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This study investigates finite-time energy-to-peak control for pure-time-delay Markov jump systems. The main objective is to obtain some theorems such that the corresponding pure-time-delay Markov jump systems are finite time energy-to-peak stable or stabilizable. First, based on mathematical transformation, the pure-time-delay Markov jump systems are described in a model description that includes the current system state and several distributed time-delay items. Second, according to linear matrix inequality (LMI) theory, a positive energy functional is constructed, which includes a triple integral item. Then, after some mathematical operations, some sufficient conditions are obtained for Markov jump systems to be finite-time energy-to-peak stable or stabilizable. The obtained results are expressed in LMIs, which can be conveniently solved by computers. Finally, examples are given to show the usefulness of the obtained theorems.

The issues of cleaner production and socioeconomic advancements have taken a central stage due to the dynamism of the correlation between energy use and ecology. Given this background, the research delves into how to construct a framework to unravel diverse understandings of energy policy vis-a-vis green economy by examining the mediating role of financial inclusion. The analysis applied a non-radial DEA and longitudinal dataset model for the scenarios of thirty regions in China, relying on their longitudinal dataset from 2010–2017. The findings indicate that the Chinese regions’ total green economic performance indicator (EPI) has advanced by 9.88% between 2010 and 2017. In addition, the econometric analyses prove that regional renewable energy policies and pollution abatement programs explicitly influence the improvement of the environmental performance index. Again, the results show that the probability figures of the individual specific limit equation and the dual limit values crossed the 1% significance analysis level simultaneously, indicating a dual limit impact. 0.74 to 1 is the range that marks the green EPI for Jiangsu, Shandong, Guangdong, Hainan, Zhejiang, Shanghai and Fujian. Ultimately, the analysis serves as a policy inference tool for policy formulators and regulators on encouraging green economic performance in China.

Background: In the field of artificial intelligence, programming self-efficacy plays an indispensable role in the success of programming learning. However, how to predict the level of students’ programming self-efficacy has not been addressed. Objective: To predict the level of programming self-efficacy among upper secondary school students in tobacco growing areas of Southwest China, this study used survey data to develop a decision tree model. Methods: First, a total of 512 questionnaires were collected by using the Academic Achievement Test, Creative Style Scale, Programming Learning Attitude Questionnaire, Motivation Scale, Higher-order Thinking Preferences Scale, and Programming Self-efficacy Scale. Secondly, a decision tree model was constructed by SPSS modeler 18.0. Results: The results showed that academic achievement, creativity style, programming learning, motivation, and higher-order thinking propensity were highly predictive of programming self-efficacy. Conclusions: This is the first study in the direction of educational technology and it represents a novel approach to predicting programming self-efficacy among upper secondary school students. The experimental analysis demonstrate that the encouraging results prove the practical feasibility of the approach.

The aims are to analyze the fluctuation forecast of exchange rate markets, including the Chinese Yuan (CNY), and discuss applying the neural network model in the Value at Risk (VaR) measure. Therefore, six exchange rate markets are selected as the research objects, with the CNY exchange rate market as the main body, to analyze and explain the exchange rate fluctuation risks. Second, based on the overview of the neural network model, the Deep Belief Network (DBN), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), and Long Short-Term Memory Network (LSTM) are introduced, and a VaR method based on risk measurement is proposed. Finally, based on the number of excess days (Exc) and the Kupiec test, the VaR measure results under different models are analyzed. Results demonstrate that the CNY exchange rate market’s historical data are relatively concentrated, with minor fluctuations, and the overall change is a sharp right shift. Compared with the benchmark model Generalized AutoRegressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity, the three neural network models show excellent risk measurement performance for different exchange rate markets. Based on Exc, the DBN model has the optimal risk forecast performance. In the CNY exchange rate market, the Exc values corresponding to the DBN and LSTM models are small, and the forecast performance is fair. Based on the Kupiec test, in addition to the Great Britain Pound exchange rate market, the three neural network models perform well in measuring the risks of the other five exchange rate markets. Besides, the MLP model has the optimal performance in measuring the CNY risks. Hence, the neural network models have excellent applicability in measuring the risks of exchange rate markets.

