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This study investigates the relationship between modifiable risk factors and dementia subtypes using data from 460,799 participants in the UK Biobank. Utilizing univariate Cox proportional hazards regression models, we examined the associations between 83 modifiable risk factors and the risks of all-cause dementia (ACD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VD). Composite scores for different domains were generated by aggregating risk factors associated with ACD, AD, and VD, respectively, and their joint associations were assessed in multivariable Cox models. Additionally, population attributable fractions (PAF) were utilized to estimate the potential impact of eliminating adverse characteristics of the risk domains. Our findings revealed that an unfavorable medical history significantly increased the risk of ACD, AD, and VD (hazard ratios (HR) = 1.88, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.74–2.03, p < 0.001; HR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.54–2.10, p < 0.001; HR = 2.39, 95% CI: 2.10–2.71, p < 0.001, respectively). Blood markers (PAF = 12.1%; 17.4%) emerged as the most important risk domain for preventing ACD and VD, while psychiatric factors (PAF = 18.3%) were the most important for preventing AD. This study underscores the potential for preventing dementia and its subtypes through targeted interventions for modifiable risk factors. The distinct insights provided by HR and PAF emphasize the importance of considering both the strength of the associations and the population-level impact of dementia prevention strategies. Our research provides valuable guidance for developing effective public health interventions aimed at reducing the burden of dementia, representing a significant advancement in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of 'brain age', derived from neuroimaging data, serves as a crucial biomarker reflecting cognitive vitality and neurodegenerative trajectories. In the past decade, machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) integration has transformed the field, providing advanced models for brain age estimation. However, achieving precise brain age prediction across all ages remains a significant analytical challenge. This comprehensive review scrutinizes advancements in ML- and DL-based brain age prediction, analyzing 52 peer-reviewed studies from 2020 to 2024. It assesses various model architectures, highlighting their effectiveness and nuances in lifespan brain age studies. By comparing ML and DL, strengths in forecasting and methodological limitations are revealed. Finally, key findings from the reviewed articles are summarized and a number of major issues related to ML/DL-based lifespan brain age prediction are discussed. Through this study, we aim at the synthesis of the current state of brain age prediction, emphasizing both advancements and persistent challenges, guiding future research, technological advancements, and improving early intervention strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pancreas is adjacent to critical organs; excessive microwave ablation (MWA) can result in serious complications. The purpose of this paper is to provide the reference data of pancreas MWA for clinicians, analyze the ablation outcomes under different ablation parameters, and determine the critical temperature of pancreatic surface fat liquefaction outflow. Combinations of two power levels (30 W and 55 W), three antenna diameters (1.3 mm, 1.6 mm, and 1.9 mm), and three ablation times (1 min, 1.5 min, and 2 min) were applied to an ex vivo pig pancreas. Temperature measurements were taken at four thermocouple points. The center point is located 5 mm horizontally from the antenna slot, with a temperature measurement point located 5 mm above, below, and to the right of the center point. Main effect analysis and variance analysis were used to quantify the influences of each factor on the ablation outcomes. At 30 W, the antenna diameter contributing the most at 48.5%. At 30 W–1.3 mm–1 min, the spherical index (1.41) is closest to 1. At 55 W, the coagulation zone size was almost only affected by the ablation time, with a contribution rate of 28.7%, the temperature at point C exceeds point B. On the surface of the ex vivo porcine pancreas, the fat outflow temperature was 54ã. Ablation combinations with low power, short duration, and small antenna diameter results in a more nearly spherical coagulation zone. When performing MWA on the pancreas, it is advisable to avoid areas with higher fat content, while keeping the pancreatic surface temperature below 54°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphate-solubilizing fungi have been successfully applied to the release of phosphorus from insoluble tricalcium phosphate. A phosphate-solubilizing fungi Penicillium aurantiogriseum was isolated and investigated the phosphorus solubilizing capacity under different carbon and nitrogen resources. The highest released phosphorus content reached 1000 mg/L in ammonium and sucrose conditions. Carbon resources did not limit the release of phosphorus by Penicillium aurantiogriseum. However, nitrate and urea significantly reduced the phosphorus release, which had a low phosphorus content (~780 mg/L). Glucose and ammonium were more efficient for fungal growth and organic acid secretion. Oxalic acid secreted by Penicillium aurantiogriseum dominated the release of phosphorus. The formed calcium oxalate promoted the dissolution of tricalcium phosphate. This study indicated that the effective utilization of Penicillium aurantiogriseum to dissolve tricalcium phosphate need to support more ammonium nitrogen.

Aspergillus niger (A. niger) and Penicillium chrysogenum (P. chrysogenum) can significantly promote the degradation of maize straw and phosphorus release. Compared with P. chrysogenum, A. niger is more efficient in maize straw degradation and phosphorus releasing. After seven days of incubation, the highest degradation ratio and phosphorus content in A. niger+maize straw treatment is 2.58% and 2.3 mg/L, respectively. The mechanisms for maize straw decomposition between these two fungi are different. Oxalic acid is the primary organic acid secreted by A. niger, which is more function in the decomposition of maize straw compared with propionic acid secreted by P. chrysogenum. In addition, A. niger has higher acidic xylanase and lignin peroxidase enzymes activities, which is conducive to the degradation of more stable substances in maize straw, i.e., lignin. This study indicated that A. niger is the primary candidate for the reuse of crop straw in the way of return to the field.

The structure design of the unmanned air vehicle(UAV) with multiple rotors is an important process for UAV development. The structure optimization design method is the key for flight safety and performance. A heavy-duty quad-rotor UAV is designed according to the performance requirements that is foldable, light weight, high strength and 10 kg’s effective payload. The finite element model of the quad-rotor structure is established. Static and buckling analysis of the UAV arm and central plate are carried out based on the actual loading cases. The layer structures of the arm and central plate are optimized. The strength, stiffness and stability of the UAV are verified. An UAV static test platform is built, and the structure static loading test is completed. Results show that compared with the initial layout of the layer structures, the weight of the arms drops by 43%, and the weight of the central plate drops by 35%. The weight of the UAV structure drops by 560 grams. The lowest weight requirement is achieved. The strain relative error between the test value and the analysis value is less than 15%. The reliability of the UAV finite element model and the optimized layer structures are verified.