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Different from the extensive experimental investigations into the thermoelectric (TE) properties of the bulk IV–VI compounds, less attention has been paid to the TE properties of the monolayer IV–VI compounds. Here, we consider the TE transport properties including the Seebeck coefficient, electronic conductance, thermal conductance, power factor, and figure of merit Z T of the undoped and Bi-doped GeS monolayers. Our results show that for both the undoped and Bi-doped monolayers the anisotropy is widely observed in all their TE properties, and the maximum Z T at a certain temperature along the armchair direction is much greater than that along the zigzag direction. Moreover, Bi doping can lead to an increase of the maximum Z T , and there are more Z T peaks appearing near the zero chemical potential. This indicates that the Bi-doped GeS monolayer can work as a TE material at a lower bias voltage, and especially along the armchair direction it can work at zero bias voltage, which obviously strengthens the reliability of the TE devices. As the temperature increases, the maximum Z T will be uniformally increased along the armchair and zigzag directions for both the undoped and Bi-doped GeS monolayers. In the temperature scope from 300 to 800 K, the maximum Z T along the armchair direction of the Bi-doped GeS monolayer will increase from 3.39 to 4.85, which indicates that this Bi-doped GeS monolayer is a promising TE material in a wide-temperature zone. As an application, we have designed the GeS-based TE couples and found that their efficiencies can be greater than 27 % at large temperature differences. This research should be an important guidance for designing a low-voltage, wide-temperature-scope, and high-stability TE device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The group‐weighted containment (GWC) problem is studied for swarms of robots, where the information flow among agents is heterogeneous (weighted) cooperative‐competitive and the whole networked systems are composed of multiple different groups. Each group is formed by multiple harmonic oscillator leaders and multiple robot followers governed by Euler‐Lagrange (EL) equations. After introducing the definition of group‐weighted containment to the networked robot systems, the control algorithms for the agents containing followers and leaders are formulated over newly weighted cooperative‐competitive network. Some necessary conditions for solving the weighted containment control problem are established. It is shown that the followers in every group can achieve a kind of novel coordinated behaviors. Specifically, the followers can converge to the dynamic convex hull spanned by the corresponding leaders' weighted coordinates under some conditions. Simulation results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) on improving walking ability, and to determine the optimal dosage of task-specific training based on RAGT for stroke patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two investigators independently searched electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) from inception to 31 January 2020. The study design was a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparing the intervention of RAGT plus conventional therapy to conventional therapy alone. RCTs mainly focus on lower limb motor function as the primary outcomes, while the secondary outcomes involve gait speed, walking distance, cadence, balance, and activities of daily living (ADL). Pooled effect estimates were calculated by comparing the change from baseline to the end of the study in each group. RESULTS: Twenty-eight RCTs were included. The pooled analysis showed that RAGT had a significantly short-term effect on improving lower limb function [standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.32, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.55]. Additionally, there were significant improvements in gait speed (MD 0.10, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.14) and ADL (SMD 0.17, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.32). Subgroup analyses indicated that RAGT lasting for 30-60 minutes per day over 4 weeks yielded a moderate effect size (SMD 0.53, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.90). Additionally, RAGT significantly promoted lower limb function recovery in the early stage after a stroke (SMD 0.33, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.58) or in non-ambulatory patients (SMD 0.35, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.59). CONCLUSIONS: RAGT demonstrated significant positive effects on lower limb function post-stroke. Our results provide additional evidence to support that RAGT is a potentially appropriate intervention to promote lower limb recovery in individuals who have had a stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plunger valve has an important role in a large compressor system as its operating characteristics directly affect the aerodynamic boundary condition of the compressor equipment. In this study, dynamic modeling and analysis method of the plunger valve are proposed for an accurate control of the system. By considering the interaction between the dynamic flow in the valve and actuator action, a lumped parameter model for the fluid-structure interaction force and multibody dynamic model of the actuator are developed based on intrinsic correlation parameters. A combination analysis to simultaneously predict valve flow and actuator dynamic characteristics is proposed. The predicted results are in a good agreement with experimental data, which validates the proposed model and analysis method. The analysis results show that the coupling effect between the valve flow and actuator is significant and has an important role in valve control, particularly when the valve opening is smaller. Compared to the experimental data and computational fluid dynamics results, the presented methods are accurate for valve control and effective for prediction of flow rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a case report of a rare genetic disorder called Cowden syndrome, which is characterized by mutations in the PTEN gene and can lead to the development of tumors. The report describes a pregnant woman who underwent prenatal testing and was found to have a fetus with characteristics consistent with Cowden syndrome, including overgrowth and a liver tumor. Genetic testing confirmed the presence of a PTEN gene variant associated with the syndrome. The article emphasizes the importance of genetic counseling and prenatal testing for future pregnancies in cases where Cowden syndrome has been identified. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a case report of a 32-year-old woman who underwent prenatal diagnosis for holoprosencephaly (HPE). The ultrasound and MRI findings revealed features of the middle interhemispheric variant of HPE (MIH), which is characterized by dorsal fusion of the brain. The article highlights the similarities and differences between MIH and lobar HPE, emphasizing the challenges in differentiating these conditions in clinical practice. The authors also note that confirming the diagnosis of MIH in the prenatal period can be difficult due to factors such as the intrauterine environment and fetal movement. [Extracted from the article]