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg is a dietary supplement in southern China. The total flavonoids of T. hemsleyanum (THTF) can be used for gastrointestinal disease treatment. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis. This study was designed to investigate the effect of THTF on CRC from gut microbiota and fecal metabolomics. THTF (120 mg/kg) oral gavage reduced tumor growth and protected intestinal function (p-p65/p65, ZO-1) in HCT116 xenografts. THTF increased probiotics Bifidobacteriales, Bifidobacteriaceae, Bifidobacterium, Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, and decreased "harmful" bacteria Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, Bacteroidia, Rikenellaceae, Odoribacter, Alistipes richness. Furthermore, THTF restored abnormal fecal metabolite levels. It showed a strong correlation among gut microbiota, metabolites, and tumor weight. Finally, THTF promoted Bifidobacterium pseudolongum growth in vitro, whose cell-free supernatant further inhibited HCT116 cell proliferation and clonogenicity. Together, THTF delays CRC tumor growth by maintaining microbiota homeostasis, restoring fecal metabolites, and protecting intestinal function.

To compare the clinical outcomes of traumatic arthritis of the subtalar joint treated by arthroscopy-assisted arthrodesis with autologous bone graft, allogenous bone graft, artifical bone graft, and no bone graft . Sixty-two patients (64 ft) with traumatic arthritis of subtalar joint were randomly divided into four groups. The cases treated with arthroscopy-assisted arthrodesis were analyzed retrospectively. The mean follow-up time was about 22 months (18–28 months) in each group. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and radiographic examination. The post-operative complications in each group were recorded respectively. All operations were successful, without incision complications. The subtalar joint obtained full osseous fusion in each group. The average time of osseous fusion was about 12 weeks. There was no significant difference in the fusion time with each group (P = 0.991). The AOFAS and VAS scores in each group were improved significantly in the pre-operative vs post-operative evaluation (all P

Treatment of ONFH at an early stage is a challenging issue. The modified minimally invasive core decompression combined with bone graft implantation remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the early-middle outcomes of four groups with different bone grafts.A total of 182 patients (192 hips) with ONFH at the ARCO II stage were randomly divided into four groups. The free fibular graft group (FFG), free vascularized fibular graft group (FVFG), autologous iliac bone group (ABG), and β-tricalcium bioceramics phosphate graft (β-TCPG) group. Each group was treated with the modified minimally invasive core decompression and bone graft implantation. The operation time and blood loss were recorded by the same observer. The clinical outcome was evaluated by the Harris Hip Score and VAS score (before, 14 days after surgery, and at the last follow-up). The radiographic progression of ONFH was evaluated at least 36 months of follow-up.All cases were successful without any complications after the operation. The patients were followed up for 42 to 48 (44.62 ± 1.81) months. There were statistically significant differences among the four groups in operation time (F value = 1520.67; P 0.01) and blood loss (F value = 5366.81; P 0.01). The Harris Hip Score in each group was improved significantly from pre-operation to last follow-up (all P 0.01). At the last follow-up, the difference in the Harris Hip Score in each group was not statistically significant (F value = 0.54; P = 0.984). The VAS scores in each group were decreased significantly from the pre-operation to14 days after surgery (all P 0.01). At 14 days after surgery, the difference in the VAS score in each group was not statistically significant (F value = 0.64; P = 0.59). At the last follow-up, three hips collapsed on the femoral head in the FFG group, two in the FVFG group, two in the ABG group, and three in the β-TCPG group.The four different bone graft implantation showed satisfactory early-middle outcomes. As compared to other bone grafts, the β-TCP bioceramics graft has the advantages of shorter operation time and lesser blood loss. It may be a choice as a bone graft for the treatment of ONFH at an early stage.

Icariin, the main pharmacological active flavonoid extracted from Epimedi herba, can regulate cellular processes in diverse diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the effects and mechanisms of icariin on proliferation and adipogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in aplastic anemia (AA).Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from posterior tibias and femurs of AA rats that were induced by benzene and cyclophosphamide and gavaged with icariin. The isolated BMSCs were characterized morphologically and immunologically by positive markers (CD29 and CD90) and negative markers (CD34 and CD45). CCK-8 assay was performed to examine the BMSCs proliferation. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. Oil red O staining was carried out to evaluate the adipogenesis of BMSCs. The mRNA expression of PPARγ, C/EBP-α, and FABP4 was measured by qRT-PCR. The protein levels of p-p38/p38, p-JNK/JNK, p-ERK/ERK, PPARγ, C/EBP-α, and FABP4 were detected using Western blotting. Icariin promoted the proliferation of BMSCs from AA rats in a dose-dependent manner. The protein levels of p-p38/p38, p-JNK/JNK, and p-ERK/ERK were downregulated in BMSCs from AA rats after icariin treatment. Icariin inhibited the apoptosis and arrested cell cycle at G/S phase of BMSCs from AA rats. The adipogenesis of BMSCs from AA rats was also suppressed after icariin treatment. However, the effects of icariin on BMSCs were weakened by p38 agonist addition.Icariin promoted the proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis and adipogenesis of BMSCs in AA by suppressing MAPK pathway.

