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Tendons are fibrous connective tissues that transmit force from muscles to bones. Despite their ability to withstand various loads, tendons are susceptible to significant damage. The healing process of tendons and ligaments connected to bone surfaces after injury presents a clinical challenge due to the intricate structure, composition, cellular populations, and mechanics of the interface. Inflammation plays a pivotal role in tendon healing, creating an inflammatory microenvironment through cytokines and immune cells that aid in debris clearance, tendon cell proliferation, and collagen fiber formation. However, uncontrolled inflammation can lead to tissue damage, and adhesions, and impede proper tendon healing, culminating in scar tissue formation. Therefore, precise regulation of inflammation is crucial. This review offers insights into the impact of inflammation on tendon–bone healing and its underlying mechanisms. Understanding the inflammatory microenvironment, cellular interactions, and extracellular matrix dynamics is essential for promoting optimal healing of tendon–bone injuries. The roles of fibroblasts, inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in promoting healing, inhibiting scar formation, and facilitating tissue regeneration are discussed, highlighting the necessity of balancing the suppression of detrimental inflammatory responses with the promotion of beneficial aspects to enhance tendon healing outcomes. Additionally, the review explores the significant implications and translational potential of targeted inflammatory modulation therapies in refining strategies for tendon–bone healing treatments.

The high-temperature mechanical properties and tribological behavior of the Al0.5CoCrFeNb0.5Ni high-entropy alloy (HEA) were investigated. The results show that Al0.5CoCrFeNb0.5Ni HEA consists of FCC, BCC and (Cr–Co–Fe)2Nb-type Laves phases. The hardness is about 572 HV at room temperature and decreases slightly at high temperatures, still maintaining a high value (>350 HV) at 900 °C. The yield strength is nearly 2000 MPa at room temperature and tends to decrease with rising temperature (800–1200 °C). The observation of the microstructure after the hot compression tests and the evaluation of the true stress-strain curves illustrate that the softening mechanism is primarily dynamic recrystallization, which occurs mainly in the FCC and BCC phases. The degree of wear increases and then decreases from 200 °C to 800 °C. The best wear resistance was observed at 800 °C, showing the maximum friction coefficient and the minimum wear rate, which was attributed to the increased oxidation that formed oxide layers mainly consisting of Cr2O3 to protect the wear surfaces. The wear mechanism of alloys is affected by temperature. Below 400 °C the wear is mainly abrasive and adhesive wear, at temperatures above 600 °C, the wear transitions from abrasive to oxidative wear, and at 800 °C the wear changes to oxidative wear.

ABSTRACT Objective: Tibial plateau fractures are common intra-articular fractures that pose classification and treatment challenges for orthopedic surgeons. Objective: This study examines the value of 3D printing for classifying and planning surgery for complex tibial plateau fractures. Methods: We reviewed 54 complex tibial plateau fractures treated at our hospital from January 2017 to January 2019. Patients underwent preoperative spiral CT scans, with DICOM data processed using Mimics software. 3D printing technology created accurate 1:1 scale models of the fractures. These models helped subdivide the fractures into seven types based on the tibial plateau's geometric planes. Surgical approaches and simulated operations, including fracture reduction and plate placement, were planned using these models. Results: The 3D models accurately depicted the direction and extent of fracture displacement and plateau collapse. They facilitated the preoperative planning, allowing for precise reconstruction strategies and matching intraoperative details with the pre-printed models. Post-surgery, the anatomical structure of the tibial plateau was significantly improved in all 54 cases. Conclusion: 3D printing effectively aids in the classification and preoperative planning of complex tibial plateau fractures, enhancing surgical outcomes and anatomical restoration. Level of Evidence IV, Prospective Study.

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is a lethal cancer characterized by hypervascularity and necrosis associated with hypoxia. Here, it is found that hypoxia preferentially induces the actin‐binding protein, Transgelin (TAGLN), in GBM stem cells (GSCs). Mechanistically, TAGLN regulates HIF1α transcription and stabilizes HDAC2 to deacetylate p53 and maintain GSC self‐renewal. To translate these findings into preclinical therapeutic paradigm, it is found that sodium valproate (VPA) is a specific inhibitor of TAGLN/HDAC2 function, with augmented efficacy when combined with natural borneol (NB) in vivo. Thus, TAGLN promotes cancer stem cell survival in hypoxia and informs a novel therapeutic paradigm.

