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Purpose: To investigate the pathological changes of the synovium in mice with post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) treated with 4-octyl itaconate (4-OI) and evaluate the therapeutic effects of 4-OI. Methods: In the phenotypic validation experiment, the mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: wild-type (WT) group, sham group, and destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) group. Through MRI, micro-CT, and histological analysis, it was determined that the DMM surgery induced a mouse PTOA model with significant signs of synovitis. At 12 weeks post-DMM surgery, synovial tissues from the DMM group and WT group mice were collected for ribonucleic acid sequencing analysis. In the 4-OI treatment experiment, mice were randomly divided into the sham group, DMM group, DMM + 4-OI (50 mg/kg) group, and DMM + 4-OI (100 mg/kg) group. Von Frey tests and open field tests were conducted at intervals during the 12 weeks following the DMM surgery. After 12 weeks of surgery, the efficacy of 4-OI treatment on PTOA in mice was evaluated using MRI, micro-CT, histological analysis, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Finally, we utilized network pharmacology analysis to predict the mechanism of 4-OI in treating PTOA synovitis and conducted preliminary validation. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Difference was considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. Results: The DMM surgery effectively induced a PTOA mouse model, which displayed significant symptoms of synovitis. These symptoms included a notable increase in both the number of calcified tissues and osteophytes (p

The impact of micro/nano plastics (MPs/NPs) on human health is a significant area of research. Studies on the effects of maternal exposure to microplastics (MPs) on the fertility in offspring have been conducted, but the damage caused by nanoplastics (NPs) remains ambiguous. In this study, pregnant Kunming mice were exposed to 30 mg/kg/day PS-NPs from 0.5 gestation day (GD) to 21 days postpartum (dpp). Increased rates of miscarriage and premature delivery were observed, as well as reduced litter size, indicating potential permanent reproductive injury in mice of PS-NPs group. Maternal exposure to PS-NPs impaired fertility of the female offsprings. Decreased primordial and increased growing follicles were observed in the ovaries of offspring at 1 dpp and 7 dpp in PS-NPs group, indicating premature activation of primordial follicles. This premature activation is likely due to the PS-NPs'induction of the AKT-FOXO3a signaling pathway by downregulating AMPK phosphorylation level and enhancing mTOR activity. Furthermore, a significant reduction in transzonal projections (TZPs) was noted in the ovaries of adult offspring mice in PS-NPs group. RNA sequencing of the ovaries from adult offspring female mice revealed that the TZPs related genes may be linked to CAMKIIβ, with a corresponding downregulation in expression levels. Overall, maternal exposure to PS-NPs induced profound and enduring effects on the reproductive functions of female offspring, raising critical alarms regarding the multigenerational reproductive toxicity risks associated with nanoplastic exposure in mammals.

Abstract Background Nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging pollutants that pose risks to living organisms. Recent findings have unveiled the reproductive harm caused by polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) in female animals, yet the intricate mechanism remains incompletely understood. Under this research, we investigated whether sustained exposure to PS-NPs at certain concentrations in vivo can enter oocytes through the zona pellucida or through other routes that affect female reproduction. Results We show that PS-NPs disrupted ovarian functions and decreased oocyte quality, which may be a contributing factor to lower female fertility in mice. RNA sequencing of mouse ovaries illustrated that the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway emerged as the predominant environmental information processing pathway responding to PS-NPs. Western blotting results of ovaries in vivo and cells in vitro showed that PS-NPs deactivated PI3K-AKT signaling pathway by down-regulating the expression of PI3K and reducing AKT phosphorylation at the protein level, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway which was accompanied by the activation of autophagy and apoptosis and the disruption of steroidogenesis in granulosa cells. Since PS-NPs penetrate granulosa cells but not oocytes, we examined whether PS-NPs indirectly affect oocyte quality through granulosa cells using a granulosa cell–oocyte coculture system. Preincubation of granulosa cells with PS-NPs causes granulosa cell dysfunction, resulting in a decrease in the quality of the cocultured oocytes that can be reversed by the addition of 17β-estradiol. Conclusions This study provides findings on how PS-NPs impact ovarian function and include transcriptome sequencing analysis of ovarian tissue. The study demonstrates that PS-NPs impair oocyte quality by altering the functioning of ovarian granulosa cells. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on the research on the effects of PS-NPs on female reproduction and the related methods that may mitigate their toxicity.