The issues of cleaner production and socioeconomic advancements have taken a central stage due to the dynamism of the correlation between energy use and ecology. Given this background, the research delves into how to construct a framework to unravel diverse understandings of energy policy vis-a-vis green economy by examining the mediating role of financial inclusion. The analysis applied a non-radial DEA and longitudinal dataset model for the scenarios of thirty regions in China, relying on their longitudinal dataset from 2010-2017. The findings indicate that the Chinese regions' total green economic performance indicator (EPI) has advanced by 9.88% between 2010 and 2017. In addition, the econometric analyses prove that regional renewable energy policies and pollution abatement programs explicitly influence the improvement of the environmental performance index. Again, the results show that the probability figures of the individual specific limit equation and the dual limit values crossed the 1% significance analysis level simultaneously, indicating a dual limit impact. 0.74 to 1 is the range that marks the green EPI for Jiangsu, Shandong, Guangdong, Hainan, Zhejiang, Shanghai and Fujian. Ultimately, the analysis serves as a policy inference tool for policy formulators and regulators on encouraging green economic performance in China.

Green bonds are an important part of green finance and a significant financing method for enterprises to make socially responsible investments. This thesis analyzes the impact of pro-environmental factors on the financing cost of green bonds by the data of green bonds issued from 2016 to 2020. The results show that the better the environmental performance of the issuer's region, the lower the financing cost of green bonds, and the third-party certification reduces the financing cost of green bonds. Further research shows that high pollution areas and high pollution industries enhance the punitive role of environmental pollution financing. Regional environmental performance mainly affects the financing cost of green bonds through tax suppression mechanism and credit penalty mechanism, while third-party certification affects the financing cost of green bonds through tax relief mechanism and financing channel mechanism. This paper provides empirical evidence and policy inspiration for reducing the financing cost of issuing green bonds and promoting the perfection of the green bond system.

Background Nasal Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) screening and decolonization has been widely used to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs) prior to total knee and hip arthroplasty (TKA and THA). However, it remains considerably controversial. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether this scheme could reduce SSIs and periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) following elective primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Methods A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library until October, 2019. Outcomes of interest included SSI, PJI, superficial infection, and different bacterial species that caused infections. Data from eligible studies were then extracted and synthesized. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. We also performed additional analyses to evaluate whether there were differences in postoperative SSIs caused by S. aureus or other bacteria. Results Nine studies were included in our meta-analysis. The pooled data elucidated that nasal S. aureus screening and decolonization dramatically mitigated the risk of SSI, PJI, and superficial infection compared to nondecolonization group. The analysis of bacterial species causing infection also showed that the S. aureus infections postoperative were significantly decreased in the decolonization group. However, there was no statistical difference in the SSI caused by other bacteria between the two groups. Conclusion S. aureus screening and decolonization prior to elective primary THA and TKA could significantly decrease the risk of SSI and PJI. However, more robust studies are needed to further evaluate the impact of S. aureus screening and decolonization on infection risk after TJA.

Transportation Technology Center, Inc (TTCI) reviewed rail transit track inspection and maintenance standards in North America. These agency standards were benchmarked against similar protocols existing in other parts of the world. In addition, transit agencies were surveyed to document inspection, maintenance, and operating practices to understand variations in inspection and maintenance standards. Approximately 30 agencies participated in the survey which establishes a significant representative sample of North American transit operations. An analysis of track-related accidents was conducted to determine where changes might be required to existing standards and/or where potential gaps may exist. From this analysis, a prioritized list of recommendations was developed. The list consists of items that can be implemented immediately and also items requiring additional research and development. This research is part of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) standards development program. The program is intended to improve the safety and efficiency of rail transit operations.

