pregnant population at high risk.

Methods: A prospective multicenter cohort study including 200 pregnant women was conducted.

Results: Serum D-dimer increases throughout pregnancy, with the highest levels at the end of gestation. Serum D-dimer level was similar for women with PMC and with no complication. Serum D-dimer level was not different in women with preeclampsia versus uncomplicated women. Serum D-dimer level was not different in women with early or late preeclampsia versus uncomplicated women.

Conclusion: This result suggests that serum D-dimer level was not predictive of the PMC occurrence. This corroborates the fact that the origin of PMC based more on immunity than in hemostasis.
Recent advances in enhanced polymer gels for profile control and water shutoff: A review
Authors: Lu Siyu , Bo Qiwei , Zhao Guang , Shaikh Azizullah , Dai Caili
Published: January 2023

Polymer gels have been effectively employed as a water management material for profile control and water shutoff treatments in low-middle temperature and low-middle salinity reservoirs. However, most polymer gel systems have limitations under high temperature and salinity reservoir conditions, such as short gelation time, poor strength, and long-term instability. Therefore, several researchers have developed enhanced polymer gels to satisfy the water control requirements in high temperature and salinity reservoirs. This work reviews the five main types of enhanced polymer gels that have been developed so far: nano silica-enhanced gel systems, cellulose-enhanced gel systems, graphite-enhanced gel systems, oily sludge-enhanced gel systems, and foam-enhanced polymer gel systems. Further, this article investigates the fundamental properties, strengthening and crosslinking mechanisms, reservoir application conditions, and field applications of several enhanced polymer systems. In this paper, it is found that the addition of strengthening materials can increase the bound water content in the gel network and significantly improve the temperature and salt resistance of polymer gel, so as to cope with the application of profile control and water plugging in high temperature and high salt reservoirs. Moreover, it also offers references and future research directions for enhanced polymer gel systems.
Ascites re-compensation in HBV-related first decompensated cirrhosis after anti-viral therapy
Authors: Li Mingyu , Zong Zheng , Xiong Xinmiao , Fan Jing , Zhong Huan , Liu Na , Ye Wei , Jing Jisheng
Published: January 2023

Effective antiviral therapy can significantly improve the long-term prognosis of HBV-related decompensated patients, and re-compensation may be achieved in part of the patients. To explore the re-compensation of ascites after HBV suppression and the risk factors, the clinical outcomes of 196 consecutive patients with HBV-related first decompensated cirrhosis of ascites treated with nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) were analyzed retrospectively. Among these patients, the median serum HBV DNA level was 5.0 (IQR, 3.0-6.0) log10 IU/mL before treatment. Most patients were given NUC with high barrier to resistance including ETV (152), TDF (1) and TAF (1). Initial combination of LAM plus ADV and LdT plus ADV was used in 41 patients and 1 patients, respectively. After NUC treatment, the percentage of patients with ascites regression was 77.6%, 81.4%, 70.5%, 93.8%, 80.8% at 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 months, respectively (P<0.001). The distribution of ascites severity showed that the patients’ ascites improved, with the proportion of no ascites and mild ascites gradually increased. The proportion of re-compensation of ascites defined as negative HBV DNA, improved liver function and ascites regression (off diuretics) was 59.7%, 70.0%, 52.3%, 59.4%, 46.2% at 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 months (P<0.001). The rate of ascites regression was higher in viral response (VR) cohort when compared with that in non-VR cohort. Univariate and multivariable analysis showed that level of serum ALT (OR:0.988, 95%CI, p=0.029) and load of serum HBV DNA (OR:0.78895%CI, p=0.044) at baseline were risk factors of re-compensation of ascites. This study demonstrated that antiviral therapy could reverse decompensation of ascites in HBV-related first decompensated cirrhosis and the level of ALT and HBV DNA were risk factors of ascites re-compensation.
Gender and disruptions in family routines and stress amid COVID-19
Authors: Saxena Mamta , Shedlock Dorothy J. , Gold Zachary S.
Published: January 2023

Background

Family scientists strongly purport that structured family routines are associated with family stability and identity and may mediate the individuals' positive developmental outcomes. Family routines enhance the predictability of ambiguous situations, promote members' cohesion, and provide security and warmth. Investigating adverse changes in family routines during COVID-19 can inform on support required by families from other larger systemic institutions.

