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Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and safety of concentrated growth factor fibrin (CGF) for the extraction of mandibular third molars.Patients and Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, and controlled clinical study. Patients who underwent mandibular impacted tooth extraction were randomly divided into 2 groups. In the CGF group, the tooth extraction fossa was utilized to place CGF gel. In the control group, the fossa was filled with serum. The visual analogue scale (VAS), reductions in swelling and trismus, incidence of postoperative dry socket, distal periodontal depth and bone regeneration of the second molar, and bone density (BMD) of the extraction fossa at 24 weeks were evaluated.Results: One hundred eighteen patients were enrolled in this study. There was no significant difference in baseline clinical characteristics between the 2 groups. The pain score of the CGF group was significantly lower than that of the control group at 2, 24, and 48 hours after operation. There was no significant difference in the reduction in swelling or trismus between the 2 groups. There were no cases of dry socket in the CGF group and 3 cases of dry socket in the control group. The periodontal probing depth and bone regeneration of the second molar when the socket was implanted with CGF were better than those that healed naturally (P < .05). The bone mineral density of each group was significantly increased at 24 weeks but was significantly different between groups (P < .05).Conclusion: CGF can effectively reduce reactive tooth extraction pain and help avoid dry sockets. It can promote periodontal tissue and bone healing in distal and extracted sockets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vincristine plus dexamethasone pulses are generally used throughout maintenance treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. However, previous studies remain inconclusive about the benefit of this maintenance therapy and the absence of randomised, controlled trials in patients with low-risk or high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia provides uncertainty. We therefore aimed to determine if this therapy could be safely omitted beyond 1 year of treatment without leading to an inferior outcome in any risk subgroup of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.Methods: This open-label, multicentre, randomised, phase 3, non-inferiority trial involved 20 major medical centres across China. We enrolled patients who were aged 0-18 years with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia that was subsequently in continuous remission for 1 year after initial treatment. Patients with secondary malignancy or primary immunodeficiency were excluded. Eligible patients were classified as having low-risk, intermediate-risk, or high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia based on minimal residual disease and immunophenotypic and genetic features of leukaemic cells. Randomisation and analyses were done separately for the low-risk and intermediate-to-high-risk cohorts. Randomisation was generated by the study biostatistician with a block size of six. Stratification factors included participating centre, sex, and age at diagnosis; the low-risk cohort was additionally stratified for ETV6-RUNX1 status, and the intermediate-to-high-risk cohort for cell lineage. Patients in each risk cohort were randomly assigned (1:1) to either receive (ie, the control group) or not receive (ie, the experimental group) seven pulses of intravenous vincristine (1·5 mg/m2) plus oral dexamethasone (6 mg/m2 per day for 7 days) during the second year of treatment. The primary endpoint was difference in 5-year event-free survival between the experimental group and the control group for both the low-risk and intermediate-to-high-risk cohorts, with a non-inferiority margin of 0·05 (5%). The analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-IPR-14005706.Findings: Between Jan 1, 2015, and Feb 20, 2020, 6141 paediatric patients with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia were registered to this study. Approximately 1 year after diagnosis and treatment, 5054 patients in continuous remission were randomly assigned, including 2923 (1442 in the control group and 1481 in the experimental group) with low-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and 2131 (1071 control, 1060 experimental) with intermediate-to-high risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Median follow-up for patients who were alive at the time of analysis was 3·7 years (IQR 2·8-4·7). Among patients with low-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, no difference was observed in 5-year event-free survival between the control group and the experimental group (90·3% [95% CI 88·4-92·2] vs 90·2% [88·2-92·2]; p=0·90). The one-sided 95% upper confidence bound for the difference in 5-year event-free survival probability was 0·024, establishing non-inferiority. Among patients with intermediate-to-high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, no difference was observed in 5-year event-free survival between the control group and the experimental group (82·8% [95% CI 80·0-85·7] vs 80·8% [77·7-84·0]; p=0·90), but the one-sided 95% upper confidence bound for the difference in 5-year event-free survival probability was 0·055, giving a borderline inferior result for those in the experimental group. In the low-risk cohort, we found no differences in the rates of infections, symptomatic osteonecrosis, or other