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In this investigation, gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and gas tungsten arc welding with trailing ultrasonic rotating extrusion (U-RE-GTAW) were applied to 7075 aluminum alloys. Qualitative comparisons and analyses were carried out to investigate the effects of the ultrasonic rotary extrusion-assisted technology on GTAW processes. The weld joints fabricated by GTAW and U-RE-GTAW were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Concurrently, the tensile strength and fatigue characteristics were assessed at ambient temperature. The experimental outcomes indicated that the U-RE-GTAW process mitigated porosity within the weld region and substantially augmented dislocation density, while concurrently achieving a notable reduction in grain size and an increase in the volume fraction of secondary phases due to the synergistic effects of ultrasonic oscillation and rotational extrusion. The enhancement in tensile and fatigue resistance of the welded joint was attributed to the strengthening mechanisms associated with these microstructural alterations. Specifically, the ultimate tensile strength exhibited a 20.4% increase, and the elongation at break was elevated by 46.3%. At stress amplitudes of 190 MPa, 160 MPa, and 100 MPa, the fatigue strength of the welded joints was enhanced by 67%, 55%, and 32%, respectively. A quantitative analysis was conducted to elucidate the impact of diverse strengthening mechanisms on the welded joints. It was concluded that dislocation strengthening is the predominant factor contributing to the superior performance of the U-RE-GTAW specimens.

To understand the interface characteristics between the precipitate β2′ and the Mg matrix, and thus guide the development of new Mg-Zn alloys, we investigated the atomic interface structure, work of adhesion (Wad), and interfacial energy (γ) of Mg(0001)/β2'(MgZn2)(0001) interface, as well as the effect of segregation behavior of the introduced transition metal atoms (3d, 4d and 5d) on interfacial bonding strength. The calculated works of adhesion and interfacial energies dementated that the Zn2-terminated MT+HCP configuration is the most stable structure for all considered models. Take the Zn2- MT+HCP interface as the research object, estimated segregated energies (Eseg) reveal that added transition metal atoms prefer to segregate at Mg-I and Mg-II sites. The predicted Wad and charge density difference results reveal that the segregation of alloying additives employed may all strengthen Mg(0001)/MgZn2(0001) interface, with the enhancement effect of Os, Re, Tc, W, and Ru at the Mg-II site being the most pronounced.

Abstract Recently, human motion prediction has gained significant attention and achieved notable success. However, current methods primarily rely on training and testing with ideal datasets, overlooking the impact of variations in the viewing distance and viewing angle, which are commonly encountered in practical scenarios. In this study, we address the issue of model invariance by ensuring robust performance despite variations in view distances and angles. To achieve this, we employed Riemannian geometry methods to constrain the learning process of neural networks, enabling the prediction of invariances using a simple network. Furthermore, this enhances the application of motion prediction in various scenarios. Our framework uses Riemannian geometry to encode motion into a novel motion space to achieve prediction with an invariant viewing distance and angle using a simple network. Specifically, the specified path transport square-root velocity function is proposed to aid in removing the view-angle equivalence class and encode motion sequences into a flattened space. Motion coding by the geometry method linearizes the optimization problem in a non-flattened space and effectively extracts motion information, allowing the proposed method to achieve competitive performance using a simple network. Experimental results on Human 3.6M and CMU MoCap demonstrate that the proposed framework has competitive performance and invariance to the viewing distance and viewing angle.

The proper differentiation and reorganization of the intestinal epithelial cell population is critical to mucosal regeneration post injury. Label retaining cells (LRCs) expressing SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) promote epithelial repair by replenishing LGR5+ intestinal stem cells (ISCs). While, LRCs are also considered precursor cells for enteroendocrine cells (EECs) which exacerbate mucosal damage in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The factors that determine LRC-EEC differentiation and the effect of intervening in LRC-EEC differentiation on IBD remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of a natural anthraquinone called aloe emodin (derived from the Chinese herb rhubarb) on mucosal healing in IBD models. Our findings demonstrated that aloe emodin effectively interfered with the differentiation to EECs and preserved a higher number of SOX9+ LRCs, thereby promoting mucosal healing. Furthermore, we discovered that aloe emodin acted as an antagonist of free fatty acid receptors (FFAR1), suppressing the FFAR1-mediated Gβγ/serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT) pathway and promoting the translocation of forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) into the nucleus, ultimately resulting in the intervention of differentiation fate. These findings reveal the effect of free fatty acid accessibility on EEC differentiation and introduce a strategy for promoting mucosal healing in IBD by regulating the FFAR1/AKT/FOXO1 signaling pathway.

Abstract Background In recent years, deep learning (DL) technology has been increasingly used for the diagnosis and treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. This study aims to evaluate the performance of DL technology for IVD segmentation in magnetic resonance (MR) images and explore improvement strategies. Methods We developed a PRISMA systematic review protocol and systematically reviewed studies that used DL algorithm frameworks to perform IVD segmentation based on MR images published up to April 10, 2024. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool was used to assess methodological quality, and the pooled dice similarity coefficient (DSC) score and Intersection over Union (IoU) were calculated to evaluate segmentation performance. Results 45 studies were included in this systematic review, of which 16 provided complete segmentation performance data and were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. The results indicated that DL models showed satisfactory IVD segmentation performance, with a pooled DSC of 0.900 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.887–0.914) and IoU of 0.863 (95% CI: 0.730–0.995). However, the subgroup analysis did not show significant effects of factors on IVD segmentation performance, including network dimensionality, algorithm type, publication year, number of patients, scanning direction, data augmentation, and cross-validation. Conclusions This study highlights the potential of DL technology in IVD segmentation and its further applications. However, due to the heterogeneity in algorithm frameworks and result reporting of the included studies, the conclusions should be interpreted with caution. Future research should focus on training generalized models on large-scale datasets to enhance their clinical application.