Objective To compare cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) and CHOP plus etoposide (CHOPE) with regard to outcomes including efficacy and safety for patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). Methods Relevant literature was searched using PubMed, Embase, Wanfang, and CNKI for eligible trials comparing CHOP with CHOPE for treatment of PTCL. The following outcomes of PTCL patients were considered: complete response (CR), partial response (PR), overall response rate (ORR), and adverse events (AEs; grade >3). Risk ratios (RRs) were appropriately derived from fixed-effects or random-effects models. Results A total of five prospective or retrospective articles with 1,560 patients were elected for the meta-analysis. There were no significant differences in CR (RR =1.11, 95% CI: 0.73-1.67, P=0.632), PR (RR =1.40, 95% CI: 0.52-3.76, P=0.504), and ORR (RR =1.25, 95% CI: 0.93-1.69, P=0.146) between the CHOP and CHOPE groups. However, AEs including anemia (RR =1.69, 95% CI: 1.33-2.16, P

Purpose: This study used a moderated mediation model to explore the relationship between general self-efficacy (GSE) and psychological resilience (PR) and the associated mechanisms, the mediating role of posttraumatic growth (PTG), and the moderating role of deliberate rumination (DR) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Knowledge of the relationship between these four variables examined further understanding of the PR improvement mechanism of college students and even the general public.Methods: The college students who participated in this study came from an independent college in Guangdong Province, China. A total of 918 college students completed the survey, and the final data sample size was 881. SPSS 23.0 and PROCESS (version 3.3) were used to conduct Pearson's correlation analysis and hierarchical regression linear analysis on the data.Results: (1) The correlation analysis showed that GSE and PR were positively correlated and that PTG was positively correlated with GSE and PR. DR was positively correlated with GSE, PTG, and PR. (2) The results of mediation analysis showed that GSE had a direct predictive effect on DR, and PTG partially mediated the relationship between the two. (3) The results of moderating effect analysis showed that DR hindered the effect of GSE on PTG but enhanced the positive impact of PTG on PR.Conclusions: General self-efficacy can improve PR under the mediating influence of PTG. DR played a positive moderating role in the relationship between GSE and PTG, and played a negative moderating role in the relationship between PTG and PR. These results advance the understanding of the mechanism between GSE and PR.

Purpose:The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has had a significant impact on people’s lives, has apparently increased the incidence of depression. Although the topic of how depression affects creativity is contested, previous research has revealed a significant relationship between the two. The purpose of this study is to further investigate the relationship and the mechanisms that operate between depression and creativity.Methods:A total of 881 students at an independent college in China completed a questionnaire consisting of the Self-Reported Depression Scale, Runco Ideational Behavior Scale, Psychological Resilience Scale, Deliberate Rumination Scale and demographic information. Among the respondents, 317 (36.0%) were male and 564 (64.0%) were female, all of whom were from the same grade. Correlation analyses were conducted, and then the researchers carried out mediation analysis and developed a moderated mediation model.Results:The results indicated that (a) depression was positively related to creativity (r= 0.085,p< 0.05); (b) psychological resilience mediated the relationship between depression and creativity; specifically, psychological resilience was negatively related to depression (r= −0.462,p< 0.01), which in turn was positively related to creativity (r= 0.198,p< 0.01); and (c) deliberate rumination moderated the relationship between depression and psychological resilience, showing a significant negative correlation with depression (r= 0.138,p< 0.01), psychological resilience (r= 0.078,p< 0.05), and creativity (r= 0.288,p< 0.05); specifically, higher levels of deliberate rumination strengthened the negative correlation between psychological resilience and depression.Conclusion:The results suggest that depression is a positive predictor of creativity and may promote creativity to some extent. Further, individuals with greater psychological resilience are more creative than those with less psychological resilience, as it is a question of whether they can and to what extent they can effectively use depression as an emotional resource. Last, an individual’s level of deliberate rumination moderates the mediating process, especially at the stage where depression is associated with psychological resilience. These findings advance understanding of the mechanisms that operate between depression and creativity.