complications during the second year of maintenance treatment between patients in the control and experimental groups. Patients with intermediate-to-high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in the control group were more likely to develop grade 3-4 pneumonia (26 [2·4%] of 1071 vs ten [0·9%] of 1060) and vincristine-related peripheral neuropathy (17 [1·6%] vs six [0·6%]) compared with the experimental group. Incidence of grade 5 fatal infection was similar between the control group and the experimental group in both the low-risk cohort (two [0·1%] of 1442 vs five [0·3%] of 1481) and intermediate-to-high risk cohort (six [0·6%] of 1071 vs five [0·5%] of 1060).Interpretation: Vincristine plus dexamethasone pulses might be omitted beyond 1 year of treatment for children with low-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Additional studies are needed for intermediate-to-high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.Funding: VIVA China Children's Cancer Foundation, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the China fourth round of Three-Year Public Health Action Plan (2015-2017), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences, US National Cancer Institute, St Baldrick's Foundation, and the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities.Translation: For the Chinese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Spinel CoMn 2 O 4 hollow spheres were prepared by a solvothermal method via glycerate-mediated process. • Spinel structures of CoMn 2 O 4 hollow spheres can be tuned by different Co/Mn molar ratios. • Spinel CoMn 2 O 4 hollow spheres with Co/Mn molar ratio of 2/3 exhibits a 41.6% HMF conversion and a 100% selectivity to DFF. • The synergistic effect between Co and Mn species in CoMn 2 O 4 leads to significant improvement in catalyst performance. • The spinel CoMn 2 O 4 hollow spheres is highly stable under the applied reaction conditions. Spinel CoMn 2 O 4 hollow spheres were prepared by a solvothermal method, where uniform cobalt-manganese glycerate spheres as the precursor were self-assembled and converted into hollow spheres by calcination. The as-prepared catalysts were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), nitrogen adsorption and desorption isotherms, thermogravimetric analysis, and H 2 temperature programmed reduction (H 2 -TPR). The results show that body-centered tetragonal and face-centered cubic spinel structures of CoMn 2 O 4 hollow spheres can be tuned by different Co/Mn molar ratios. Moreover, the spinel CoMn 2 O 4 hollow spheres exhibit high catalytic activity for the selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into 2,5-diformyfuran (DFF). Importantly, the spinel CoMn 2 O 4 hollow spheres with Co/Mn molar ratio of 2/3 shows the highest catalytic performance with a 41.6% HMF conversion and a 100% selectivity to DFF. On one hand, the spinel CoMn 2 O 4 hollow spheres with large surface area have sufficient exposed active sites for the oxidation of HMF and oxidized product DFF can fast leave the catalyst surface leading to high selectivity, avoiding further oxidation. On the other hand, the synergistic effect between Co and Mn species in the binary oxides by the formation of heteronuclear cluster complexes CoMn 2 O 4 , which affects and promotes the electron-transfer process, results in significant improvement in catalyst performance. Additionally, the effects of different Co/Mn molar ratios, catalyst amounts, reaction time and temperatures of the catalyst for HMF oxidation were also investigated. Furthermore, the spinel CoMn 2 O 4 hollow spheres can be used for six consecutive runs without significant loss of its catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic pollution has become a global and persistent challenge, posing threats to ecosystems and organisms. In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in scientific research focused on understanding microplastics in the soil‒plant system. This surge is primarily driven by the direct impact of microplastics on agricultural productivity and their association with human activities. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to provide an overview of the current research on microplastics in soil‒plant systems. We systematically analysed 192 articles and observed a significant rise in research interests since 2017. Notably, China has emerged as a leading contributor in terms of published papers, closely followed by Germany and the Netherlands. Through co-authorship network analysis, we identified 634 different institutions that participated in publishing papers in this field, with the Chinese Academy of Sciences having the most collaborations. In the co-occurrence keyword network, we identified four clusters focusing on the diversity of microplastics within the agroecosystem, transportation, and quantification of microplastics in soil, analysis of plastic contamination type and impact, and investigation of microplastic phytotoxicity. Furthermore, we identified ten research priorities, categorized into the effects of microplastics in "soil" and "plant". The research hotspots were found to be the effect of microplastics on soil physicochemical properties and the synergistic phytotoxicity of microplastics with other pollutants. Overall, this bibliometric analysis holds significant value, serving as an important reference point and offering valuable suggestions for future researchers in this rapidly advancing field. [Display omitted] • Bibliometric analysis on the microplastic (MP) in the soil-plant system was conducted. • The