Abstract To examine the potential correlation between chemotherapy and the risk of individual of second primary endometrial cancer (SEC) in patients with rectal cancer (RC) and assess survival outcomes. The study employed the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (SEER) as the primary data source, it encompasses a substantial cohort of patients diagnosed with RC between 1975 and 2018. This study involved a total of 30,847 individuals diagnosed with RC, of whom 168 individuals (5.45‰) experienced SEC. Among them, 107 patients (3.47‰) received chemotherapy treatment, while 61 patients (1.98‰) did not receive chemotherapy. The analysis of the overall occurrence of SEC revealed a significant association between SEC and chemotherapy treatment. Univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed a significant association between chemotherapy treatment and an increased risk of developing SEC in RC patients. Upon implementation of a dynamic analysis on the variables of relative risk and standardized incidence ratios, the results revealed that the likelihood of SEC escalated in tandem with advancing age. The examination of patients who developed SEC after receiving and not receiving chemotherapy revealed no substantial disparities in the 10-year overall survival (OS) and (cancer-specific survival) CSS rates. The results were the same after propensity score matching. Nevertheless, a notable discrepancy emerged when comparing the OS and CSS rates at 10 years between patients afflicted with SEC subsequent to chemotherapy and those afflicted with primary endometrial cancer, and the result was the same situation in the no-chemotherapy group. The use of chemotherapy in RC patients has been associated with an increased probability of developing specific SEC. Therefore, it is imperative to prioritize efforts aimed at reducing chemotherapy-related SEC occurrences and improving the prognosis of affected individuals.

The application of nanotechnologies in alkali-activated materials can significantly improve their performance. In this study, the effects of nano-TiO₂ on the hydration process, hydration products, and microstructure of alkali-activated steel slag - slag materials were analysed using techniques such as hydration heat analysis, infrared spectroscopy and SEM. The results show that the addition of nano-TiO₂ significantly enhances the mechanical properties of alkali-activated steel slag - slag materials at different curing ages. The improvement in the early-stage strength can be mainly attributed to the pronounced nucleation-inducing effect of nano-TiO₂, which accelerates the hydration reaction. The enhancement in the later-stage strength is attributed to the filling effect of nano-TiO₂, as well as the induction of the formation of more gel products, optimising the pore structure and increasing the compactness of the matrix.

Abstract Introduction The best treatment yielding clinical benefits was still equivocal and controversial for the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis (PF). This study aimed to propose a novel combination strategy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and corticosteroid injection (CI) for recalcitrant PF, and to compare its therapeutic effects with CI alone and continued conservative management. Methods We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with recalcitrant PF who underwent combined strategy (RFA + CI), CI alone, and continue conservative treatment at our institution between October 2021 and February 2023. The technical pearls were described elaborately. A comparison of demographic data and clinical outcomes, including visual analog scale (VAS), Ankle–Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS-AHS), and plantar fascia thickness, were conducted among the three groups. Results Seventy-one eligible patients were enrolled in this study, with 17 in the combined strategy group, 25 in the CI group, and 29 in the continued conservative treatment group. Both the combined strategy group and the CI group showed significant improvements in VAS scores, AOFAS-AHS scores, and significant reductions in plantar fascia thickness during the 12-month follow-up period compared to those preoperatively (P

0–3 type ferroelectric–phosphor composite ceramics cannot be prepared by the traditional solid-state sintering (SSS) method due to the strong chemical reaction between ferroelectrics and phosphors during high-temperature sintering. The cold sintering process (CSP) may solve this issue by densifying ceramics at ultralow sintering temperatures. In this work, dense 0–3 type 0.8BaTiO3–0.2CaTiO3:Pr3+ (0.8BT–0.2CT:Pr3+) binary composite ceramics were fabricated at an ultralow temperature of 225 °C via CSP with the Ba(OH)2·8H2O hydrated flux. The effects of the Ba(OH)2·8H2O content, sintering temperature, and sintering time on the microstructure and densification of the ceramics were investigated. The density of the composite ceramics prepared by the optimized sintering parameters reaches 89%. Both energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirm the existence of BT and CT:Pr3+ phases in the prepared ceramics. A strong ferroelectric performance is obtained, and the luminescent properties of CT:Pr3+ are preserved for the ceramics. Furthermore, the 0.8BT–0.2CT:Pr3+ composite ceramics prepared by CSP have stronger photoluminescence and photo-stimulated luminescence than their counterparts prepared by cold sintering assistance (CSA) and SSS methods. Therefore, CSP is a promising method for combining luminescent and ferroelectric properties into 0–3 type composite ceramics.

Abstract Background Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumors, with elevated tumor mutational burden and expression of neoantigens, represent a distinct immune-activated subpopulation in colorectal cancer (CRC), characterized by strong lymph node reaction, locally advanced tumor and higher total lymph nodes harvested (TLN), but less metastatic lymph nodes and fewer incidence of III-IV stage. Host immune response to tumor and lymph nodes may be an important prognostic factor. However, N stage and LNR (Lymph-Node Ratio) have limitations in predicting the prognosis of MSI-H patients. Negative lymph node count (NLC) provided a more precise representation of immune activation status and extent of tumor metastasis. The study aims to detect prognostic significance of NLC in MSI-H CRC patients, and compare it with N stage, TLN and LNR. Methods Retrospective data of 190 consecutive MSI-H CRC patients who received curative resection were collected. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Clinicopathological variables including NLC, N stage, TLN and LNR were studied in univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses. ROC (receiver operating characteristic curve) and concordance index were employed to compare the differences in predictive efficacy between NLC, N stage, TLN and LNR. Results Patients with increased NLC experienced a significantly improved 5-years DFS and OS in Kaplan–Meier analysis, univariate analysis, and multivariate analysis, independent of potential confounders examined. Increased NLC corresponded to elevated 5-years DFS rate and 5-years OS rate. AUC (area under curve) and concordance index of NLC in DFS and OS predicting were both significantly higher than N stage, TLN and LNR. Conclusions Negative lymph node is an important independent prognostic factor for MSI-H patients. Reduced NLC is associated with tumor recurrence and poor survival, which is a stronger prognostic factor than N stage, TLN and LNR.