In this study, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction analysis (EBSD), and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) were used to investigate the impact of rare-earth Sc on the interface microstructure and mechanical properties of Al/steel bimetallic composites fabricated by liquid–solid casting. With the addition of 0.3% Sc, the morphology of eutectic Si changed from needle-like to fibrous and granular. The addition of Sc did not change the types of intermetallic compounds in the Al/steel reaction layer, which comprised the Al5Fe2, τ1-Al2Fe3Si3, Al13Fe4, τ5-Al7Fe2Si, and τ6-Al9Fe2Si2 phases. The thickness of the first layer decreased, whereas that of the second layer increased as the Sc content increased to 0.3%. Furthermore, the Al5Fe2 and τ1 phase percentages of the reaction layer decreased, whereas the Al13Fe4, τ5, and τ6 phase percentages increased. Sc was mainly enriched in the front of the ternary compound layer (τ6) near the Al side. The addition of 0.3% Sc reduced the grain size of each phase in the interfacial reaction layer and did not change the preferred orientation of the Al5Fe2, Al13Fe4, τ5, and τ6 phases, but increased the polar density of the Al13Fe4, τ5, and τ6 phases and decreased the polar density of the Al5Fe2 phase. With the addition of 0.3% Sc, the average nanohardness of the reaction layer decreased by 5% and the bonding strength increased by 48%.

In this paper, an optimal sliding mode control method for trajectory tracking of discrete-time systems based on linear quadratic regulator is proposed to improve the trajectory tracking control accuracy and robustness of upper limb rehabilitation robot under the condition of highly nonlinearities, external disturbances, and unmodeled dynamics. Firstly, considering the uncertainty of the mass and moment of inertia of the connecting rod arm of the upper limb rehabilitation robot and the uncertainty of external interference, the dynamic model of the upper limb rehabilitation robot is established by using the Euler Lagrange method, and the linear time-varying state equation of the rehabilitation robot system under the influence of both nonlinear and uncertain factors is derived. Secondly, directing at the chattering problem in sliding mode control, a sliding mode control method based on a new discrete time reaching law is designed to reduce the amplitude of chattering in the control input signal of the upper limb rehabilitation robot system and improve the tracking speed. Furthermore, combined with linear quadratic optimal control, the optimal discrete integral sliding mode control law (LQRSMC) is finally obtained. Meanwhile, for the sake of reducing the influence of the uncertain signal on the system, a robust control law is adopted to estimate and compensate the uncertain interference. The stability of the upper limb rehabilitation robot system is verified by the sliding mode approach condition of the discrete system. Finally, the genetic algorithm is used to further optimize the weighted value, and MATLAB/Simulink is used to simulate the state trajectory of the upper limb rehabilitation robot under various weighted values. The control strategy can not only effectively weaken the trajectory tracking oscillation problem of the upper limb rehabilitation robot, but also overcome the external disturbance and modeling uncertainty, while ensuring the robustness of the rehabilitation robot system.

Osteochondral defects (OCD) cannot be efficiently repaired due to the unique physical architecture and the pathological microenvironment including enhanced oxidative stress and inflammation. Conventional strategies, such as the control of implant microstructure or the introduction of growth factors, have limited functions failing to manage these complex environments. Here we developed a multifunctional silk-based hydrogel incorporated with metal-organic framework nanozymes (CuTA@SF) to provide a suitable microenvironment for enhanced OCD regeneration. The incorporation of CuTA nanozymes endowed the SF hydrogel with a uniform microstructure and elevated hydrophilicity. In vitro cultivation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and chondrocytes showed that CuTA@SF hydrogel accelerated cell proliferation and enhanced cell viability, as well as had antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Under the inflammatory environment with the stimulation of IL-1β, CuTA@SF hydrogel still possessed the potential to promote MSC osteogenesis and deposition of cartilage-specific extracellular matrix (ECM). The proteomics analysis further confirmed that CuTA@SF hydrogel promoted cell proliferation and ECM synthesis. In the full-thickness OCD model of rabbit, CuTA@SF hydrogel displayed successfully in situ OCD regeneration, as evidenced by micro-CT, histology (HE, S/O, and toluidine blue staining) and immunohistochemistry (Col I and aggrecan immunostaining). Therefore, CuTA@SF hydrogel is a promising biomaterial targeted at the regeneration of OCD.