Guanxiang Huang,1– 3,&ast; Wenyu Lin,1– 3,&ast; Hangjing Gao,1– 3 Yuan Ren,1– 3 Jun Shen,4 Shuxia Xu,5 Dabin Liu,6 Yuanjun Cai,6 Chengbin Lin,6 Xite Lin,1– 3 Tingting Jiang,1– 3 Binhua Dong,1– 3 Pengming Sun1– 3 1College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, People’s Republic of China; 2Fujian Key Laboratory of Women and Children’s Critical Diseases Research, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital (Fujian Women and Children’s Hospital), Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, People’s Republic of China; 3Fujian Clinical Research Center for Gynecological Oncology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital (Fujian Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital), Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, People’s Republic of China; 4Fujian Provincial Cervical Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Health Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Pathology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, People’s Republic of China; 6Department of Gynecology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Pengming Sun; Binhua Dong, Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-591-87558732 ; +86-13599071900, Fax +86-591-87551247, Email fmsun1975@fjmu.edu.cn, sunfemy@hotmail.com; dongbinhua86@fjmu.edu.cn, dbh18-jy@126.comBackground: There are currently few prognostic models for conization in patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) because it is a rapid procedure that typically collects less case information. The present study aimed to establish a rapid/accurate postoperative prognostic assessment model for these patients.Methods: This study included 631 nonpregnant participants with HSIL confirmed by histopathology from January 2015 to January 2018. The recurrent/residual cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) were divided into residual CIN, simple recurrent CIN and recurrent CIN accompanied with CIN progression. The recurrence/residual-free survival (RFS) time was defined as the time span from the time of surgery (baseline) until the first lesion of CIN was detected or the 1-/3-/5-year follow-up endpoint was reached.Results: After LASSO regression selection, the higher platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (OR = 1.006, p = 0.002), positive margin status (OR = 2.451, p = 0.021), HPV-16 (OR = 4.414, p < 0.001), − 18 (OR = 3.040, p = 0.009), − 56 (OR = 10.715, p=0.021), and non-HR-HPV (OR = 2.487, p = 0.028) infection showed significant difference in the Logistic model. And HPV-16 infection (OR = 6.159, p = 0.001) could promote recurrent CIN accompanied with CIN progression. In multivariate Cox regression models, the higher PLR (HR = 1.005/1.005/1.005, p = 0.020/0.002/0.003) and HPV-16 infection (HR = 2.758/2.836/2.674, p < 0.001) showed statistical difference during 1-/3-/5-year follow-up. While gland invasion (p = 0.081), margin status (p = 0.075) and HPV infection genotype (p = 0.150) did not showed statistical difference in multivariate Cox regression models based on LASSO regression. And gland invasion (p = 0.251/0.686) and HPV-58 infection (p = 0.148/0.813) also showed no statistical difference in optimized Logistic regression models.Conclusion: HPV-16, − 18, − 56 and non-HR-HPV infection status can be considered as indicators for recurrent CIN during the 5-year follow-up, especially for HPV-16 infection, which also lead to a CIN recurrence accompanied with disease progression. And the preoperative PLR level, gland invasion, positive margin may be predictors for recurrent/residual CIN during 1-, 3- and 5-year follow-up.Keywords: cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, higher platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, human papillomavirus, conization, prognosis

Song Wen,1,2 Yanyan Li,1 Chenglin Xu,1 Jianlan Jin,1 Zhimin Xu,1 Yue Yuan,1 Lijiao Chen,1 Yishu Ren,1 Min Gong,1 Congcong Wang,1 Meiyuan Dong,1 Yingfan Zhou,3 Xinlu Yuan,1 Fufeng Li,4 Ligang Zhou1,2,5 1Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, 201399, People’s Republic of China; 2Fudan Zhangjiang Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China; 3Medical School of Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, People’s Republic of China; 4Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China; 5Shanghai Key Laboratory of Vascular Lesions Regulation and Remodeling, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Ligang Zhou, Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, 201399, People’s Republic of China, Tel +8613611927616, Email zhouligang1n1@163.com Fufeng Li, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China, Email li_fufeng@aliyun.comObjective: We aim to examine and reestablish the correlational and linear regression relationships, as well as the predictive value, between the significant facial and tongue features and the metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Materials and Methods: From March to May 2024, we studied 269 patients with T2DM in the endocrinology department of Shanghai Pudong Hospital. The patients’ facial and tongue characteristics were sampling by a tongue imaging device equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) (XiMaLife, Sinology, China) of automated and advanced machine learning algorithms. Then, the imaging features were examined in relation to the blood examination.Results: Multiple facial and tongue features, as well as dimensional facial and tongue color parameters, were significantly correlated with glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (r < 0.3, p < 0.05), glycated albumin (GA) (− 0.20 < 0.30, p < 0.05), C-peptide (− 0.20.20, p < 0.05), plasma insulin (r < 0.30, p < 0.05), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (r < 0.3, p < 0.05), significant hepatic and renal function indicators (− 0.30 < r < 0.20, p< 0.05), cardiac injury markers (− 0.30 < r < 0.30, p < 0.05), tumor markers (− 0.5 < r < 0.5, p < 0.05), thyroid function (− 0.15 < r < 0.55, p < 0.05), and blood cell count, including white blood cells (r < 0.2, p < 0.05), and hemoglobin (Hb) (− 0.30 < r < 0.3, 0.0001. The correlational results demonstrated that the tongue’s characteristics and signs may be linked with the dynamic of the metabolic status of T2DM. In order to examine the causal relationships, we performed linear regression analyses, which revealed that various facial and tongue imaging parameters partially determined the metabolic indicators. The predictive value of imaging features was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) to assess metabolic status in T2DM.