Herein, the study explores a composite modification approach to enhance the use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) in sustainable construction by combining accelerated carbonation (AC) and nano-silica immersion (NS). RCA, a major source of construction waste, faces challenges in achieving comparable properties to virgin aggregates. Nano-silica, a potent pozzolan, is added to fill micro-cracks and voids in RCA, improving its bonding and strength. AC pretreatment accelerates RCA’s natural carbonation, forming calcium carbonate that strengthens the aggregate and reduces porosity. Due to the complexity of the original RCA, a laboratory-simulated RCA (LS-RCA) is used in this study for the mechanism analysis. Experimental trials employing the composite methodology have exhibited noteworthy enhancements, with the crushing index diminishing by approximately 23% and water absorption rates decreasing by up to 30%. Notably, the modification efficacy is more pronounced when applied to RCA derived from common-strength concrete (w/c of 0.5) as compared to high-strength concrete (w/c of 0.35). This disparity stems from the inherently looser structural framework and greater abundance of detrimental crystal structures in the former, which impede strength. Through a synergistic interaction, the calcium carbonate content undergoes a substantial increase, nearly doubling, while the proportion of calcium hydrate undergoes a concurrent reduction of approximately 30%. Furthermore, the combined modification effect leads to a 15% reduction in total porosity and a constriction of the average pore diameter by roughly 20%, ultimately resulting in pore refinement that equates the performance of samples with a water-to-cement ratio of 0.5 to those with a ratio of 0.35. This remarkable transformation underscores the profound modification potential of the combination approach. This study underscores the efficacy of harnessing accelerated carbonation in conjunction with nano-silica as a strategic approach to optimizing the utilization of RCA in concrete mixes, thereby bolstering their performance metrics and enhancing sustainability.

The current research endeavors to explore the mechanical properties of recycled concrete cubic specimens, predominantly concentrating on macroscopic attributes such as compressive strength and splitting tensile strength. However, at the mesoscopic scale, the internal structure of recycled concrete becomes increasingly intricate due to the adherence of substantial mortar on the surface of recycled coarse aggregates, ultimately influencing its macroscopic mechanical behavior and crack propagation trajectories. To address this complexity, Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technology is harnessed to quantitatively analyze crack tip displacement fields and crack propagation behavior in recycled concrete, considering variations in aggregate replacement ratios and particle sizes. This analysis encompasses quantitative assessments of pre-cracking damage, post-cracking crack morphology characteristics, and size. Utilizing the advanced 3D-DIC algorithmic technique, this study delves into the evolution of crack propagation patterns in recycled concrete during the loading process, evaluating the impact of both aggregate replacement ratios and particle sizes on crack propagation behavior. Ultimately, fractal theory is employed to provide a quantitative analysis of the crack morphology on the surface of recycled concrete.

In recent years, nanoplastics (NPs) and triclosan (TCS, a pharmaceutical and personal care product) have emerged as environmental pollution issues, and their combined presence has raised widespread concern regarding potential risks to organisms. However, the combined toxicity and mechanisms of NPs and TCS remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the toxic effects of polystyrene NPs and TCS and their mechanisms on KGN cells, a human ovarian granulosa cell line. We exposed KGN cells to NPs (150 μg/mL) and TCS (15 μM) alone or together for 24 hours. Co-exposure significantly reduced cell viability. Compared with exposure to NPs or TCS alone, co-exposure increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Interestingly, co-exposure to NPs and TCS produced synergistic effects. We examined the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), two antioxidant enzymes; it was significantly decreased after co-exposure. We also noted an increase in the lipid oxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) after co-exposure. Furthermore, co-exposure to NPs and TCS had a more detrimental effect on mitochondrial function than the individual treatments. Co-exposure activated the NRF2–KEAP1–HO-1 antioxidant stress pathway. Surprisingly, the expression of SESTRIN2, an antioxidant protein, was inhibited by co-exposure treatments. Co-exposure to NPs and TCS significantly increased the autophagy-related proteins LC3B-II and LC3B-Ⅰ and decreased P62. Moreover, co-exposure enhanced CASPASE-3 expression and inhibited the BCL-2/BAX ratio. In summary, our study revealed the synergistic toxic effects of NPs and TCS in vitro exposure. Our findings provide insight into the toxic mechanisms associated with co-exposure to NPs and TCS to KGN cells by inducing oxidative stress, activations of the NRF2-KEAP1-HO-1 pathway, autophagy, and apoptosis.