Tetanus toxin (TeNT) is one of the most toxic proteins. Neutralizing antibodies against TeNT are effective in prevention and treatment. In this study, 14 anti-tetanus nanobodies were obtained from a phage display nanobody library by immunizing a camel with the C-terminal receptor-binding domain of TeNT (TeNT-Hc) as the antigen. After fusion with the human Fc fragment, 11 chimeric heavy-chain antibodies demonstrated nanomolar binding toward TeNT-Hc. The results of toxin neutralization experiments showed that T83–7, T83–8, and T83–13 completely protected mice against 20 × the median lethal dose (LD50) at a low concentration. The neutralizing potency of T83–7, T83–8, and T83–13 against TeNT is 0.4 IU/mg, 0.4 IU/mg and 0.2 IU/mg, respectively. In the prophylactic setting, we found that 5 mg/kg of T83–13 provided the mice with full protection from tetanus, even when they were injected 14 days before exposure to 20 × LD50 TeNT. T83–7 and T83–8 were less effective, being fully protective only when challenged 7 or 10 days before exposure, respectively. In the therapeutic setting, 12 h after exposure to TeNT, 1 ~ 5 mg/kg of T83–7, and T83–8 could provide complete protection for mice against 5 × LD50 TeNT, while 1 mg/kg T83–13 could provide complete protection 24 h after exposure to 5 × LD50 TeNT. Our results suggested that these antibodies represent prophylactic and therapeutic activities against TeNT in a mouse model. The T83–7, T83–8, and T83–13 could form the basis for the subsequent development of drugs to treat TeNT toxicity.

Semi-flexible pavement is a new type of pavement technology with excellent mechanical and road performance. Grouting materials play a crucial role in filling and reinforcing semi-flexible pavements as an important component. In this study, based on sulphoaluminate cement, the effect of mineral admixtures on rheological properties of grouting materials was studied by introducing rheology. High-performance grouting materials for semi-flexible pavements were prepared by varying the ratio of water-cement ratio, early-strength agent and mineral admixture, and their optimal ratios were determined. The research findings indicate that, the grouting materials with the best mechanical properties can be obtained when the water-to-binder ratio is 0.5, and the dosages of lithium carbonate, silica fume, microspheres, and granulated blast furnace slag are 0.2 %, 1.6 %, 5.0 %, and 5.0 %, respectively. The optimal dosage for shrinkage-reducing agents to improve the shrinkage behavior of grouting materials is in the range of 0.10–0.15 %. The accelerated early hydration reaction and improved compactness of the material matrix are the main reasons for the rapid development of the mechanical properties of the grouting materials. Mineral admixtures can undergo a hydration reaction similar to that of cement to produce a rigid gel consisting of very small particles with a laminar structure, which has a positive effect on the development of grouting material properties. The improvement in shrinkage behavior is achieved through the filling effect of silica fume and the micro-expansion effect of plasticizing expanders, which generate small and uniform bubbles.

Among all natural and synthetic toxins, botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), produced by Clostridium botulinum in an anaerobic environment, are the most toxic polymer proteins. Currently, the most effective modalities for botulism prevention and treatment are vaccination and antitoxin use, respectively. However, these modalities are associated with long response time for active immunization, side effects, and donor limitations. As such, the development of more promising botulism prevention and treatment modalities is warranted. Here, we designed an mRNA encoding B9-hFc – a heavy-chain antibody fused to VHH and human Fc that can neutralize BoNT serotype B (BoNT/B) effectively – and assessed its expression in vitro and in vivo. The results confirmed that our mRNA demonstrates good expression in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, a single mRNA lipid nanoparticle injection effectively prevents BoNT/B intoxication in vivo, with effects comparable to those of protein antibodies. In conclusion, we explored and clarified whether mRNA drugs encoding neutralizing antibodies prevent BoNT/B intoxication. Our results provide an efficient strategy for further research on the prevention and treatment of intoxication by botulinum toxin.

PurposeThe impact of genetic polymorphisms in the ABCB1 and CES1 genes on dabigatran plasma concentrations remains a subject of debate, and the purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess the effects of genetic polymorphisms on dabigatran esters in healthy Chinese subjects employed a population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) approach.MethodsIn total, 1,926 pharmacokinetic (PK) samples from 123 healthy individuals who were given 150 mg of dabigatran orally during a fasting state or postprandially were analyzed using the PopPK model. A two-compartment model with first-order absorption was found to adequately describe the PK data.ResultsThe results showed that covariates food intake and ABCB1 SNP rs4148738 were shown to have statistically significant impacts. Specifically, in postprandial administration increased lag time (ALAG) and clearance (CL) by 2.65% and 0.51%, respectively, and decreased absorption rate constant (KA) by 0.24%. Additionally, in subjects with CT genotype ABCB1 (rs4148738), the central ventricular volume of distribution (V2) was increased by 0.38%.ConclusionIn summary, the PopPK model developed in this study was robust and effectively characterized the pharmacokinetics of dabigatran in healthy Chinese adults, demonstrating that both food and ABCB1 genetic variation significantly influence the absorption and plasma concentration levels of dabigatran.