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that metabolic status, renal and hepatic, cardiac, and thyroid function, the proportion of blood cells, and Hb in T2DM were intimately associated with facial and tongue features. The precise analysis of facial and tongue features through AI and advanced machine learning could be used to predict T2DM’s conditions and progression.Keywords: type 2 diabetes, tongue imaging, face imaging, cardiovascular disease, machine learning

Xu Tian,1,&ast; Fangrong Liu,2,&ast; Feili Li,3 Yi Ren,4 Hongcai Shang5 1Chongqing Center for Evidence-Based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, 400020, People’s Republic of China; 2Outpatient Department, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Nursing, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, 400020, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Classic Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, 400020, People’s Republic of China; 5Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 101121, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Yi Ren, Department of Classic Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No. 6 of 7th Branch of Panxi Road, Jiangbei District, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86 023 67776180, Email cqszyyrenyi@163.com Hongcai Shang, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 5 of Haiyuncang, Dongcheng District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86 010 84013276, Email yxtx880919@163.comPurpose: While the benefits of exercises for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are well-established, the relative effectiveness of different exercise types for stable COPD remains unclear. This network meta-analysis aims to investigate the comparative effects of aerobic exercise (AE), resistance training (RT), endurance training (ET), and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in stable COPD.Methods: Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of exercises on 6-minute walk test distance (6MWD), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and forced vital capacity (FVC), and St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score. Two authors screened the retrieved articles, extracted relevant data, and assessed the risk of bias. Network meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 14.0.Results: This study included a total of 19 studies involving 951 patients with stable COPD. HIIT emerged as the most favorable exercise type for enhancing 6MWD, with a probability of 82.9%. RT exhibited the greatest efficacy in reducing SGRQ scores, with probability of 49.8%. Notably, ET demonstrated superiority in improving FEV1 and FVC, with probabilities of being most effective at 78.1% and 42.0%, respectively.Conclusion: This study suggests that HIIT may be a viable intervention for improving exercise capacity in stable COPD patients, compared to AE, RR, and ET. RT may hold promise for improving quality of life, and ET may demonstrate superiority in improving pulmonary function. However, variation in response likely depends on patient characteristics, program parameters, and delivery context. Future research should explore the synergistic effects of combining RT with ET/HIIT, focusing on patient subgroups, optimal dosing, and settings, as current guidelines indicate this combination may offer the most significant benefits.Keywords: COPD, exercise, pulmonary function, quality of life, network meta-analysis

Mina Wang,1,2,&ast; Yashuo Ren,1,&ast; Hongli Xiao,1 Anming Liu,1,2 Chunying Ma,2 Zhuohao Li,2 Zixi Wang,2 Qiuyu Xia,2 Pu Dou,1 Bin Li,2 Peng Chen2 1Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Peng Chen; Bin Li, Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Neuromodulation, No. 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Beijing, Dongcheng District, 100010, People’s Republic of China, Email chenpenger@126.com; libin@bjzhongyi.comIntroduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD)-related chronic pain is a prevalent non-motor symptom, this study aimed to detect the effect and safety of fire needling therapy (FNT) for PD-related chronic pain relief.Methods: Patients with PD-related chronic pain were randomly allocated to FNT group and control group with a treatment phase of 8 weeks and a follow-up phase of 4 weeks. Primary outcome was the King’s Parkinson’s Pain Scale (KPPS), Secondary outcomes included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale-III (UPDRS-III), and the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39). Study was registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registered number: ChiCTR2400084951).Results: 60 participants were randomized, with 30 in the FNT group and 30 in the control group. KPPS was significantly influenced by the interaction of treatment and time, with a significant reduction in pain observed in the FNT group compared to the control group at Week 4 (difference [95% CI]: − 20.693[− 27.619,-13.767], P< 0.001), Week 8 (difference [95% CI]: 44.680[− 52.359,-37.000], P< 0.001), and Week 12 (difference [95% CI]: − 44.982[− 52.771,-37.193], P< 0.001). For VAS, UPDRS-III, and PDQ-39, there were significant differences between groups at Week 4, Week 8, and Week 12.Conclusion: FNT could be an effective and safe method for managing PD-related chronic pain. However, large-sample studies conducted in multiple centers are necessary to further verify the findings in the future.Keywords: parkinson’s disease, pain, fire needling therapy, acupuncture, pilot randomized controlled trial