Abstract In order to more accurately and efficiently determine the loss and heating state of the magnetic pole area of a tubular hydro‐generator, this study establishes a comprehensive 3D electromagnetic field–thermal network analysis model of its pole area and implements calculations according to its rated symmetrical operating conditions. A 36 MW large tubular hydro‐generator is used as an example. Based on the measured results of the pole temperature and the use of the calculation hardware, the results are compared with the traditional electric circuit‐magnetic circuit‐thermal circuit method and 3D electromagnetic field‐temperature field finite‐element method. It is shown that the 3D electromagnetic field–thermal network model established in this study has several advantages, including high calculation accuracy, short calculation time, and low hardware consumption. These results have important value in improving the electromagnetic–temperature analysis and design of poles in large hydro‐generators.

AIM: To investigate the effect of Nd:YAG laser peripheral iridotomy(LPI)on macular retinal thickness in patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma(PACG).METHODS: Prospective study. A total of 30 patients(30 eyes)with PACG in our hospital from October 2019 to October 2021 were selected as the PACG group, and 20 healthy people(20 eyes)were selected as the control group(randomly selected one eye)during the same period. The PACG group received LPI treatment and was followed up for 1mo after surgery. Best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), intraocular pressure, corneal endothelial cells, anterior chamber depth(ACD)and axial length(AL)measured by IOL Master 500 optical measuring instrument and macular retinal thickness measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT)in both groups were collected. The ACD, intraocular pressure, AL and macular retinal thickness were compared between the two groups and the PACG group before and after LPI, and the correlation was analyzed.RESULTS: The ACD in the PACG group at 1wk and 1mo after surgery was deeper than that before surgery(all P0.05). The retinal thickness at central fovea of macula, the superior side, temporal side, inferior side, and nasal side of the inner and outer central macular rings were 243.50±13.24, 324.50±13.46, 308.83±15.94, 310.00±14.24, 314.50±16.29, 300.67±19.95, 290.17±12.58, 302.40±16.37 and 307.33±14.84μm in the PACG group, respectively, and were 266.14±16.16, 342.67±15.86, 327.95±16.41, 337.85±13.03, 341.24±15.58, 313.76±17.59, 290.24±16.29, 303.81±13.91, 323.01±14.80μm in the control group, respectively. The differences at central fovea of macula, the superior side, temporal side, inferior side, and nasal side of the inner central macular rings were statistically significant between the two groups(all P0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The macular retinal thickness of patients with PACG is thinner than that of normal people, and it can become thicker in the early stage after LPI.

Adenomyosis is a common benign gynecological disorder and an important factor leading to infertility in fertile women. Adenomyosis can cause deep lesions and is persistent and refractory in nature due to its tumor-like biological characteristics, such as the ability to implant, adhere, and invade. The pathogenesis of adenomyosis is currently unclear. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches are urgently required. Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles secreted by cells that carry proteins, genetic materials and other biologically active components. Exosomes play an important role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and regulating immune responses and metabolism. A growing body of work has shown that exosomes and their contents are key to the development and progression of adenomyosis. This review discusses the current research progress, future prospects and challenges in this emerging therapeutic tool by providing an overview of the changes in the adenomyosis uterine microenvironment and the biogenesis and functions of exosomes, with particular emphasis on the role of exosomes and their contents in the regulation of cell migration, proliferation, fibrosis formation, neovascularization, and inflammatory responses in adenomyosis.