Abstract An efficient and facile water dissociation process plays a crucial role in enhancing the activity of alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Considering the intricate influence between interfacial water and intermediates in typical catalytic systems, meticulously engineered catalysts should be developed by modulating electron configurations and optimizing surface chemical bonds. Here, a high‐entropy double perovskite (HEDP) electrocatalyst La2(Co1/6Ni1/6Mg1/6Zn1/6Na1/6Li1/6)RuO6, achieving a reduced overpotential of 40.7 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and maintaining exemplary stability over 82 h in a 1 m KOH electrolyte is reported. Advanced spectral characterization and first‐principles calculations elucidate the electron transfer from Ru to Co and Ni positions, facilitated by alkali metal‐induced super‐exchange interaction in high‐entropy crystals. This significantly optimizes hydrogen adsorption energy and lowers the water decomposition barrier. Concurrently, the super‐exchange interaction enhances orbital hybridization and narrows the bandgap, thus improving catalytic efficiency and adsorption capacity while mitigating hysteresis‐driven proton transfer. The high‐entropy framework also ensures structural stability and longevity in alkaline environments. The work provides further insights into the formation mechanisms of HEDP and offers guidelines for discovering advanced, efficient hydrogen evolution catalysts through super‐exchange interaction.

Abstract Binder plays a crucial role in constructing high‐performance electrodes for water electrolysis. While most research has been focused on advancing electrocatalysts, the application of binders in electrode design has yet to be fully explored. Herein, the in situ incorporation of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as a multifunctional binder, which increases electrochemical active sites, enhances mass transfer, and strengthens the mechanical and chemical robustness of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrodes, is reported. The NiFe‐LDH@PTFE/NF electrode prepared by co‐deposition of PTFE with NiFe‐layered double hydroxide onto nickel foam demonstrates exceptional long‐term stability with a minimal potential decay rate of 0.034 mV h−1 at 500 mA cm−2 for 1000 h. The alkaline water electrolyzer utilizing NiFe‐LDH@PTFE/NF requires only 1.584 V at 500 mA cm−2 and sustains high energy efficiency over 1000 h under industrial operating conditions. This work opens a new path for stabilizing active sites to obtain durable electrodes for OER as well as other electrocatalytic systems.

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus L08 (L. rhamnosus L08) to enhance the functionality, improve the taste, and explore efficient storage methods of blue honeysuckle juice (BHJ). The fermentation process resulted in an increase in the levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins in blue honeysuckle juice, which was attributed to the action of β-glucosidase on specific phenolic compounds, namely Cyanidin-3-Glucoside and Quinic acid. The increase in phenolic content resulted in an enhancement of the antioxidant capacity of BHJ. The fermentation processed, utilizing L. rhamnosus L08, not only enhanced the flavor and taste of BHJ, but also mitigated its bitter aftertaste while minimizing the loss of bioactive components during storage. In conclusion, this study demonstrated a potential avenue for enhancing the commercial value and dietary significance of this lesser-known superfruit, with fermented BHJ emerging as a promising innovation in the field of functional foods.

ObjectiveThis study aims to deeply investigate the influence of different initial circumferential surface crack shapes (elliptical and sectoral) on pipeline crack propagation behavior under axial forces, thereby providing theoretical support for the structural integrity safety of offshore structures. MethodsThe crack propagation process is simulated and analyzed using the phase field method, and cracks are represented in a diffused manner through a continuous field function. Relying on the Francfort−Marigo variational principle, fracture energy is integrated into the total potential energy of the system. A degradation function is introduced to quantify the reduction of strain energy caused by damage. Secondary development is conducted in finite element software ABAQUS, and the staggered solution strategy is used to solve the problem of pipe crack propagation. ResultsThe results show that when the depth of an elliptical circumferential surface crack is less than half the wall thickness, the crack first propagates circumferentially, then extends through the wall thickness until penetration occurs. When the extent of the elliptical crack penetration is larger, the crack first extends through the wall thickness until penetration, then propagates circumferentially. Sectoral cracks tend to penetrate through the wall thickness first, followed by circumferential expansion. ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that the fracture phase-field method can accurately simulate the local evolution process of cracks in pipes and highlights the impact of the initial crack shape and the extent of crack penetration on the structural integrity of pipes under the action of axial forces. This has significant implications for enhancing the safety and reliability of pipeline structures.

The Yili Valley, located on the border between China and Kazakhstan, serves as the juncture of North and South Xinjiang, and stands as a pivotal outpost on the Silk Road Economic Belt. This area possesses a fragile ecological environment and experiences frequent debris flow disasters. In this study, four machine learning models:Random Forest (RF), Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Decision Tree (DT)-- were employed to evaluate the debris flow susceptibility and compute the weights of evaluation factors. The models were fed inputs comprising 398 identified debris flow channels and 14 feature parameters such as fault density, topographic relief, land use, NDVI, multi-year average rainfall, etc obtained through remote sensing and field surveys. Also, the accuracy of the four machine learning models was evaluated by ROC curves and calculating the Area Under the Curve (AUC). The research results show that: (1) High debris flow susceptibility areas are mainly located in the Tianshan Mountains in the deep river valley region and the loess-covered areas in the mountain front slopes; (2) Multi-year average rainfall, drought index, and topographic relief variability are the top three influential factors controlling the spatial development of debris flows; (3) The AUC values for the validation datasets of the four models were 0.938 (RF), 0.932 (SVM), 0.89 (LR), 0.79 (DT), with the Random Forest model exhibiting superior predictive capability in assessing susceptibility in the region; (4) The disruption of ecological vegetation in the loess-covered region of the study area is a significant cause of frequent debris flow occurrences. Ecological governance and protection efforts should be emplasized to reduce soil erosion and effectively mitigate debris flow disasters at their source.

