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Background: Frailty is recognized as a surrogate for physiological age and has been established as a valid and independent predictor of postoperative morbidity, mortality, and complications. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) can enhance surgical safety by minimizing stress responses in frail patients, enabling surgeons to discharge patients earlier. However, the question of whether and to what extent the frailty impacts the post-ERAS outcomes in older patients remains. Materials and methods: An evidence-based ERAS program was implemented in our center from January 2019. This is a prospective cohort study of patients aged =75 years who underwent open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for degenerative spine disease from April 2019 to October 2021. Frailty was assessed with the Fried frailty scale (FP scale), and patients were categorized as non/prefrail (FP 0-2) or frail (FP = 3). The preoperative variables, operative data, postoperative outcomes, and follow-up information were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for 90-day major complications and prolonged length of hospital stay after surgery. Results: A total of 245 patients (age of 79.8 ± 3.4 year) who had a preoperative FP score recorded and underwent scheduled TLIF surgery were included in the final analysis. Comparisons between nonfrail and prefrail/frail patients revealed no significant difference in age, sex, and surgery-related variables. Even after adjusting for multiple comparisons, the association between Fried frailty and ADL-dependency, IADL-dependency, and malnutrition remained significant. Preoperative frailty was associated with increased rates of postoperative adverse events. A higher CCI grade was an independent predictor for 90-day major complications, while Fried frailty and MNA-SF scores <12 were predictive of poor postoperative recovery. Conclusion: Frail older patients had more adverse post-ERAS outcomes after TLIF compared to non/prefrail older patients. Continued research and multidisciplinary collaboration will be essential to refine and optimize protocols for surgical care in frail older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The landscape of current tumor treatment has been revolutionized by the advent of immunotherapy based on PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Leveraging its capacity to mobilize systemic antitumor immunity, which is primarily mediated by T cells, there is growing exploration and expansion of its potential value in various stages of clinical tumor treatment. Neoadjuvant immunotherapy induces a robust immune response against tumors prior to surgery, effectively facilitating tumor volume reduction, early eradication or suppression of tumor cell activity, and control of potential metastatic spread, to improve curative surgical resection rates, and prevent tumor recurrence. This review delineates the theoretical basis of neoadjuvant immunotherapy from preclinical research evidence, discusses specific challenges in clinical application, and provides a comprehensive overview of clinical research progress in neoadjuvant immunotherapy for gastrointestinal tumors. These findings suggest that neoadjuvant immunotherapy has the potential to ameliorate immunosuppressive states and enhance cytotoxic T cell function while preserving lymphatic drainage in the preoperative period. However, further investigations are needed on specific treatment regimens, suitable patient populations, and measurable endpoints. Despite numerous studies demonstrating the promising efficacy and manageable adverse events of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in gastrointestinal tumors, the availability of high-quality randomized controlled trials is limited, which highlights the necessity for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serious damage to near-fault structures is caused mainly by velocity pulses in a ground motion, hence, the necessity to develop a pulse-related definition of strong-motion duration to adequately describe the intensity of near-fault ground motion. For a multipulse record, an ideal-pulse-based strong-motion duration, which is defined as the time interval between the beginning of the first pulse and the end of the last pulse in an ideal-pulse signal, is proposed. This strong-motion duration corresponds with the time interval of the occurrence of strong vibrations and energy accumulations in the original record. For near-fault records, pulselike characteristics can be completely presented within this duration. Meanwhile, the ideal-pulse-based strong-motion duration shows good performance in the estimation of structural responses. The elastic and inelastic displacement spectra of the original records agree well with those of the records shortened according to the proposed duration. The validity of applying the proposed duration to structural analysis is further verified by the nonlinear time history analyses of 3-, 9-, and 20-story steel moment-resisting frame structures. The proposed strong-motion duration accurately estimates nonlinear structural responses. It is proven that the ideal-pulse-based strong-motion duration can adequately describe the intensity of near-fault ground motions, both from the perspective of the energy accumulation process in a ground-motion record and that of the structural analyses subjected to these ground motions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to optimize the application of Al electrodes in pyrochemical reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, the feasibility of porous Al electrodes to separate actinides-lanthanides (An-Ln) in LiCl-KCl eutectic melt was explored. The separation efficiencies and rates of U and lanthanides (La, Ce, Sm) on Al electrodes with regular and irregular and without pores were compared. U was selectively recovered in the form of U-Al alloys by controlling the potential (-1.2 V) on both Al rod and porous Al electrodes. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) showed that the obtained granular alloys were mainly Al3U and Al4U, and inductive coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) indicated that there was almost no Ln in the electrolysis products. Positively, the required separation time was greatly shortened, and the separation rate was effectively improved when porous Al electrodes were used. In addition, the Al honeycomb electrode with regular pores has better kinetic performance compared with Al foam electrodes with irregular pores. The results indicate that the specially designed porous Al electrodes may have a good application prospect for the separation of An-Ln in the pyrochemical reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous cropping obstacles caused by the increase of kiwifruit planting period resulted in imbalance of soil microbial community structure, and decrease of soil enzyme activity and physicochemical indicators, which substantially reduced both the quality and yield of kiwifruit. Under the field conditions, the traditional fertilization of fruit farmers was used as a control (CK) to study the effects of two different microbial fertilizers, JF and KF, which had been verified the growth promotion of kiwifruit aseptic seedlings test, on soil microbial community structure, soil enzyme activities, soil physicochemical characters during different growth periods of kiwifruit (germination period, florescence period, fruit enlargement period, fruit ripening period and next year germination period), as well as fruit quality. The results showed that both fertilizers significantly increased the ratio of bacteria with fungi and the ratio of actinomycetes with fungi in the kiwifruit orchard soil, indicating that they could improve and balance the soil microbial community structure. The enzymes activity in kiwifruit orchard soil with the addition of both fertilizers were significantly higher than that in CK, and among which sucrose, urease, phosphatase and polyphenol oxidase were increased by 17.9%-83.5%, 7.9%-83.0%, 7.3%-45.4% and 8.1%-140.3%, respectively. JF and KF increased soil fertility (the concentrations of available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, and organic matter content significantly increased) and decreased soil pH (a decrease of 0.29 to 0.34). After application of microbial ferti-lizer, the content of vitamin C, soluble sugar, soluble protein and other contents of kiwifruit increased, and the titratable acid content decreased. Therefore, the application of both fertilizers could balance soil microbial community structure, enhance soil fertility, and improve the fruit quality of kiwifruit. Our results provide robust theoretical basis for the application of microbial fertilizers in the old-aged kiwifruit orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Track irregularities of high-speed Maglev lines have significant influence on ride comfort. Their adjustment is of key importance in the daily maintenance of these lines. In this study, an adjustment method is proposed and track irregularities analysis is performed. This study considers two modules: an inspection module and a vehicle-guideway coupling vibration analysis module. In the inspection module, an inertial reference method is employed for field-measurements of the Shanghai high-speed Maglev demonstration line. Then, a partial filtering, integration method, resampling method, and designed elliptic filter are employed to analyze the detection data, which reveals the required track irregularities. In the analysis module, a vehicle-guideway interaction model and an electromagnetic interaction model were developed. The influence of the measured line irregularities is considered for the calculations of the electromagnetic force. Numerical integration method was employed for the calculations. Based on the actual field detection results and analysis using the numerical model, a threshold analysis method is developed. Several irregularities modalities with different girder end's deviations were considered in the simulations. The inspection results indicated that long-wavelength irregularities with larger girder end's deviations were the dominant irregularities. In addition, the threshold analysis of the girder end's deviation shows that irregularities that have a deviation amplitude larger than 6 mm and certain modalities (e.g., M- and N-shape) are unfavorable. These types of irregularities should be adjusted during the daily maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic tea production has increased in China over the past decade because of the perceived higher quality of the tea as well as the benefits for environmental and human wellbeing. The present study compared the functional quality components of tea harvested from organic and conventional management systems in adjacent fields within the same farms at six sites in eastern China. Findings demonstrated that water extracts of organic tea had significantly higher concentrations of key catechins linked to tea quality, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epicatechin (EC), compared to that of conventional tea. Concentrations of proline and γ-aminobutyric acid were also statistically higher in organic tea from some sites. However, most of free amino acids, particularly theanine, were lower in organic tea. The findings indicated that the tea in organic systems were under greater environmental stress than the tea in the conventional system, as accumulation of catechins and proline in plants is associated with environmental stress. The lower concentrations of amino acids in organic tea indicated potential nitrogen deficiencies and the need for managing soil nitrogen to increase overall amino acid levels while still managing for high levels of polyphenols. The higher concentrations of antioxidant compounds in organic tea suggested potentially greater health benefits, as these compounds are linked to disease mitigation and health promotion in human consumers. Overall, this study showed improved quality characteristics of organically produced tea whilst also highlighting agro-ecosystem techniques to further enhance the functional