Background: The evolutionary and epidemiological history and the regional differences of various hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes are complex. Our aim was to better understand the molecular epidemiology and evolutionary dynamics of HCV among HIV/HCV co-infected individuals in Guizhou Province. This information could contribute to improve HCV prevention and control strategies in Guizhou and surrounding provinces.Methods: The HCV RNA was extracted from the serum of HIV/HCV co-infected patients, and reverse transcription/nested PCR was performed to amplify nucleotide sequences of the C-E1 region. Then, the successfully amplified sequences were selected for phylogenetic analysis. The available C-E1 region reference sequences from the surrounding provinces of Guizhou (Guangxi, Yunnan, Hunan, and Sichuan) were retrieved in GenBank, and the evolutionary analysis by Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm was performed using BEAST software to reconstruct a phylogeographic tree in order to explore their migration patterns. Finally, the epidemiological history of HCV in the Guizhou region was retraced by reconstructing Bayesian skyline plots (BSPs) after excluding sequences from surrounding provinces.Results: Among 186 HIV/HCV co-infected patients, the C-E1 region sequence was successfully amplified in 177 cases. Phylogenetic analysis classified these sequences into six subtypes: 1a, 1b, 3a, 3b, 6a, and 6n. Among them, subtype 6a was the most dominant strain (n = 70), followed by 3b (n = 55), 1b (n = 31), 3a (n = 11), 1a (n = 8), and 6n (n = 2). By reconstructing the phylogeographic tree, we estimated that the 6a strain in Guizhou mainly originated from Yunnan and Guangxi, while the 3b strain emerged due to transmission from the IDU network in Yunnan. Subtypes 1b, 3a, 3b, and 6a, as the major subtypes of HCV in HIV/HCV co-infected individuals in Guizhou, emerged and later grew more rapidly than the national average. Notably, BSPs of the currently prevalent HCV predominant strain subtype 6a in Guizhou have shown a rapid population growth since 2004. Although the growth rate slowed down around 2010, this growth has continued to date.Conclusion: Overall, despite the improvement and implementation of a series of HCV prevention and control policies and measures, a delayed growth pattern may indicate a unique history of the spread of 6a in Guizhou. Its trend as the dominant strain in Guizhou in recent years may continue to increase slowly over subsequent years.