Abstract Background Upper lumbar disc herniation (ULDH) accounts for 1-10% of all lumbar disc herniations (LDH). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with ULDH who underwent percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) compared with those with lower LDH. Methods 60 patients with ULDH or L4–L5 LDH treated with PTED between May 2016 and October 2021. MacNab criteria, visual analog scale (VAS) of back pain and leg pain, and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) were evaluated before and after surgery. Results In the L1–L3 group, 59.1% of the patients had a positive femoral nerve tension test, and 81.8% of the patients had a sensory deficit. Both groups showed significant improvements in VAS scores for low back and leg pain, and JOA scores postoperatively. No significant differences in the degree of improvement were observed between the two groups. The excellent/good rate was 81.8% in the L1–L3 group and 84.2% in the L4–L5 group, showing no significant difference. Conclusion PTED has comparable efficacy in treating ULDH as it does in treating lower LDH, it is a safe and effective treatment method for ULDH.

Abstract Background The association between bone fracture and cardiovascular diseases is examined in this study. While basic research has established a connection between fractures and heart attacks through the linkage between bones and arteries, population studies have not provided clear evidence. The aim of the present study is to investigate the association between bone fracture and the occurrence of myocardial infarction in a natural population during long-term follow-up. Methods A total of 13,196 adult participants with bone fracture history at baseline from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) prospective cohort were included in this study. Baseline investigation was performed in 1997–2009 and the outcome was followed up till 2015. Hazard ratios (HRs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models. Results From 1997 to 2015, a total of 329 incident myocardial infarction cases were identified. In univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, a history of bone fracture was associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction incidence in the total population (for the crude model: HR = 2.56, 95% CI 1.83–3.53, P

Abstract Background Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1 and IDH2), are present in most gliomas. IDH1 mutation is an important prognostic marker in glioma. However, its regulatory mechanism in glioma remains incompletely understood. Results miR-182-5p expression was increased within IDH1-mutant glioma specimens according to TCGA, CGGA, and online dataset GSE119740, as well as collected clinical samples. (R)-2-hydroxyglutarate ((R)-2HG) treatment up-regulated the expression of miR-182-5p, enhanced glioma cell proliferation, and suppressed apoptosis; miR-182-5p inhibition partially eliminated the oncogenic effects of R-2HG upon glioma cells. By direct binding to Cyclin Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 2 C (CDKN2C) 3’UTR, miR-182-5p inhibited CDKN2C expression. Regarding cellular functions, CDKN2C knockdown promoted R-2HG-treated glioma cell viability, suppressed apoptosis, and relieved cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, CDKN2C knockdown partially attenuated the effects of miR-182-5p inhibition on cell phenotypes. Moreover, CDKN2C knockdown exerted opposite effects on cell cycle check point and apoptosis markers to those of miR-182-5p inhibition; also, CDKN2C knockdown partially attenuated the functions of miR-182-5p inhibition in cell cycle check point and apoptosis markers. The engineered CS-NPs (antagomir-182-5p) effectively encapsulated and delivered antagomir-182-5p, enhancing anti-tumor efficacy in vivo, indicating the therapeutic potential of CS-NPs(antagomir-182-5p) in targeting the miR-182-5p/CDKN2C axis against R-2HG-driven oncogenesis in mice models. Conclusions These insights highlight the potential of CS-NPs(antagomir-182-5p) to target the miR-182-5p/CDKN2C axis, offering a promising therapeutic avenue against R-2HG’s oncogenic influence to glioma.

The high alkali content in red mud is one of the main issues faced in preparing the cement clinker. In this paper, a calcium ferroaluminate (CFA) cement clinker with and without CaSO₄(C$) was prepared using over 24.2 wt.% of red mud, The effects of C$ on the formation of the CSA clinker minerals at different calcination temperatures and the mechanical properties of the cement clinker were investigated. The results indicate that Na₂O from the red mud obviously reduced the content of the dominant phase C₄A₃$ in the CFA clinker. In contrast, the C₄A₃$ content in the clinker specimens increases with the increasing C$ content in the raw mixture. The optimal calcination temperature for the CFA cement clinker with C$ is 1175 °C, whose compressive strength reaches 40.0 MPa and 57.9 MPa at 1 d and 28 d, respectively. In addition, Na₂O firstly reacts with sulfate to form Na₂SO₄, and secondly incorporates the C₄A₃$ phase to form a solid solution in the CFA clinkers. The finding is important to improve the application of red mud in the preparation of cement clinkers.

Abstract The association between high blood pressure and fracture showed obvious discrepancies and were mostly between hypertension with future fracture, but rarely between fracture and incident hypertension. The present study aims to investigate the associations of hypertension with future fracture, and fracture with incident hypertension. We included adult participants from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) prospective cohort in 1997–2015 (N = 10,227), 2000–2015 (N = 10,547), 2004–2015 (N = 10,909), and 2006–2015 (N = 11,121) (baseline in 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006 respectively and outcome in 2015). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. In the analysis of the association between hypertension and future fracture, the adjusted HRs (95% CIs) were 1.34 (0.95–1.90) in 1997–2015, 1.40 (1.04–1.88) in 2000–2015, 1.32 (0.98–1.78) in 2004–2015, and 1.38 (1.01–1.88) in 2006–2015. In the analysis of the association between fracture and incident hypertension, the adjusted HRs (95% CIs) were 1.28 (0.96–1.72) in 1997–2015, 1.18 (0.94–1.49) in 2000–2015, 1.12 (0.89–1.40) in 2004–2015, and 1.09 (0.85–1.38) in 2006–2015. The present study showed that hypertension history was associated with increased risk of future fracture, but not vice versa.