Background The aim of the study was to use a moderated mediation model to understand and examine the relationship between negative emotions and creativity among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic, using psychological resilience as a mediator and posttraumatic growth as a moderator. Methods A sample of 881 college students in mainland China completed a self-report questionnaire that included four scales: the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale, Psychological Resilience Scale, Runco Ideational Behavior Scale and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Results Findings indicated that:(1) negative emotions were a strong predictor of creativity; (2) psychological resilience partially mediated the association between negative emotions and creativity; and (3) posttraumatic growth moderated the positive effect of psychological resilience, such that the indirect effect between negative emotions and creativity via psychological resilience was stronger for someone with a low level of resilience. Conclusion The findings further clarify the mechanisms that affect the relationship between negative emotions and creativity among college students.

Purpose: This study used a moderated mediation model to test the mediating effect of general self-efficacy on the relationship between post-traumatic growth (PTG) and creativity and the moderating effect of deliberate rumination in the second path of the indirect mediation path during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A sample of 881 university students from Guangdong Province, China, was surveyed with the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, the Runco Ideational Behavior Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Deliberate Rumination Inventory. SPSS (23 version) and PROCESS (3.3 version) were used for correlation analyses, mediation analysis, and moderated mediation analysis.Results: (1) PTG was positively correlated with creativity, self-efficacy, and deliberate rumination. Creativity was positively correlated with self-efficacy and deliberate rumination. Deliberate rumination was positively correlated with self-efficacy. (2) Self-efficacy mediated the relationship between PTG and creativity. (3) Deliberate rumination moderated the second half of the path of “PTG → self-efficacy → creativity.”Conclusions: PTG affected creativity directly and also indirectly through self-efficacy. In particular, deliberate rumination moderated the relationship between self-efficacy and creativity, such that the association was stronger when the incidence of deliberate rumination was low. These results provide a more comprehensive understanding of the positive link between PTG and creativity.

Background Fibrinogen (FIB) has recently been used as a biomarker to diagnose periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), but its reliability is still questionable. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of FIB in the diagnosis of PJI after joint replacement. Methods We searched for literatures published in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from the time of database inception to September 2020 and screened the studies according to the inclusion criteria. Then, we calculated the diagnostic parameters of FIB, including the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), area under the curve (AUC), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). In addition, we implemented subgroup analyses to identify the sources of heterogeneity. Results Seven studies including 1341 patients were selected in our meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, and DOR of FIB for PJI diagnosis were 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73–0.82), 0.83 (95% CI, 0.81–0.86), 4.60 (95% CI, 3.30–6.42), 0.24 (95% CI, 0.18–0.34), and 20.13 (95% CI, 14.80–27.36), respectively, while the AUC was 0.896. Conclusion The present study indicated that FIB was a reliable detection method and might be introduced into the diagnostic criteria for PJI. However, more robust studies are still needed to confirm the current findings, because most of the included studies were retrospective and had small sample sizes.

Additional file 1. Detailed search strategy.

BackgroundPrior studies have compared the posterior capsule repair group in primary total hip arthroplasty by posterior approach with the control group without posterior capsule repair suggesting that the posterior capsule repair group had better clinical outcomes. However, it is still a controversy which treatment is more helpful for hip diseases. The purpose of our article is to obtain the postoperative outcomes between the 2 procedures.MethodsWe performed a systematic search by browsing the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library. There is no restriction on the date of publication. Before we submit our manuscript, we have re-searched the literatures again, including the articles which directly compared the postoperative outcomes of the 2 procedures.ResultsA total of 8 comparative studies were included in our meta-analysis. The posterior capsule repair group showed less dislocation rate, higher HHS, and even less postoperative bleeding volume. Meanwhile, there is no significant difference in ROM between 2 groups.ConclusionIn conclusion, according to current evidences, repairing posterior capsule during primary THA may have better functional outcomes, less dislocation incidence, and less loss of blood.

Background Simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fractures are extremely rare without obvious injury. Herein, we report the case of a patient on dialysis presenting with bilateral femoral neck fractures, which is a condition with high complication and mortality rates according to a review of the pertinent literature. Case presentation We report the case a 47-year-old female with a history of 8 years of haemodialysis due to polycystic kidney disease who presented with bilateral hip pain during walking. The clinical history and results of physical and radiographic examinations of this patient are shown. Single-stage bilateral hemiarthroplasty was performed after a multidisciplinary team consultation. Three days after the operation, she could ambulate with a walker. The woman gradually regained her previous ability to walk over 6 months after surgery. Conclusions A multidisciplinary team consultation for perioperative management is necessary and effective in patients on dialysis. Early diagnosis with prompt surgical treatment could lead to favourable recovery.