To investigate the pathological changes of the synovium in mice with post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) treated with 4-octyl itaconate (4-OI) and evaluate the therapeutic effects of 4-OI. In the phenotypic validation experiment, the mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: wild-type (WT) group, sham group, and destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) group. Through MRI, micro-CT, and histological analysis, it was determined that the DMM surgery induced a mouse PTOA model with significant signs of synovitis. At 12 weeks post-DMM surgery, synovial tissues from the DMM group and WT group mice were collected for ribonucleic acid sequencing analysis. In the 4-OI treatment experiment, mice were randomly divided into the sham group, DMM group, DMM + 4-OI (50 mg/kg) group, and DMM + 4-OI (100 mg/kg) group. Von Frey tests and open field tests were conducted at intervals during the 12 weeks following the DMM surgery. After 12 weeks of surgery, the efficacy of 4-OI treatment on PTOA in mice was evaluated using MRI, micro-CT, histological analysis, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Finally, we utilized network pharmacology analysis to predict the mechanism of 4-OI in treating PTOA synovitis and conducted preliminary validation. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Difference was considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. The DMM surgery effectively induced a PTOA mouse model, which displayed significant symptoms of synovitis. These symptoms included a notable increase in both the number of calcified tissues and osteophytes (p < 0.001), an enlargement of the calcified meniscus and synovial tissue volume (p < 0.001), and thickening of the synovial lining layer attributable to M1 macrophage accumulation (p = 0.035). Additionally, we observed elevated histological scores for synovitis (p < 0.001). Treatment with 4-OI inhibited the thickening of M1 macrophages in the synovial lining layer of PTOA mice (p < 0.001) and reduced fibrosis in the synovial stroma (p = 0.004). Furthermore, it reduced the histological scores of knee synovitis in PTOA mice (p = 0.006) and improved the inflammatory microenvironment associated with synovitis. Consequently, this treatment alleviated pain in PTOA mice (p < 0.001) and reduced spontaneous activity (p = 0.003). Bioinformatics and network pharmacology analyses indicated that 4-OI may exert its therapeutic effects by inhibiting the differentiation of synovial Th17 cells. Specifically, compared to the lipopolysaccharide stimulation group, 4-OI reduced the levels of positive regulatory factors of Th17 cell differentiation (IL-1: p < 0.001, IL-6: p < 0.001), key effector molecules (IL-17A: p < 0.001, IL-17F: p = 0.004), and downstream effector molecules in the IL-17 signaling pathway (CCL2: p < 0.001, MMP13: p < 0.001). 4-OI is effective in inhibiting synovitis in PTOA, thereby alleviating the associated painful symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the study explores a composite modification approach to enhance the use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) in sustainable construction by combining accelerated carbonation (AC) and nano-silica immersion (NS). RCA, a major source of construction waste, faces challenges in achieving comparable properties to virgin aggregates. Nano-silica, a potent pozzolan, is added to fill micro-cracks and voids in RCA, improving its bonding and strength. AC pretreatment accelerates RCA's natural carbonation, forming calcium carbonate that strengthens the aggregate and reduces porosity. Due to the complexity of the original RCA, a laboratory-simulated RCA (LS-RCA) is used in this study for the mechanism analysis. Experimental trials employing the composite methodology have exhibited noteworthy enhancements, with the crushing index diminishing by approximately 23% and water absorption rates decreasing by up to 30%. Notably, the modification efficacy is more pronounced when applied to RCA derived from common-strength concrete (w/c of 0.5) as compared to high-strength concrete (w/c of 0.35). This disparity stems from the inherently looser structural framework and greater abundance of detrimental crystal structures in the former, which impede strength. Through a synergistic interaction, the calcium carbonate content undergoes a substantial increase, nearly doubling, while the proportion of calcium hydrate undergoes a concurrent reduction of approximately 30%. Furthermore, the combined modification effect leads to a 15% reduction in total porosity and a constriction of the average pore diameter by roughly 20%, ultimately resulting in pore refinement that equates the performance of samples with a water-to-cement ratio of 0.5 to those with a ratio of 0.35. This remarkable transformation underscores the profound modification potential of the combination approach. This study underscores the efficacy of harnessing accelerated carbonation in conjunction with nano-silica as a strategic approach to optimizing the utilization of RCA in concrete mixes, thereby bolstering their performance metrics and enhancing sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research endeavors to explore the mechanical properties of recycled concrete cubic specimens, predominantly concentrating on macroscopic attributes such as compressive strength and splitting tensile strength. However, at the mesoscopic scale, the internal structure of recycled concrete becomes increasingly intricate due to the adherence of substantial mortar on the surface of recycled coarse aggregates, ultimately influencing its macroscopic mechanical behavior and crack propagation trajectories. To address this complexity, Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technology is harnessed to quantitatively analyze crack tip displacement fields and crack propagation behavior in recycled concrete, considering variations in aggregate replacement ratios and particle sizes. This analysis encompasses quantitative assessments of pre-cracking damage, post-cracking crack morphology characteristics, and size. Utilizing the advanced 3D-DIC algorithmic technique, this study delves into the evolution of crack propagation patterns in recycled concrete during the loading process, evaluating the impact of both aggregate replacement ratios and particle sizes on crack propagation behavior. Ultimately, fractal theory is employed to provide a quantitative analysis of the crack morphology on the surface of recycled concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Author(s): Xiang Li [sup.1], Zhi-Lin Ni [sup.1], Jun Wang [sup.1], Xiu-Cheng Liu [sup.2], Hui-Lian Guan [sup.1], Ming-Sheng Dai [sup.1], Xing Gao [sup.1], Yang Zhou [sup.1], Xiao-Yi Hu [sup.1], Xun Sun [...], Low tidal volume ventilation strategy may lead to atelectasis without proper positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and recruitment maneuver (RM) settings. RM followed by individualized PEEP was a new method to optimize the intraoperative pulmonary function. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to compare the effects of individualized PEEP + RM on intraoperative pulmonary function and hemodynamic with other PEEP and RM settings. The primary outcomes were intraoperative oxygenation index and dynamic compliance, while the secondary outcomes were intraoperative heart rate and mean arterial pressure. In total, we identified 15 clinical trials containing 36 randomized groups with 3634 participants. Ventilation strategies were divided into eight groups by four PEEP (L: low, M: moderate, H: high, and I: individualized) and two RM (yes or no) settings. The main results showed that IPEEP + RM group was superior to all other groups regarding to both oxygenation index and dynamic compliance. LPEEP group was inferior to LPEEP + RM, MPEEP, MPEEP + RM, and IPEEP + RM in terms of oxygenation index and LPEEP + RM, MPEEP, MPEEP + RM, HPEEP + RM, IPEEP, and IPEEP + RM in terms of dynamic compliance. All comparisons were similar for secondary outcomes. Our analysis suggested that individualized PEEP and RM may be the optimal low tidal volume ventilation strategy at present, while low PEEP without RM is not suggested.