Objectives Cancer screening aims to detect and treat malignant lesions at an early stage and to prolong patients’ lifetime. There is still a lack of effective cancer screening programs in China. We initiated a screening project in 2018 and this study presented the cancer screening status in China. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in one cancer-care medical center of China. The screening program included routine blood tests, plasma tumor markers, gastric endoscopy, colonoscopy, ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT) scans. Screening results were presented as sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values (PPVs). Results Twenty-three (1.46%) out of 1,576 participants were eventually diagnosed with malignant tumors or high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN). A family history of malignancy (78.26% in diagnosed cancer and HGIN vs. 46.36% in the others) was the only statistically significant parameter associated with cancer detection (p = 0.002). None of the common tumor markers were associated with the cancers screened. Except for colonoscopy (50.00%) and ultrasound for renal cancer (66.67%), the sensitivities of most screening methods were 100%. The specificities of all the screening means were above 96%. Most PPVs ranged from 30–60%. Conclusion We emphasized risk stratification for early cancer screening, such as a family history of cancer. The survey illustrated that gastric endoscopy, colonoscopy, ultrasound, and lung CT for early cancer screening had high specificity, reasonable sensitivity, and PPV. We anticipated this report would motivate larger-sample studies to estimate the risk-to-benefit ratio of cancer screening and urge the establishment of a native Chinese screening project and even guidelines.

Abstract Periodontal disease is a prevalent inflammatory condition affecting the tissues and bone surrounding the teeth, posing significant challenges to oral health. Current treatments often fall short due to incomplete removal of bacteria and plaque, irreversible damage to gums and bone, and their cost and time‐consuming nature. Stem cell therapy offers a promising alternative that potentially addresses these limitations. This review delves into the biology, mechanisms, and applications of dental stem cells (DSCs) in alveolar bone and periodontal regeneration. We begin with an overview of various stem cell types and their characteristics, highlighting their role in tissue regeneration and the mechanisms involved. Subsequently, we examine preclinical and clinical studies that demonstrate the efficacy and safety of DSC therapy, showcasing their potential in restoring periodontal health. The discussion also extends to the critical challenges and future directions in the field, emphasizing the necessity for standardized protocols and rigorous research to fully integrate DSC‐based therapies into routine clinical practice. This review underscores the transformative potential of DSCs in regenerative dentistry, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding that can propel further advancements and ultimately improve patient outcomes in periodontal therapy.

IntroductionDue to the widespread presence of susceptible populations, the pandemic caused by BA.5 subbranches swiftly disseminated China, impacting the majority of individuals within a span of 1 to 2 months. Subsequently, XBB and its subbranches became the dominant variants in China.MethodsWe tracked the immune landscape in the population after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in late 2022 in China.ResultsOur findings suggested that low levels of neutralizing antibodies against BA.5 subbranches before the pandemic might have contributed to the national outbreak at the end of 2022. The widespread breakthrough infections subsequently increased immunity to BA.5, XBB.1.5/1.9.1, and JN.1, inhibiting a new wave of large-scale infections caused by XBB subbranches in China. Additionally, JN.1 demonstrated enhanced immune evasion capabilities; however, Chinese residents had comparable levels of neutralizing antibodies against JN.1 as those observed for XBB.1.5 among confirmed cases at the end of 2022.DiscussionWe anticipate that JN.1 will replace XBB subbranches as the predominant epidemic variant in subsequent transmissions within China. However, it is unlikely to cause a large-scale spread comparable to that witnessed at the end of 2022, with transmission patterns potentially resembling those observed for XBB post-pandemic.

BackgroundBone cement leakage (BCL) is one of the most prevalent complications of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF), which may result in severe secondary complications and poor outcomes. Previous studies employed several traditional machine learning (ML) models to predict BCL preoperatively, but effective and intelligent methods to bridge the distance between current models and real-life clinical applications remain lacking.MethodsWe will develop a deep learning (DL)-based prediction model that directly analyzes preoperative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with OVCF to accurately predict BCL occurrence and classification during PKP. This retrospective study includes a retrospective internal dataset for DL model training and validation, a prospective internal dataset, and a cross-center external dataset for model testing. We will evaluate not only model’s predictive performance, but also its reliability by calculating its consistency with reference standards and comparing it with that of clinician prediction.DiscussionThe model holds an imperative clinical significance. Clinicians can formulate more targeted treatment strategies to minimize the incidence of BCL, thereby improving clinical outcomes by preoperatively identifying patients at high risk for each BCL subtype. In particular, the model holds great potential to be extended and applied in remote areas where medical resources are relatively scarce so that more patients can benefit from quality perioperative evaluation and management strategies. Moreover, the model will efficiently promote information sharing and decision-making between clinicians and patients, thereby increasing the overall quality of healthcare services.

Carbon storage in terrestrial ecosystems varies with land use changes, and exploring the impact of land use changes on carbon storage in regional terrestrial ecosystems is important for maintaining regional carbon balance. Data on Dalian City’s land use types from 2000 to 2020 are used in this research, to evaluate the spatio-temporal evolution of carbon storage in Dalian. Furthermore, with the scenarios of urban development, natural development, cultivated land protection, and ecological protection in 2030, this study combines the PLUS and InVEST models to emulate the dynamic adjustment at land-use types and the spatio-temporal evolution regarding carbon storage in Dalian City. The investigation shows that: 1) The carbon storage of terrestrial ecosystem in Dalian has been altered as a consequence of changes in land use, and now it shows a general decline during 2000–2020, with reductions amounting to 5.39 × 106 t. 2) From 2000 through 2020, Dalian’s land resources that are utilized for farming, forestry, and grassland decreased to different degrees. The total construction land area increased by 796.47 km2, or 6.38 %, whereas there has been no substantial improvement in water or unused land. 3) The carbon storage reduction in 2030 in comparison to 2020 for the natural development, cultivated land protection, and urban development scenarios, among which the urban development scenario was the largest, was 1.36 × 106t. It suggests that the rapid rate of urbanization and expansion of construction land is an important cause of the decline in carbon storage. 4) The cultivated land protection scenario (CPS) yields the smallest reduction of 6.50 × 105t. The structure of Dalian’s land use type is optimum under the ecological protection scenario (EPS), as seen by the 3.90 × 105t increase in carbon storage under this scenario. It speeds up the rate of recovery of carbon storage and improves the function of carbon sinks in urban terrestrial ecosystems. Hoping to provide the reference to decision makers for ecosystem carbon storage optimization from the view of land use, which is vital for making future land use policies and realizing the “dual carbon” strategic goal.