Theoretical background

Historically, family routines have universally been a gendered realm, and the contributions of females have been salient in maintaining them. Established and gendered contributions pre-COVID-19 predicted who does what and how much in the household. After the spread of COVID-19, the gendered practice continued and, in many households, strengthened. Therefore, exploration of proximal processes in the microsystem, such as family routines through the Bioecological perspectives, may offer insights into the historical rationale and repercussions of the gendered division of household labor on individual family members, especially women, and in times of crisis, such as a pandemic.

Purpose and method

The health implications of COVID-19 led to restrictive mandates, including remote employment and education directives resulting in additional stress and uncertainty in carrying out daily routines. Thus, there is a need to explore whether restrictive mandates during COVID-19 changed specific family routines and gender outcomes. In the current study, we surveyed (online) 378 adult participants about changes (disruptions) in their family routines, perceptions of disruptions in routines, and perceived stress levels. The research questions are:

(1) Does participants' gender continue to determine specific family routines?

(2) What are participants' perceptions of disruptions in family routines, and do those responses to family routines differ significantly by participants' gender?

(3) Are there significant gender differences in perceptions of stress among participants?

Findings and conclusions

Data analyses indicated that during COVID-19, both males and females were equally affected by changes in routines and had similar perceptions of disruptions and high-stress levels. However, item-level analyses indicate that females significantly spent more time on chores that would benefit others, whereas male participants spent more time on routines that would benefit them. Both males and females reported high-stress levels but differed in symptomatology. We provide a few selected narratives to supplement gender-based quantitative findings and establish descriptive evidence for differences in disruptions in routines and stress. In the end, implications for future practice and research are discussed.
A study on the prevalence and related factors of frailty and pre-frailty in the older population with hypertension in China: A national cross-sectional study
Authors: Zeng Xue-zhai , Jia Na , Meng Ling-bing , Shi Jing , Li Ying-ying , Hu Jia-bin , Hu Xing , Li Hui , Xu Hong-xuan , Li Jian-yi , Qi Xin , Wang Hua , Zhang Qiu-xia , Li Juan , Liu De-ping
Published: January 2023

Objective

To explore the prevalence and factors associated with frailty and pre-frailty in elderly Chinese patients with hypertension.

Background

In China, there have been few national studies into the prevalence and factors associated with frailty and pre-frailty in elderly patients with hypertension.

Methods

Through the 4th Sample Survey of Aged Population in Urban and Rural China (SSAPUR) in 2015, the situation of hypertension subjects aged 60 years or older in 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in mainland China was obtained. And the frailty index was constructed based on 33 potential defects, elderly hypertensive patients are classified as robust, frailty, and pre-frailty.

Results

A total of 76,801 elderly patients with hypertension were enrolled in the study. The age-sex standardized prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty in hypertensive elderly in China was 16.1% (95%CI 15.8–16.3%), 58.1% (95%CI 57.7–58.4%). There were significant geographical differences in the prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty in elderly hypertensive patients. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that poor economic status, activities of daily living disability, and comorbid chronic diseases were related to frailty and pre-frailty.

Conclusion

Frailty and pre-frailty are very common in elderly Chinese patients with hypertension and have similar risk factors. Prevention strategies should be developed to stop or delay the onset of frailty by targeting established risk factors in the pre-frailty population of elderly hypertension. It is also crucial to optimize the management of frailty in elderly Chinese patients with hypertension.
Prognostic value of temporal patterns of global longitudinal strain in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Abou Kamar Sabrina , Aga Yaar S. , de Bakker Marie , van den Berg Victor J. , Strachinaru Mihai , Bowen Dan , Frowijn René , Akkerhuis K. Martijn , Brugts Jasper , Manintveld Olivier , Umans Victor , Geleijnse Marcel L. , Boersma Eric , van Dalen Bas M. , Kardys Isabella
Published: January 2023

Background

We investigated whether repeatedly measured global longitudinal strain (GLS) has incremental prognostic value over repeatedly measured left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and a single “baseline” GLS value, in chronic heart failure (HF) patients.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, echocardiography was performed in 173 clinically stable chronic HF patients every six months during follow up. During a median follow-up of 2.7 years, a median of 3 (25th–75th percentile:2–4) echocardiograms were obtained per patient. The endpoint was a composite of HF hospitalization, left ventricular assist device, heart transplantation, cardiovascular death. We compared hazard ratios (HRs) for the endpoint from Cox models (used to analyze the first available GLS measurements) with HRs from joint models (which links repeated measurements to the time-to-event data).