Background: Hip-preserving surgeries with vascularized pedicle iliac bone grafts (VPIBG) are effective for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). However, few studies exist about the long-term efficacy of this procedure. The aim of this meta analysis was to investigate how long does this hip-preserving surgery last. Methods: A comprehensive search was carried out through PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Collaboration Library for all relevant studies up to November 2019. The literature search strategy contained Medical Subject Headings and terms relating to ONFH and bone transplantation. All included studies were articles on VBIPG for ONFH, with an average follow-up of more than 5 years. Interesting outcomes included clinical success rates, complications, and conversion rates of THA. The data from eligible studies were then extracted and synthesized. The pooled effect size (ES) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: Ten studies were finally selected. Eight studies including 3413 hips were pooled into the meta-analysis of success rates, the overall ES was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.86–0.92). In subgroup analysis, the ES was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.78–0.98) and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.87–0.92) at an average 5-10 years and 10-15 years follow-up, respectively. Pooled analysis of THA conversion rates derived from 7 studies (3389 hips) showed the overall ES of 0.10 (95% CI, 0.09–0.11). Seven studies (3396 hips) were included in a meta-analysis of complication rates, and the overall ES was 0.12 (95% CI, 0.08–0.18). The most common complications were secondary wound healing (37.6%), numbness or paresthesia of the lateral thigh (22.4%), and deep vein thrombosis (19.6%). Conclusions: The hip-preserving surgery with VPIBG is a safe and effective treatment for early-stage ONFH, but it should be used with caution in the treatment of advanced femoral head necrosis. The pooled data from this study suggested that 90% of the hips in patients with ONFH lasted 10 years after this surgery. However, most of the included studies are case series, and these conclusions will need the support of high-quality research in the future.

Objective: This meta-analysis was designed to investigate the association between interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) polymorphisms and occurrence risk of aplastic anemia.Methods: Literature search wa...

Additional file 1. Search Strategy.

This paper presents wheel/rail (W/R) contact friction coefficients and creep curves measured by using the Rolling Contact Fatigue Simulator (RCFS). Measurements showed W/R contact friction coefficients and slopes of the creep curves during the transition from partial slip to full slip increase with the decrease of contact stresses under dry contact conditions. Even though the friction coefficient is smaller due to water lubrication, it has little effect on the creep curve transition slope. NUCARS® (NUCARS® is a registered trademark of TTCI) turnout simulations showed that friction coefficient variation with wheel loads may have detrimental effect on flange climb derailment for the case of new wheels running on new rails. Measured W/R contact creep curves under different wheel load conditions are recommended for flange climb derailment investigations.

Additional file 1. Search Strategy.

Additional file 2. Risk-of-bias assessment for the studies included in the meta-analysis.

Additional file 1. Pubmed search stragety.

Rationale: Brown-Sequard syndrome (BSS) is manifested as ipsilateral motor deficit and contralateral sensory loss. BSS caused by herniated cervical disc is extremely rare and easily be misdiagnosed, and clinical features of this problem were not fully understood. Patient concerns: A 57-year-old man presented with a 3-month history of weakness in his right arm, and he experienced progressive right hemiparesis at 2 days before admission, along with contralateral deficit in sensation of pain and temperature below T2. Diagnoses: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed severe cord compression due to a large paracentral extradural C4-C5 cervical disc herniation (CDH). Interventions: Subtotal cervical corpectomy, decompression, and fusion through anterior approach were performed. The patient recovered rapidly after surgery. Outcomes: Complete recovery of sensory and motor functions was obtained at a 4-months follow-up after surgery. Lessons: Our case, along with a review of the literature, highlights that careful medical history inquiries, detailed neurologic examinations, and cervical spinal MRI scans are essential for diagnosis of CDH caused BSS. Prompt surgical decompression according to individual condition is commonly warranted. Early diagnosis with prompt surgical decompression could lead to favorable recovery.