Objectives Accurate survival predictions and early interventional therapy are crucial for people with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Methods In this retrospective study, we identified differentially expressed immune-related (DE-IRGs) and oncogenic (DE-OGs) genes from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset to construct a prognostic risk model using univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis. We compared the immunogenomic characterization between the high- and low-risk patients in the TCGA and the PUCH cohort, including the immune cell infiltration level, immune score, immune checkpoint, and T-effector cell- and interferon (IFN)-γ-related gene expression. Results A prognostic risk model was constructed based on 9 DE-IRGs and 3 DE-OGs and validated in the training and testing TCGA datasets. The high-risk group exhibited significantly poor overall survival compared with the low-risk group in the training ( P < 0.0001), testing ( P = 0.016), and total ( P < 0.0001) datasets. The prognostic risk model provided accurate predictive value for ccRCC prognosis in all datasets. Decision curve analysis revealed that the nomogram showed the best net benefit for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year risk predictions. Immunogenomic analyses of the TCGA and PUCH cohorts showed higher immune cell infiltration levels, immune scores, immune checkpoint, and T-effector cell- and IFN-γ-related cytotoxic gene expression in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group. Conclusion The 12-gene prognostic risk model can reliably predict overall survival outcomes and is strongly associated with the tumor immune microenvironment of ccRCC.

Given the significant decline in vaccine efficacy against Omicron, the development of novel vaccines with specific or broad-spectrum effectiveness is paramount. In this study, we formulated four monovalent vaccines based on recombinant spike trimer proteins, along with three bivalent vaccines, and five monovalent vaccines based on recombinant spike proteins. We evaluated the efficacy of different vaccination regimens in eliciting neutralizing antibodies in mice through pseudovirus neutralization assays. Following two doses of primary immunization with D614G, mice received subsequent immunizations with Omicron (BA.1, BA.2, BA.4/5) boosters individually, which led to the generation of broader and more potent cross-neutralizing activity compared to D614G boosters. Notably, the BA.4/5 booster exhibited superior efficacy. Following two doses of primary immunization with Omicron (BA.1, BA.2, BA.4/5), mice were subsequently immunized with one dose of D614G booster which resulted in broader neutralizing activity compared to one dose of Omicron (BA.1, BA.2, or BA.4/5). In unvaccinated mice, full-course immunization with different bivalent vaccines induced broad neutralizing activity against Omicron and pre-Omicron variants, with D614G&BA.4/5 demonstrating superior efficacy. However, compared to other variants, the neutralizing activity against XBB.1.5/1.9.1 is notably reduced. This observation emphasizes the necessity of timely updates to the vaccine antigen composition. Based on these findings and existing studies, we propose a vaccination strategy aimed at preserving the epitope repertoire to its maximum potential: (1) Individuals previously vaccinated or infected with pre-Omicron variants should inoculate a monovalent vaccine containing Omicron components; (2) Individuals who have only been vaccinated or infected with Omicron should be inoculated a monovalent vaccine containing pre-Omicron variants components; (3) Individuals without SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination should inoculate a bivalent vaccine comprising both pre-Omicron and Omicron components for primary immunization. Additionally, through cross-inoculation of SARS-CoV-2 D614G spike trimer protein and SARS-CoV-1 spike protein in mice, we preliminarily demonstrated the possibility of cross-reaction between different coronavirus vaccines to produce resistance to the pan-coronavirus.

ObjectiveThere is currently a lack of validated questionnaires designed specifically to assess mental health within patients with chronic gastroduodenal symptoms. This research describes the multi-phase process used to develop and validate a novel mental health scale for patients with chronic gastroduodenal symptoms, the Alimetry® Gut-Brain Wellbeing (AGBW) Survey.MethodsA patient-centered multi-phase process was implemented. In Phase 1, the most relevant concepts for this patient population were selected from existing mental health scales, using data from 79 patients. In Phase 2, an interdisciplinary panel of experts generated scale items. In Phase 3, the scale underwent pre-testing with gastroenterologists (n = 9), health psychologists (n = 3), and patients (n = 12), with feedback incorporated over multiple rounds. Lastly, the psychometric properties of the scale were assessed in a sample of 311 patients via an online survey.ResultsThe AGBW Survey comprises a patient preface, 10 close-ended questions, and an optional open-ended question. This multidimensional scale assesses general mental health, alongside specific subscales relating to depression, stress, and anxiety. The subscale and total scores demonstrated high internal consistency (α = 0.91 for the total scale; α = 0.72–0.86 for subscales) and good convergent, divergent, concurrent validity, and known groups validity, with large effect sizes.ConclusionThe AGBW Survey is a brief, valid, and reliable scale for assessing mental health in patients with chronic gastroduodenal symptoms. It can be used as a tool to complement physiological tests and has the potential to guide psychological referrals, inform multidisciplinary management, and evaluate treatment outcomes.