Objective To describe the status of Nipah virus-related patent application around the world and to provide references for relevant patent application and researches in China. MethodsGlobal data on Nipah virus-related patent applications from 2002 up to August 18, 2020 were searched through Derwent Innovations Index of Web of Science. Derwent Data Analyzer 9.0 was adopted to conduct data mining and panoramic analysis on overall trend, technology field and layout, countries of registration, and protection intensity of the declared patents.ResultsFrom the year of 2002, the annual number of Nipah virus-related patent applications increased generally. The United States, China and Canada are among the major registration countries of those patent applications. The filed patent applications were mainly for antiviral agent, viral antigen or antibody products, DNA recombination technology, vaccine development, and virus detection method. The number of patent applications for antiviral agents/antivirals and viral antigen/antibody is relatively small in China compared to that in major registration countries. Conclusion The increase in annual number of Nipah virus-related patent applications indicates that technology research and development on the pathogen of biosafety level 4 are enhanced continuously in the United States and other countries and relevant researches need to be promoted in China for Nipah virus-related biosafety and epidemic prevention.

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) largely depends on the acceptance of the public. Previous studies pay more attention to the factors affecting EV adoption from the customer perspective but lack the perspective of the interaction between sellers and customers. Based on a survey of 1,014 respondents in China, this work developed a research model analyzing the effect of interaction on the intention to purchase EVs and using experience value (EPV) as the mediating variable. The results showed that the functional experience value (FEV) was positively affected by the environment–customer interaction (ECI). The FEV, emotional experience value (EEV), and social experience value (SEV) were all positively affected by salesman–customer interaction (SCI). In addition, they all had positive impacts on purchasing intention (PI). We further analyzed the differences in the interaction between the different business models. Compared with multi-business model car companies, the ECI for single-business model car companies had a more positive impact on the PI. However, the impact of ECI for single-business model companies on PI was negative. The SCI of single-business model car companies positively impacted the PI, whereas the SCI of multi-business model car companies had no significant impact on the PI. These findings provide insight into further understanding the mechanism of interactions affecting EV adoption and help perfect future promotion strategies.

Background: Plantar fasciopathy, the most common foot condition seen in elderly and athletic populations, can be diagnosed and differentially diagnosed with imaging modalities such as ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE). However, standard guidelines for ultrasound elastography of the plantar fascia are lacking. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the region of interest (ROI) on the evaluation of the plantar fascia elasticity and confirm the screening accuracy of SWE in the early-stage of plantar fasciopathy.Methods: This was an observational case‒control study involving 50 feet of 33 early-stage plantar fasciopathy subjects (the plantar fasciopathy group) and 96 asymptomatic feet of 48 healthy volunteers (the non-pain group). Clinical information, including age, gender, height, weight, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Scale score (AOFAS), and the symptom duration, were recorded. All participants underwent both conventional ultrasound and SWE evaluation. The plantar fascia elastic parameters included SWEsingle-point, calculated with a single-point ROI set at the greatest thickness of the plantar fascia, and SWEmulti-point, calculated by multipoint ROIs set continuously from the origin at the calcaneus to about 2 cm from the calcaneal origin.Results: The plantar fasciopathy group presented a higher VAS score (median [IQR), 4.00 (3.00) vs. 0.00 (0.00), p < 0.001] and lower AOFAS score [median (IQR), 79.50 (3.00) vs. 100.00 (10.00), p < 0.001] than the non-pain group. The median plantar fascia thickness of the plantar fasciopathy group was significantly greater than that of the non-pain group [median (IQR), 3.95 (1.37) mm vs 2.40 (0.60) mm, p < 0.001]. Abnormal ultrasound features, including echogenicity, border irregularities, and blood flow signals, were more prominent in the plantar fasciopathy group than in the non-pain group (29% vs. 0%, p < 0.001; 26% vs. 1%, p < 0.001; 12% vs. 0%, p < 0.001, respectively). Quantitative analysis of the plantar fascia elasticity revealed that the difference between the value of SWEsingle-point and SWEmultipoint was significant [median (IQR), 65.76 (58.58) vs. 57.42 (35.52) kPa, p = 0.02). There was a moderate and significant correlation between the value of SWEsingle-point and heel pain. However, there was no correlation between the value of SWEmultipoint and heel pain. Finally, we utilized the results of SWEsingle-point as the best elastic parameter reflecting clinical heel pain and found that SWEsingle-point could provide additional value in screening early-stage plantar fasciopathy, with an increase in sensitivity from 76% to 92% over conventional ultrasound alone. Additionally, compared with conventional ultrasound and SWE, the use of both improved the accuracy of screening for plantar fasciopathy. Although there were no significant differences in the negative predictive value of conventional ultrasound, SWE, and their combination, the positive predictive value when using both (90.20%) was significantly greater than that when using conventional ultrasound (74.50%) or SWE alone (76.50%).Conclusion: The plantar fascia elastic parameter calculated with single-point ROIs set at the greatest thickness of the plantar fascia is positively correlated with fascia feel pain. Single-point analysis is sufficient for the screening of the early-stage plantar fasciopathy using SWE. SWEsingle-point may provide additional valuable information for assessing the severity of plantar fasciopathy.