OBJECTIVE Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-Notch signaling pathway plays an important role in aplastic anemia (AA). This study aimed to evaluate the regulatory roles of VEGF-Notch signaling pathway on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from AA patients with kidney deficiency and blood stasis (KB) (AA MSCs). METHODS Expression of VEGF-Notch signaling related factors, including VEGF, VEGFR, Notch-1, Jagged1, Delta-like1, and hes1 was detected in bone marrow (BM) tissues and AA MSCs by Western blot analysis. VEGF (100 ng/mL) and γ-secretase inhibitor (DAPT) (10 μM) was used to active and inhibit VEGF-Notch signaling in AA MSCs, respectively. After treatment, the proliferation, apoptosis, and adipogenic differentiation of AA MSCs was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry, and Oil red O staining, respectively. Lentivirus short hairpin RNA (shRNA) were constructed to downregulate Notch-1 and VEGF in normal bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and the effects of VEGF/Notch-1 shRNA transfected BMSCs on the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were evaluated. RESULTS Significantly lower expression of VEGF, VEGFR, Notch-1, Jagged1, Delta-like1, and hes1 was revealed in AA BM tissues and AA MSCs when compared with the normal control (P

To explore the clinical efficacy and partial mechanism of medicinal-cake-separated moxibustion for senile osteoporosis.Sixty cases of senile osteoporosis were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group according to the random digits table, 30 cases in each one. The two groups were both treated with basic treatment of western medicine. The acupoints included four groups:① Dazhui (GV 14), Dazhu (BL 11) and Ganshu (BL 18); ② Zhongwan (CV 12), Danzhong (CV 17) and Zusanli (ST 36); ③ Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23) and Mingmen (GV 4); ④ Shenque (CV 8) and Guanyuan (CV 4). Each group of acupoints was selected for one treatment. The observation group was treated with medicinal-cake-separated moxibustion, and the medicinal cake was consisted of fructus psoraleae (30 g), prepared rehmannia root (30 g), atractylodes (30 g), codonopsis pilosula (30 g), epimedium herb (20 g), rhizoma curculiginis (20 g), syzygium aromaticum (5 g) and cinnamon (5 g). The control group was treated with wheat-flour-cake moxibustion. Each acupoint was treated with 5 moxa cones in the two groups. The treatment was given once every other day for six months. The symptom score, lumbar and hip bone mineral density (BMD), serum type Ⅰ procollagen amino-terminal propeptide (PINP) and serum β-type Ⅰ collagen carboxy-terminal peptide (β-CTX) were observed before and after treatment.After treatment, the symptom score and serum β-CTX were significantly lowered (allThe medicinal-cake-separated moxibustion has significant efficacy for senile osteoporosis, which is superior to wheat-cake-se-parated moxibustion.

In tests on dynamic performance of high-speed trains, it is found that there is an unfavorable speed interval for some vehicles, which would be harmful to the daily operation of the vehicle. By analyzing the relationship of vibration frequencies of the vehicle and its running speed, this paper finds that the unfavorable speed interval is caused by the vibration superposition of the natural frequency of the vehicle system with the frequency of external excitation. Taking some electric multiple units (EMUs) as examples, we proposed an approach to obtaining the unfavorable speed interval of vehicles. By analyzing the relation between vibration frequencies and the running speed of the vehicle, the natural frequencies of the vehicle system and the external excitations are distinguished. In the end, we suggest some measures to minimize the negative influences of the unfavorable speed interval, such as shifting frequency, reducing or eliminating external excitation.

Surface molecularly imprinted polypropylene-based fibers for specifically recognizing bisphenol A (BPA-MIF) have been prepared through non-covalent surface molecular imprinting and self-assembly post-polymerization techniques. Acrylic acid (AA) was grafted onto pre-irradiated polypropylene (PP) fiber, and then polyethyleneimine (PEI) was assembled onto the AA grafted fiber surface to introduce amine groups for binding BPA templates from its aqueous solution. The imprinted binding sites were stabilized by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde in the presence of BPA templates. The Scatchard analysis indicated that two classes of amine binding sites were formed in the imprinted fiber BPA-MIF. The maximum adsorption capacity and association constant were 85.9 μmol/g and 56.1 μmol/L, respectively. The selectivity of BPA-MIF fibers for BPA against its analogues was obviously increased by adopting the surface molecular imprinting technique. In this work, a new path was given for the preparation of molecular imprinting materials in water system for other toxics with low solubility in aqueous solution.

Porcine kobuvirus, an emerging virus, was first identified in Hungary in 2007. We report here the complete genome sequence of porcine kobuvirus strain WUH1 isolated from piglets with severe diarrhea, which will help toward understanding the molecular and evolutionary characteristics of the porcine kobuvirus.