Results

Mean age was 58 ± 11 years, 76% were men, 81% were in New York Heart Association functional class I/II, and all had LVEF < 50% (mean ± SD: 27 ± 9%). The endpoint was reached by 53 patients. GLS was persistently decreased over time in patients with the endpoint. However, temporal GLS trajectories did not further diverge in patients with versus without the endpoint and remained stable during follow-up. Both single measurements and temporal trajectories of GLS were significantly associated with the endpoint [HR per SD change (95%CI): 2.15(1.34–3.46), 3.54 (2.01–6.20)]. In a multivariable model, repeatedly measured GLS maintained its prognostic value while repeatedly measured LVEF did not [HR per SD change (95%CI): GLS:4.38 (1.49–14.70), LVEF:1.14 (0.41–3.23)]. The association disappeared when correcting for repeatedly measured NT-proBNP.

Conclusion

Temporal evolution of GLS was associated with adverse events, independent of LVEF but not independent of NT-proBNP. Since GLS showed decreased but stable values in patients with adverse prognosis, single measurements of GLS provide sufficient information for determining prognosis in clinical practice compared to repeated measurements, and temporal GLS patterns do not add prognostic information to NT-proBNP.
The whole story: Rumors and science communication in the aftermath of 2012 Emilia seismic sequence
Authors: Crescimbene Massimo , Todesco Micol , La Longa Federica , Ercolani Emanuela , Camassi Romano
Published: January 2023

Controversies that stir the public debate on geological matters usually revolve around a few specific aspects, including the actual trigger of geological phenomena (i.e., natural vs. anthropogenic), their predictability, and the trustworthiness of the experts who provide information and advice on the phenomena. A typical example of such difficulties is the case of the 2012 Emilia, Italy, seismic sequence which struck an area of relatively moderate seismic hazard. In that period, geophysical prospecting was planned to assess the potential of a reservoir for gas storage, near the town of Rivara. The low frequency of important seismic events in the area, associated with the ongoing industrial planning prompted widespread rumors of an anthropogenic origin of the 2012 earthquakes. Controversy also arose about the actual size of the seismic events: earthquakes magnitude can be computed with different methods, and its value depends on the type, number, and geographical distribution of the available seismic stations. As a result, different institutions commonly release different estimates of the earthquake magnitude, casting doubts on the reliability of each estimate. Since 2012, public concern has also been caused by the repeated occurrence of unusual phenomena in the area, such as ground heating or bubbling well waters. Popular belief tends to establish a causal link between particular phenomena and seismic activity, reinforcing the false conviction that seismicity could be predicted. In this work we present and discuss some of the activities that INGV pursued through the years to contrast rumors and disseminate correct scientific information. In the aftermath of the 2012 seismic sequence, INGV worked in collaboration with the National Department of Civil Protection, the local administrations, the University Network of seismic engineering, the Regional Healthcare System and local volunteer organizations. The organization of public meetings, the collection and analysis of widespread rumors and the creation of ad hoc outreach materials all contributed to reinforce the mutual trust between our research institute and the local population.
Characteristics and controlling factors of the Upper Permian Dalong Formation in northwestern Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Wang Lu , Guan Xiaodong , Wang Jianyong , Sun Zuoyu , Xu Huiyuan
Published: January 2023

It has been generally accepted that the Permian shale is an important target for shale oil and gas exploration. In order to precisely predict the distribution of potential excellent source rocks of shale oil and gas, it is necessary to reveal the forming process and mechanism of high-quality source rocks, such as the Dalong Formation in the Scihuan Basin. In this study, 17 samples were collected from the Dalong Formation in Longfeng Quarry, Northwest Guangyuan City, Sichuan Province. The lithofacies, organic geochemistry, and pyrolysis of these samples were analyzed to evaluate the main factors controllingthe source rock formation. In particular, the influences of hydrothermal and paleoenvironmental conditions on the accumulation of organic matter were analyzed. The total organic carbon (TOC) content of the samples, which ranges from 0.05% to 12.21%, is closely related to the lithology. High TOC has been generally observed in rock intervals developed in a deep-water sedimentary environment, including siliceous rock, dark shale, and siliceous shale. The peak pyrolysis temperature of the samples ranges from 444°C to 462°C, indicating a mature stage. Thin-section observation, combined with the results of previous studies, has confirmed that the source of the organic matter is mainly marine phytoplankton, such as algae and radiolarians, ostracods, and other marine organisms, which consist of these high-quality source rocks. The ratio of trace elements, such as Ni/Co, V/Cr, U/Th, and V/(V + Ni) indicate that high-quality source rocks are mainly formed in anoxic restricted environments. The hydrothermal activity of submarine volcanoes provided many nutrients and compounds, resulting biological prosperity and improving primary productivity. This is simultaneously conducive to the formation of anoxic environments and the preservation of organic matter.
Study on the shock-absorbing effect of a new staggered story isolated structure under the long-period earthquake motion
Authors: Shu Tong , Li Qi , Wang Taize , Jiang Luwei , Guo Zhongfa , Lei Min , Liu Dewen
Published: January 2023