The inability to locate device faults quickly and accurately has become prominent due to the large number of communication devices and the complex structure of secondary circuit networks in smart substations. Traditional methods are less efficient when diagnosing secondary equipment faults in smart substations, and deep learning methods have poor portability, high learning sample costs, and often require retraining a model. Therefore, a secondary equipment fault diagnosis method based on a graph attention network is proposed in this paper. All fault events are automatically represented as graph-structured data based on the K-nearest neighbors (KNNs) algorithm in terms of the feature information exhibited by the corresponding detection nodes when equipment faults occur. Then, a fault diagnosis model is established based on the graph attention network. Finally, partial intervals of a 220 kV intelligent substation are taken as an example to compare the fault localization effect of different methods. The results show that the method proposed in this paper has the advantages of higher localization accuracy, lower learning cost, and better robustness than the traditional machine learning and deep learning methods.

This study investigates the enhancement of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) surfaces with nano-TiO2 for an improved degradation of low-concentration sulfur dioxide (SO2). Nano-TiO2 particles, known for their photocatalytic properties, were uniformly deposited on RCA surfaces. Upon exposure to SO2 under light irradiation, the functionalized RCA exhibited significantly improved degradation efficiency. This was attributed to the photo-induced oxidation of SO2 by nano-TiO2. Enhanced degradation was further observed under UV light due to increased photoactivation. The nano-TiO2 coating also showed good durability and stability, ensuring long-term effectiveness. The experimental outcomes reveal that TiO2-treated recycled aggregates exhibit an 85% retained photocatalytic activity post five cycles of reuse. Furthermore, the investigation employs a second-order polynomial-based mathematical fitting function to generate a three-dimensional trend surface, visually illustrating the inverse relationships between sulfur dioxide degradation and environmental variables, such as initial concentration and flow rates. Finally, this study demonstrates the potential of nano-TiO2-modified RCA for mitigating the environmental impact of low-concentration SO2, contributing to the development of more sustainable construction materials and broadening RCA's applications in environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endosymbionts provide essential nutrients for hosts, promoting growth, development, and reproduction. However, the molecular regulation of nutrient transport from endosymbiont to host is not well understood. Here, we used bioinformatic analysis, RNA-Sequencing, luciferase assays, RNA immunoprecipitation, and in situ hybridization to show that a bacteriocyte-distributed MRP4 gene (multidrug resistance-associated protein 4) is negatively regulated by a host (aphid)-specific microRNA (miR-3024). Targeted metabolomics, microbiome analysis, vitamin B6 (VB6) supplements, 3D modeling/molecular docking, in vitro binding assays (voltage clamp recording and microscale thermophoresis), and functional complementation of Escherichia coli were jointly used to show that the miR-3024/MRP4 axis controls endosymbiont (Serratia)-produced VB6 transport to the host. The supplementation of miR-3024 increased the mortality of aphids, but partial rescue was achieved by providing an external source of VB6. The use of miR-3024 as part of a sustainable aphid pest-control strategy was evaluated by safety assessments in nontarget organisms (pollinators, predators, and entomopathogenic fungi) using virus-induced gene silencing assays and the expression of miR-3024 in transgenic tobacco. The supplementation of miR-3024 suppresses MRP4 expression, restricting the number of membrane channels, inhibiting VB6 transport, and ultimately killing the host. Under aphids facing stress conditions, the endosymbiont titer is decreased, and the VB6 production is also down-regulated, while the aphid's autonomous inhibition of miR-3024 enhances the expression of MRP4 and then increases the VB6 transport which finally ensures the VB6 homeostasis. The results confirm that miR-3024 regulates nutrient transport in the endosymbiont-host system and is a suitable target for sustainable pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]