research hotspots and progress of MPs in the soil-plant system were demonstrated. • A remarkable increase in research on MPs in the soil-plant system has been recorded since 2017. • Identified ten research priorities on microplastic in the soil-plant system. • Synergistic toxicity of MPs and other pollutants poses a greater risk to soil organisms and plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial light at night (ALAN) has become increasingly recognized as a disruptor of the reproductive endocrine process and behavior of wild birds. However, there is no evidence that ALAN directly disrupt the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and no information on the effects of different ALAN intensities on birds. We experimentally tested whether ALAN affects reproductive endocrine activation in the HPG axis of birds, and whether this effect is related to the intensity of ALAN, in wild tree sparrows (Passer montanus). Forty-eight adult female birds were randomly assigned to four groups. They were first exposed to a short light photoperiod (8 h light and 16 h dark per day) for 20 days, then exposed to a long light photoperiod (16 h light and 8 h dark per day) to initiate the reproductive endocrine process. During these two kinds of photoperiod treatments, the four groups of birds were exposed to 0, 85, 150, and 300 lux light in the dark phase (night) respectively. The expression of the reproductive endocrine activation related TSH-β , Dio2 and GnRH-I gene was significantly higher in birds exposed to 85 lux light at night, and significantly lower in birds exposed to 150 and 300 lux, relative to the 0 lux control. The birds exposed to 85 lux had higher peak values of plasma LH and estradiol concentration and reached the peak earlier than birds exposed to 0, 150, or 300 lux did. The lower gene expression of birds exposed to 150 and 300 lux reduced their peak LH and estradiol values, but did not delay the timing of these peaks compared to the control group. These results reveal that low intensity ALAN accelerates the activation of the reproductive endocrine process in the HPG axis, whereas high intensity ALAN retards it. • Artificial night light is a disruptor of the reproductive endocrine process of wild birds. • Low intensity night light accelerates the activation of HPG endocrine axis of tree sparrow. • High intensity night light retards the activation of HPG endocrine axis of tree sparrow. Artificial light at night influences the activation of the reproductive endocrine process in the HPG axis of tree sparrows, and its effect is dependent on light intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pollution risk under climate change and urbanization are spatiotemporally analyzed. • LID pollutant removal performance across regions is comparatively assessed. • LID performance declines and becomes uncertain under future changes. • LID strategies in Germany are more resilient to changing environments. • LID strategies in China are more cost-effective in low GHG-emission scenarios. Climate change and urbanization have altered regional hydro-environments. Yet, the impact of future changes on the pollution risk and associated mitigation strategies requires further exploration. This study proposed a hydraulic and water-quality modeling framework, to investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics of pollution risk mitigation by low impact development (LID) strategies under future Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) and Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) scenarios. Results demonstrated that the LID strategies exhibited an effective performance of pollutant removal in the current hydro-environment, with the removal rates ranging from 33% to 56%. In future climate and urbanization scenarios, the LID performance declined and turned to be uncertain as the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions increased, with the removal rates ranging from 12% to 59%. Scenario analysis suggested that the LID performance was enhanced by a maximum of 73% through the diversified implementation of LID practices, and the performance uncertainty was reduced by a maximum of 67% through the increased LID deployment. In addition, comparative analysis revealed that the LID strategies in a well-developed region (Dresden, Germany) were more resilient in response to changing environments, while the LID strategy in a high-growth region (Chaohu, China) exhibited a better pollutant removal performance under low-GHG scenarios. The methods and findings in this study could provide additional insights into sustainable water quality management in response to climate change and urbanization. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is reported that growth factor (GF) is able to enhance the repair of articular cartilage (AC) defect, however underlying mechanisms of which are not fully elucidated yet. Moreover, the strategy for delivering GF needs to be optimized. The crosstalk between AC and subchondral bone (SB) play important role in the homeostasis and integrity of AC, therefore SB targeted delivery of GF represents one promising way to facilitate the repair of AC defect. In this study, we firstly investigated the effects and mechanism of FGF2 on surrounding SB and cartilage of detect defects in rabbits by using a homogenous collagen-based membranes. It was found that FGF2 had a modulating effect on the defect-surrounding SB via upregulation of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, BMP4 and SOX9 at the early stage. Low dose FGF2 improved the repair upon