The finite element model of a new staggered story isolated structure is established. Using the time-history analysis method, the dynamic response state of the structure at each time step is calculated by integrating the acceleration time-history data step-by-step. Three different types of seismic waves (ordinary seismic wave, near-fault impulse seismic wave, far-field quasi harmonic and long-period seismic wave) are input respectively for dynamic time history analysis. The result indicates that the new staggered story isolated structure has a good shock absorption effect under the action of three different types of seismic waves. There are certain differences in the shock absorption effect under the three kinds of ground motions. The seismic response under ordinary ground motions is minimal, but the seismic response of the structure increases in response to far-field quasi harmonic and long-period ground motions and the near-field fault pulse ground motions. Meanwhile, the inter-story shear force, inter story acceleration, inter-story displacement, damage, and the energy input are all increasing, However, compared with the aseismic structure, the inter-story shear force is reduced by 48%, the inter-story acceleration is reduced by 23%, the inter-story displacement is reduced by 48%, and the energy dissipation rate of the isolated layer is 65%. In addition, the isolated bearing is in good condition during occasional earthquakes under normal ground motion. However, the bearing exceeds the permissible range during near-fault impulse ground motion and far-field harmonic and long-period earthquakes. Therefore, special consideration should be given to the area where the far-field harmonic and long-period ground motion are involved.
Residual electron spin resonance signals of quartz from the 2018 Baige dammed lake in Tibet: Implications for the identification of sediment layers caused by megafloods
Authors: Wei Chuanyi , Yin Gongming , Du Jinhua , Liu Chunru , Cheng Li , Ji Hao , Wang Libin
Published: January 2023

Residual doses may cause overestimation of electron spin resonance (ESR) ages for fluvial sediments. However, ESR residual doses in outburst megaflood sediments have rarely been evaluated. The Jinsha River, situated in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau, is characterized by active faults, narrowed canyons, and dammed lakes. Consequently, the river is a rare opportunity for a reconstruction study of outburst flood events from a paleo-dammed lake. After the destruction of the Baige dammed lake in the upper Jinsha River in 2018, outburst megafloods formed a thick diluvium that was deposited in broad valley land along the lower Jinsha River. Based on detailed field investigation and laboratory studies, preliminary hydraulics estimates and residual quartz ESR signals indicate the following. 1) Among the multiple quartz ESR centers, the Al, E1ʹ, Ti-H, and Ti-Li centers could be measured. The Ti-H center had the lowest residual dose and would provide relatively accurate ages for outburst megaflood sediment. 2) The Ti-Li and Al centers commonly used for ESR dating provide overestimates of 283 ± 42 ka ∼ 462 ± 63 ka and 1,010 ± 88 ka ∼ 1,400 ± 219 ka, respectively, for present outburst megaflood sediment. 3) The diverse ages given by the same ESR signal may be caused by various precursors of megaflood sediments, which are mainly sourced from landslide dams and from various terraces and slope sediments along the river. Results demonstrated that the apparent ESR ages observed for the outburst megaflood sediment in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau may be counterfeit, providing an age much older than its real age. This could be interpreted to mean that the narrowed lower channel makes the upper reaches of the broad valley appear lake-like, with diluvium deposits having large non-negligible residual ESR signals without enough exposure to adequate sunlight, despite having good stratification and sorting characteristics similar to those of fluvio-lacustrine sediments. Thus, abrupt reversal in quartz ESR ages in multiple centers observed in the geochronological framework of the fluvial sedimentary profile may indicate a diluvial or flood layer in the absence of other inducements.
Accumulation and evolution of ice jams influenced by different ice discharge: An experimental analysis
Authors: Chen Pangpang , Cheng Tiejie , Wang Jun , Cao Guangxue
Published: January 2023