quality characteristics of organic tea on the basis of amino acid profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the combined effects of indomethacin and oxaliplatin on expressions of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), E-cadherin (E-cad), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and CD44v6 related to lymph node metastasis of human lung cancer cell lines. Human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells were inoculated subcutaneously into the left armpit of nude mice to establish human lung cancer xenografts. The mice were randomly divided into control group, indomethacin group, oxaliplatin group and combination therapy group, which were treated with sterile distilled water, indomethacin, oxaliplatin and indomethacin combined with oxaliplatin, respectively. After 42 days, the mice were sacrificed. The immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the expressions of EGFR, E-cad, ICAM-1 and CD44v6 in tumor tissues. Compared to control group, the protein and mRNA expressions of EGFR, ICAM-1 and CD44v6 in the indomethacin, oxaliplatin, and combination therapy groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05) and the protein and mRNA expressions of E-cad expression were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared to indomethacin group and oxaliplatin group, the protein and mRNA expressions of EGFR, ICAM-1 and CD44v6 in combination therapy groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the protein and mRNA expressions of E-cad expression were significantly increased (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between indomethacin and oxaliplatin groups. Indomethacin and oxaliplatin have synergistic effect on expressions of lymph node metastasis related factors in lung cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted on preparing foam geopolymer with different curing temperatures and times using circulating fluidized bed combustion fly ash. The geopolymerization products were characterized by mechanical testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results revealed that geopolymer cured at 60 °C for 24h with the average density of 350 Kg/m³ behave the maximum compressive and flexural strength, 0.96 MPa and 0.69 MPa, respectively. The analysis of composition and microstructure of foam geopolymer products indicated that geopolymers cured at medium temperature (60 and 70°C) achieved the relatively complete geopolymerization and better microstructure, agreed with the density and test strength results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructural evolution of blast furnace slag (BFS) modified circulating fluidized bed fly ash (CFA) based foam geopolymer with different SiO2/Al2O3 ratio is assessed. It is evident that the incorporation of BFS in activated fly ash binders affects the mechanism and rate of formation of the foam binding gels. The rate of formation and pore structure of the foam matrix depend on BFS content. Alkali-activated fly ash is dominated by N-A-S-H gel, while blended BFS-CFA geopolymer can identify the formation of co-existing C-S-H and geopolymer gels. 30% BFS incorporated CFA foam geopolymers exhibited better pore distribution and strength, indicating the strong influence of calcium on the gel chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To analyze the stress distribution and displacement of the mandibular alveolar mucosa under functional impressive complete denture. METHODS: Mimics and Geomagic studio processed CT images, and Unigraphics NX established the solid models and 3-D finite element models. 3-D finite element analysis (3-D FEA) was used to study the stress distribution and displacement on the mandibular alveolar mucosa under functional impressive complete denture and anatomic impressive complete denture. RESULTS: The stress distribution on the mandibular alveolar mucosa under two types of complete denture were consistent, and arranged from large to small order as follow: alveolar process crest of molar area, alveolar process crest of anterior area, external oblique ridge and internal oblique ridge. At alveolar process crest and internal oblique ridge, the stress and Z-axis displacement of functional impressive complete denture were less than those of anatomic impressive complete denture. CONCLUSIONS: During masticatory period, the stress distribution on the mandibular alveolar mucosa under functional impressive complete denture is more even and more comprehensive than that under anatomic one. Supposed by Research Fund of Shanghai Municipal Health Bureau (2008166). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Based on physical culture, we have made comprehensive study of human life from four aspects which are exercise, food, sleep and mentality. The present harmonious characteristics about body culture have been researched according to yin-yang and five elements. Research shows: 1. with the seasons change the contents of exercise are little. But there are lots of contents such as five birds play, eight while brocade, the 49th channels move work and so on based on yin-yang and five elements.2.Four seasons diet regulation is important expression about five elements thoughts.3. the timing of sleep is the specific application to the thoughts of the four seasons of yin-yang.4. the theories of yinyang and the balance theory have been used in the peace of mind, etc. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Duo to the complexity of port machinery manufacturing project, its duration-cost optimization is very important. The necessity of duration-cost optimization in port machinery manufacturing projects is analyzed in the paper, and the rational way to estimate the duration of the project is introduced. The appropriate model of duration-cost optimization is established based on the ‘closed loop’ principle. According to the characteristics of the model, the solution to the simulation example is designed based on Genetic Algorithm. The simulation results show the feasibility and effectiveness of the model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]