directly injected to SB. Inhibition of BMP signaling pathway compromised the beneficial effects of FGF2, which indicated the pivotal roles of BMP in the process. To facilitate SB targeted FGF2 delivery, a double-layered inhomogeneous collagen membrane was prepared and it induced increase of BMP2 and BMP4 in the synovial fluid, and subsequent successful repair of AC defect. Taken together, this targeted delivery of FGF2 to SB provides a promising strategy for AC repair owing to the relatively clear mechanism, less amount of it, and short duration of delivery. Statement of Significance Articular cartilage (AC) and subchondral bone (SB) form an integral functional unit. The homeostasis and integrity of AC depend on its crosstalk with the SB. However, the function of the SB in AC defect repair is not completely understood. The application of growth factors to promote the repair articular cartilage defect is a promising strategy, but still under the optimization. Our study demonstrate that SB plays important roles in the repair of AC defect. Particularly, SB is the effective target of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), and targeted delivery of FGF2 can modulate SB and thus significantly enhances the repair of AC defect. Therefore, targeted delivery of growth factor to SB is a novel promising strategy to improve the repair of AC defect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relationship between machining-induced residual stress and machining parameters is “one-to-many” relationship, in order to compute machining parameters using known residual stress to obtain desired residual stress distribution, method of parameter inversion from the subject of Geophysics was introduced. Then based on previous works on analytical modeling and mechanism analysis of machining-induced residual stress, the effects of feed rate and cutting speed on depth of highest compressive residual stress are considered as linear superposition. Therefore, theory of linear inversion could be introduced to establish linear equations of residual stress increments that caused by increments of different machining parameters, to compute feed rate and cutting speed under known condition of depth of highest compressive residual stress. The computed residual stress profiles using the computed feed rate and cutting speed show that depth of computed maximum compressive residual stress is consistent with desired values and experimental results. The proposed method of parameter inversion for machining provides a new method to compute desired machining parameters quantitatively in order to achieve desired residual stress distribution, which is significant for machining parts with higher quality of surface integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Improved equations are given for ground pressure of shallow large-diameter shield tunnel. • Two-stage method with non-uniform displacement pattern is proposed. • Results by improved equations are in agreement with those of 70 field cases. • Ground pressure solved by improved equations is compared with that by traditional methods. • Parametric analysis is conducted based on the improved equations. Reasonable estimation of ground pressure is of vital importance for lining segments design in shield tunnelling. With the rapid development of the urban transportation, the diameter of the shield tunnel tends to become larger. The existing prediction of the ground pressure may overestimate the ground pressure of the shallow large-diameter shield tunnel and thus produce higher cost for the shield tunnel construction. To provide more reasonable solution for ground pressure surrounding the shallow large-diameter shield tunnel, a series of improved equations are proposed in this study. The two-stage method with non-uniform displacement pattern through numerical modelling is used to simulate the shield tunnelling at first. Secondly, the effect of multiple impact factors on horizontal and vertical ground pressure at tunnel vault, haunch and invert is analyzed and five key impact factors are determined. Thirdly, a series of improved equations are presented based on a large number of numerical modelling through nonlinear regression analysis. These improved equations can consider the effect of multiple impact factors and predict the ground pressure varying with position which is more realistic for the shallow large-diameter shield tunnel. Therefore, when compared with both the numerical modelling results and field measurements for 70 case histories, the improved equations show good performance. Also, the ground pressure of the above cases is calculated by traditional methods such as overburden pressure, Protodiaconov's formula and so on. By contrast to 7 traditional methods, the improved equations predict more reasonable result of ground pressure. At last, the influence of the tunnel axis depth, tunnel diameter, GAP parameter, ground classification and in-situ coefficient of lateral pressure at rest on the vertical ground pressure at tunnel vault is investigated through the improved equations. The results indicate that the tunnel size is of significant importance to the ground pressure as expected and thus special attention should be paid to shallow large-diameter shield tunnel. However, engineers may save the cost when tunnel diameter outweighs 15 m as ground pressure varies insignificantly. Furthermore, the initial stress as well as the GAP parameter which represents the shield tunnel construction details also play a vital role in ground pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]