Ice jam, a unique hydrological phenomenon of rivers in cold regions, is a major cause of ice flooding. There are many different kinds of damage that can result from ice jams: e.g., blockage of the water flow, rising water levels that can flood farmland and dwellings, damage to hydraulic structures, and interruptions to shipping. The formation of an ice jam is influenced by various factors associated with different fields of study. The accumulation of an ice jam is thus a complex process worth investigating. However, previous studies seldom take account of ice discharge factors. This study carries out 29 tests on the accumulation of an ice jam, and discovers four kinds of phenomena: inlet ice that fails to submerge (case 1); thickening ice from upstream to downstream (case 2); thickening ice from downstream to upstream (case 3); and failure to form an ice jam (case 4). Two typical examples are used to detail cases 2 and 3. The authors suggest differentiating between the two cases using the longitudinal boundary line running through the point of the Froude number (Fr) = 0.119. Furthermore, the authors analyze the phenomena that make it difficult for an ice jam to form and suggest using the critical discriminant line to distinguish between cases 3 and 4. Combined with the longitudinal boundary line, a partition result diagram of the different accumulation features of ice jams is presented to differentiate between the four modes of accumulation of ice jams.
Effects of pressure and fluid properties on P-wave velocity and attenuation of tight sandstones
Authors: Ba Jing , Pan Xuming , Carcione José M. , Ma Rupeng
Published: January 2023

Tight reservoirs are distributed in several basins in China, with great exploration prospects and high production potential. These reservoirs have low porosity and permeability and a significant spatial heterogeneity, and this complexity requires new developments on the experimental and theoretical researches of wave propagation. To this purpose, we have conducted ultrasonic experiments on seven tight sandstones collected from the shale-oil strata as a function of the confining pressure. We obtained the P-wave velocity and attenuation by using the spectral-ratio method. The results show that attenuation decreases with pressure, and increases with porosity and permeability and that oil saturation causes more losses compared to water and gas saturations. Moreover, we observe a relaxation peak at 40% water saturation in the gas-water case. Then, we develop a tight-rock model combining three theories [Voigt-Reuss-Hill (VRH), Differential Effective Medium (DEM) and double double-porosity (DDP)], where inclusions are assumed to represent cracks or grain contacts, with different porosity and compressibility as the host. The model reasonably predicts P-wave velocity dispersion and attenuation, which increase with water saturation, and the related relaxation frequency moves to low frequencies.
Color changes in yardang strata sediment in the Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark, Northwest China: Controlling factors and significance for sedimentary environments
Authors: Liang Xiaolei , Wang Xiaoli , Zhai Xiaohui , Niu Qinghe , Li Jiyan
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Yardang stratum is the basic material unit of yardang landforms. Due to their protracted age and complex sedimentary structure, formative yardang stratum mechanisms remain poorly understood. Color, being one of the most intuitive, easily accessible, and important lithological indicators, can be used to identify yardang strata sedimentary environments. However, the lack of quantitative analysis and systematic research have limited how chromatic environmental proxies can be extracted and interpreted.

Materials and methods: The Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark was selected for this experiment. Based on chromaticity, grain-size, chemical element, organic matter, and carbonate content measurements of yardang strata sediment samples, this study used correlation analysis and chromaticity proxy extraction to quantitatively characterize associated color changes, controlling factors, and sedimentary environments.

Results and discussion: Results found significant cyclic changes in chromaticity parameter curves were observed in the profiles, which is likely indicative of a dry/wet evolutionary process that occurred during different stages of the yardang sedimentary environment. Organic matter content was the main factor affecting changes in brightness, while iron oxide content directly affected yardang sediment redness and yellowness values. Due to its low value, effects of carbonate content on brightness were obscured. The grain-size characteristics indirectly affect the brightness value through the content of quartz, feldspar and organic matter. Moreover, based on modern analogy method, the brightness and redness values are proved to be effective proxies for distinguishing the yardang sedimentary environment. Accordingly, it is concluded that the sedimentary environment of Dunhuang yardang landforms is composed of sedimentation that derived from lacustrine, aeolian, and alluvial environments, and that the chromaticity parameter range and characteristic color for sedimentary environments are extracted and quantified. Findings from this study not only rectify the lack of quantitative research on yardang sediment color theory but also provide an important theoretical basis for identifying sedimentary environments in the field.