Abstract Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) account for 30–50% of glioma microenvironment. The interaction between glioma tumor cells and TAMs can promote tumor progression, but the intrinsic mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we reported that soluble LRIG3 (sLRIG3) derived from glioma tumor cells can block the M2 polarization of TAMs via interacting with NETO2, thus suppressing GBM malignant progression. The expression or activity of ADAM17 in glioma cells was positively correlated with the expression of sLRIG3 in cell supernatant. Soluble LRIG3 can suppress the M2-like polarity transformation of TAMs and inhibit the growth of tumor. High expression of LRIG3 predicts a good prognosis in patients with glioma. Mass spectrometry and Co-immunoprecipitation showed that sLRIG3 interacts with the CUB1 domain of NETO2 in TAMs. Silencing or knockout of NETO2 could block the effect of sLRIG3, which inhibited the M2-like polarity transformation of TAMs and promoted GBM tumor growth. However, overexpressing His-target NETO2 with CUB1 deletion mutation does not fully recover the suppressive effects of sLRIG3 on the TAM M2-polarization in NETO2-Knockout TAMs. Our study revealed vital molecular crosstalk between GBM tumor cells and TAMs. Glioma cells mediated the M2 polarization of TAM through the sLRIG3-NETO2 pathway and inhibited the progression of GBM, suggesting that sLRIG3-NETO2 may be a potential target for GBM treatment.

Abstract Background The continuous mutation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has made the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic complicated to predict and posed a severe challenge to the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics held in February and March 2022. Methods During the preparations for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, we established a dynamic model with pulse detection and isolation effect to evaluate the effect of epidemic prevention and control measures such as entry policies, contact reduction, nucleic acid testing, tracking, isolation, and health monitoring in a closed-loop management environment, by simulating the transmission dynamics in assumed scenarios. We also compared the importance of each parameter in the combination of intervention measures through sensitivity analysis. Results At the assumed baseline levels, the peak of the epidemic reached on the 57th day. During the simulation period (100 days), 13,382 people infected COVID-19. The mean and peak values of hospitalized cases were 2650 and 6746, respectively. The simulation and sensitivity analysis showed that: (1) the most important measures to stop COVID-19 transmission during the event were daily nucleic acid testing, reducing contact among people, and daily health monitoring, with cumulative infections at 0.04%, 0.14%, and 14.92% of baseline levels, respectively (2) strictly implementing the entry policy and reducing the number of cases entering the closed-loop system could delay the peak of the epidemic by 9 days and provide time for medical resources to be mobilized; (3) the risk of environmental transmission was low. Conclusions Comprehensive measures under certain scenarios such as reducing contact, nucleic acid testing, health monitoring, and timely tracking and isolation could effectively prevent virus transmission. Our research results provided an important reference for formulating prevention and control measures during the Winter Olympics, and no epidemic spread in the closed-loop during the games indirectly proved the rationality of our research results. Graphical Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of ultrasonic surface rolling (USR) on the fretting wear properties of the 7075 aluminum alloy. A white light interferometer, Vickers hardness tester, and X-ray diffractometer were employed to comparatively analyze the variations in surface roughness, hardness. and grain size before and after the USR treatment. The fretting tests were carried out under oil lubricated and dry fretting conditions, using a ball-on-flat contact tangential fretting tester. The worn surface morphology, wear debris, and chemical composition were analyzed using an optical microscope (OM), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), etc. The results revealed that after USR treatment, the surface roughness was reduced by 90%, the hardness was increased by 13HV, and the grains were refined. Moreover, the wear was reduced under oil lubrication conditions but increased under dry fretting conditions. It can be concluded that the microstructure and mechanical properties of the 7075 aluminum alloy surface can be enhanced by the USR treatment. The improved fretting performance in oil should be attributed to the increased surface hardness, which helps reduce abrasive wear and plastic deformation. However, under dry fretting conditions, the wear was increased due to the presence of hard debris particles that peel off from the USR-treated surface, leading to aggravated abrasion.

Background Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor with poor clinical outcomes. Immunotherapy has recently been an attractive and promising treatment of extracranial malignancies, however, most of clinical trials for GBM immunotherapy failed due to predominant accumulation of tumor-associated microglia/macrophages (TAMs).Results High level of LRIG2/soluble LRIG2 (sLRIG2) expression activates immune-related signaling pathways, which are associated with poor prognosis in GBM patients. LRIG2/sLRIGs promotes CD47 expression and facilitates TAM recruitment. Blockade of CD47–SIRPα interactions and inhibition of sLRIG2 secretion synergistically suppress GBM progression in an orthotropic murine GBM model.Conclusions GBM cells with high level LRIG2 escape the phagocytosis by TAM via the CD47-SIRPα axis, highlighting a necessity for an early stage of clinical trial targeting LRIG2 and CD47-SIRPα as a novel treatment for patients with GBM.