BackgroundCurrently, manual measurement of lumbosacral radiological parameters is time-consuming and laborious, and inevitably produces considerable variability. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a deep learning-based model for automatically measuring lumbosacral radiographic parameters on lateral lumbar radiographs.MethodsWe retrospectively collected 1,240 lateral lumbar radiographs to train the model. The included images were randomly divided into training, validation, and test sets in a ratio of approximately 8:1:1 for model training, fine-tuning, and performance evaluation, respectively. The parameters measured in this study were lumbar lordosis (LL), sacral horizontal angle (SHA), intervertebral space angle (ISA) at L4–L5 and L5–S1 segments, and the percentage of lumbar spondylolisthesis (PLS) at L4–L5 and L5–S1 segments. The model identified key points using image segmentation results and calculated measurements. The average results of key points annotated by the three spine surgeons were used as the reference standard. The model’s performance was evaluated using the percentage of correct key points (PCK), intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), Pearson correlation coefficient (r), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and box plots.ResultsThe model’s mean differences from the reference standard for LL, SHA, ISA (L4–L5), ISA (L5–S1), PLS (L4–L5), and PLS (L5–S1) were 1.69°, 1.36°, 1.55°, 1.90°, 1.60%, and 2.43%, respectively. When compared with the reference standard, the measurements of the model had better correlation and consistency (LL, SHA, and ISA: ICC = 0.91–0.97, r = 0.91–0.96, MAE = 1.89–2.47, RMSE = 2.32–3.12; PLS: ICC = 0.90–0.92, r = 0.90–0.91, MAE = 1.95–2.93, RMSE = 2.52–3.70), and the differences between them were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe model developed in this study could correctly identify key vertebral points on lateral lumbar radiographs and automatically calculate lumbosacral radiographic parameters. The measurement results of the model had good consistency and reliability compared to manual measurements. With additional training and optimization, this technology holds promise for future measurements in clinical practice and analysis of large datasets.

Abstract The uterus exhibits intermittent electrophysiological activity in vivo. Although most active during labor, the non-pregnant uterus can exhibit activity of comparable magnitude to the early stages of labor. In this study, two types of flexible electrodes were utilized to measure the electrical activity of uterine smooth muscle in vivo in anesthetized, non-pregnant rats. Flexible printed circuit electrodes were placed on the serosal surface of the uterine horn of six anesthetized rats. Electrical activity was recorded for a duration of 20–30 min. Activity contained two components: high frequency activity (bursts) and an underlying low frequency ‘slow wave’ which occurred concurrently. These components had dominant frequencies of 6.82 ± 0.63 Hz for the burst frequency and 0.032 ± 0.0055 Hz for the slow wave frequency. There was a mean burst occurrence rate of 0.76 ± 0.23 bursts per minute and mean burst duration of 20.1 ± 6.5 s. The use of multiple high-resolution electrodes enabled 2D mapping of the initiation and propagation of activity along the uterine horn. This in vivo approach has the potential to provide the organ level detail to help interpret non-invasive body surface recordings.

[Objective] Most conventional straddle monorail track beams utilize a profile form with 850 mm width. In response to the urban rail transit construction demands of the third and fourth-tier cities in China, relevant enterprises propose a profile form with 1 250 mm width for straddle monorail train. To address the special requirements of the new straddle monorail train, it is necessary to study the mechanical performance and profile form of the track beams. [Method] A numerical simulation method is employed to establish a pre-bent steel-concrete composite track beam model. Based on the conventional track beam profile form, a preliminary profile form of 1 250 mm wide pre-bent steel-concrete composite straddle monorail track beam is proposed. The mechanical performance of the profile under different load combinations is analyzed, and the profile parameters of the preliminary profile form are optimized with the goal of minimizing steel consumption. [Result & Conclusion] With the increase of steel box beam top plate thickness, the maximum normal stress of steel box beam upper flange decreases. When the steel box beam bottom plate thickness increases, the maximum normal stress of steel box beam lower flange decreases. With the increase of auxiliary plate thickness, the maximum shear stress of steel box beam auxiliary plate decreases. Under the most unfavorable load working condition combinations, the stiffness and strength of the proposed track beam preliminary profile form both meet the allowable limit of the specifications. The optimized top plate thickness, auxiliary plate thickness, and bottom plate thickness are 16 mm, 20 mm and 16 mm, respectively, contributing to approximately 29.89% reduction in steel surface area.

Background/Aims: Total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is widely accepted as a radical surgery for refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). Definite results on the appropriate pouch length for an evaluation of the risk-to-benefit ratio regarding technical complications and long-term quality of life (QOL) are still scarce. Methods: Data on UC patients who underwent IPAA from 2008 to 2022 in four well-established pouch centers affiliated to China UC Pouch Center Union were collected. Results: A total of 208 patients with a median follow-up time of 6.0 years (interquartile range, 2.3 to 9.0 years) were enrolled. The median lengths of the patients’ short and long pouches were 14.0 cm (interquartile range, 14.0 to 15.0 cm) and 22.0 cm (interquartile range, 20.0 to 24.0 cm), respectively. Patients with a short J pouch configuration were less likely to achieve significantly improved long-term QOL (p=0.015) and were prone to develop late postoperative complications (p=0.042), such as increased defecation frequency (p=0.003) and pouchitis (p=0.035). A short ileal pouch was an independent risk factor for the development of late postoperative complications (odds ratio, 3.100; 95% confidence interval, 1.519 to 6.329; p=0.002) and impaired longterm QOL improvement (odds ratio, 2.221; 95% confidence interval, 1.218 to 4.050, p=0.009). Conclusions: The length of the J pouch was associated with the improvement in long-term QOL and the development of late post-IPAA complications. A long J pouch configuration could be a considerable surgical option for pouch construction.

Power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) testing has become indispensable for the rapid, modular, and cost-saving development of automotive components. This article focuses on PHIL tests composed of entire powertrains that exchange speed and torque signals with vehicle simulations. Previous studies pointed out the importance of promptly following the references from the virtual simulation environment to replicate realistic driving conditions and introduced control strategies to cope with the challenges associated with this setup. However, a comprehensive comparison of the different control strategies has not yet been carried out. To fill this gap, the concepts are first investigated in-depth in simulations and are then, rigorously validated on a state-of-the-art powertrain test bed under highly dynamic driving scenarios, including full-braking. Furthermore, an improvement of existing shaft torque control approaches, which are mainly based on feedforward control, is proposed to better compete with the other methods. The proposed extension shows higher resilience to low accuracy of torque actuators, while the other concepts exhibit greater robustness against time delays. The results from the direct comparisons are summarized and allow the appropriate selection of control strategies for specific use cases.