Prognostic value of lymph node ratio in patients with non-metastatic cervical cancer treated with radical hysterectomy: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The lymph node ratio (LNR) is an emerging prognostic biomarker in multiple malignancies. This study aimed to explore the prognostic role of LNR in patients with non-metastatic cervical cancer undergoing radical hysterectomy. METHODS: Data were extracted from the SEER 17 registry. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were performed to identify the prognostic factors associated with cancer-specific survival (CSS). A nomogram was constructed to predict the 5-year and 10-year CSS. Survival analyses stratified by the status of LNR and different adjuvant treatments were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: A total of 8128 female patients with non-metastatic cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy and regional node examination (≥8) were enrolled. Of these, 1269 (15.6%) were confirmed as lymph node-positive. Cox regression analyses showed that age, race, tumor size, tumor grade, histology, and LNR were significant factors affecting CSS. A nomogram was developed for predicting the 5-year and 10-year CSS, which showed good discrimination and calibration. Patients without lymph node involvement had inferior CSS with adjuvant treatments compared to those who did not receive further treatment. In patients with LNR ≤10%, only those receiving adjuvant radiotherapy had a trend of better CSS. In patients with an LNR between 10% and 30% and more than 30%, concurrent radiochemotherapy (CCRT) proved to be the best treatment. CONCLUSIONS: LNR is an independent prognostic factor in patients with non-metastatic cervical cancer undergoing radical hysterectomy. For patients with negative lymph nodes, no further treatment is recommended. Patients with positive lymph nodes could benefit more from CCRT.

A rapid evaluation method of blasting effect based on optimized image segmentation algorithm and application in engineering.

To quickly determine the blasting block degree and conduct an accurate and objective analysis of the tunnel blasting effect, this study has enhanced and improved upon the traditional genetic algorithm and Otsu algorithm. It has combined it with the marking watershed method and utilized ground digital acquisition to capture images of blasting debris. These images are then used in our custom-developed blasting analysis software to calculate the blasting block degree distribution and provide a quantitative analysis of blasting block degree. The research results show that the optimized image segmentation algorithm effectively improves the traditional threshold segmentation method on the poor effect of segmentation of the edge of the adherent block or the direct application of the watershed segmentation of the over-segmentation problem, to improve the segmentation accuracy based on the new segmentation technology is close to the traditional technology in terms of time. Through the self-developed software, the construction personnel in the project site to quickly obtain the blasting block degree histogram, block degree cumulative curve and other important indicators of the evaluation of the effect of blasting block degree, to provide data support for on-site construction, to assist in the modification of the blasting program, and to improve the efficiency of construction. This study realizes the rapid detection and block identification of blasting blocks, provides data support for the optimization of blasting parameters, and has good application and promotion value.

Shear damage mechanisms of jointed rock mass: a macroscopic and mesoscopic study.

The joints are existing throughout the underground rock mass. It is of great significance to investigate the shear performance of the rock mass to maintain the stability of the underground structure. In this study, we conducted orthogonal tests to determine the proportion of rock-like materials, and used JRC curves to make specimen molds and then prepare the specimens. We conducted straight shear tests and uniaxial compression tests to determine the various mechanical parameters of the rock-like materials. Next, we carried out the compression and shear tests to investigate the shear characteristics of the specimens, and study the damage pattern and shear strength of the jointed rock mass under different confining pressures and roughness levels. The mesoscopic displacements in the shear process of joints were analyzed by using ABAQUS. The test results show that the effect of the confining pressure on the shear strength of the joint plane is relatively obvious, and a larger confining pressure indicates a larger shear strength. The effects of different joint plane roughness and shear rated on the shear characteristics of the joint plane are also significant. The mesoscopic displacement difference inside the joint plane with higher roughness is relatively large, and the stress concentration phenomenon is obvious and lasts longer, which leads to the faster destruction of the specimen with higher roughness and the higher destruction degree. Therefore, we suggest that the priority should be given to the reinforcement of jointed rock mass with high roughness during the construction to prevent sudden destabilization and failure.

Research on the deformation laws of buildings adjacent to shield tunnels in clay strata.

Earth pressure shields are widely used in tunnel construction due to their low environmental impact and mechanized operations. However, ensuring the stability of the excavation surface during the construction process is crucial. Any instability in the excavation surface can lead to soil destruction, such as body collapse or surface uplift. Additionally, the tunneling process can cause deformation disturbances to nearby buildings. In the case of Beijing Metro Line 17, detailed survey data and construction monitoring data were collected through field surveys and tests. The study combined theoretical analysis and numerical simulations to investigate the impact of shield tunneling in clay layers on neighboring buildings. The focus was on analyzing the physical deformation and the response law of influencing factors, such as stratum parameters and engineering effects on surface settlement, building inclination, and distortion. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis of the deformation impact was conducted, and corresponding measures for deformation control were proposed.