A carbon nanotube-doped octapeptide self-assembled hydrogel (FEK/C) and a hydrogel-based polycaprolactone PCL composite scaffold (FEK/C3-S) were developed for cartilage and subchondral bone repair. The composite scaffold demonstrated modulated microstructure, mechanical properties, and conductivity by adjusting CNT concentration. In vitro evaluations showed enhanced cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration of articular cartilage cells, osteoblasts, and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The composite scaffold exhibited good biocompatibility, low haemolysis rate, and high protein absorption capacity. It also promoted osteogenesis and chondrogenesis, with increased mineralization, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) secretion. The composite scaffold facilitated accelerated cartilage and subchondral bone regeneration in a rabbit knee joint defect model. Histological analysis revealed improved cartilage tissue formation and increased subchondral bone density. Notably, the FEK/C3-S composite scaffold exhibited the most significant cartilage and subchondral bone formation. The FEK/C3-S composite scaffold holds great promise for cartilage and subchondral bone repair. It offers enhanced mechanical support, conductivity, and bioactivity, leading to improved tissue regeneration. These findings contribute to the advancement of regenerative strategies for challenging musculoskeletal tissue defects.

Efforts in the treatment of glioma which is the most common primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system, have not shown satisfactory results despite a comprehensive treatment model that combines various treatment methods, including immunotherapy. Cellular metabolism is a determinant of the viability and function of cancer cells as well as immune cells, and the interplay of immune regulation and metabolic reprogramming in tumors has become an active area of research in recent years. From the perspective of metabolism and immunity in the glioma microenvironment, we elaborated on arginine metabolic reprogramming in glioma cells, which leads to a decrease in arginine levels in the tumor microenvironment. Reduced arginine availability significantly inhibits the proliferation, activation, and function of T cells, thereby promoting the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Therefore, replenishment of arginine levels to enhance the anti-tumor activity of T cells is a promising strategy for the treatment of glioma. However, due to the lack of expression of argininosuccinate synthase, gliomas are unable to synthesize arginine; thus, they are highly dependent on the availability of arginine in the extracellular environment. This metabolic weakness of glioma has been utilized by researchers to develop arginine deprivation therapy, which ‘starves’ tumor cells by consuming large amounts of arginine in circulation. Although it has shown good results, this treatment modality that targets arginine metabolism in glioma is controversial. Exploiting a suitable strategy that can not only enhance the antitumor immune response, but also “starve” tumor cells by regulating arginine metabolism to cure glioma will be promising.

During mechanized table grape harvesting, berries are subjected to vibration and collision, which can cause shedding and damage to the fruit. Research on table grape berry shedding has primarily focused on macroscopic swing modes, which are reflected in the integrated grape cluster structure and idealized particle interactions, as well as static response treatments. However, these approaches are unable to accurately explain the characteristics of berry wobbling during picking, predict shedding-prone areas, or identify factors affecting shedding. In this paper, we study the dynamic response characteristics of grape berries in the X, Y, and Z directions by establishing a dynamic model and combining harmonic response and random vibration characteristics with finite element analysis. Our studies revealed that grape berries exhibit various forms (swinging and rebounding) under the same stimulus during harvesting. The grape berry amplitude in the X, Y, and Z directions were 14.71, 12.46, and 27.10 mm, respectively, with the most obvious response being in the Z direction and the flattest response in the Y direction. Berries in the lower cob system part were relatively stable, while those in the upper right side were more prone to swinging and falling, with areas most likely to fall off concentrated in the upper right side. This system accurately predicted the dynamic response characteristics of fruit during vibration harvesting and provided an ideal basis for mechanized grape harvesting. Optimization and research on fruit collection equipment may benefit from this theoretical basis.

PurposeThe development and progression of glioma are associated with the tumor immune microenvironment. Diffuse low-grade gliomas (LGGs) with higher immunosuppressive microenvironment tend to have a poorer prognosis. The study aimed to find a biological marker that can reflect the tumor immune microenvironment status and predict prognosis of LGGs.MethodsThe target gene tenascin-C (TNC) was obtained by screening the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Then samples of LGGs were collected for experimental verification with immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, quantitative real-time PCR. ELISA was employed to determine the content of TNC in serum and examine its relationship with the tumor immune microenvironment. Eventually, the sensitivity of immunotherapy was predicted on the basis of the content of TNC in LGGs.ResultsIn the high-TNC subgroup, the infiltration of immunosuppressive cells was increased (MDSC: r=0.4721, Treg: r=0.3154, etc.), and immune effector cells were decreased [NKT, γδT, etc. (p

This work is motivated by the fact that friction has a significant impact on the microstructures of titanium forged parts, further influencing their mechanical properties. In this paper, a 3D FE model is developed to investigate the phase transformation characteristics of Ti-6Al-4V turbine blade in the hot forging process. Then, the effect of friction conditions on temperature and phase transformations within the forged blade are analyzed numerically and verified by experiments. The results reveal that compared with a less influence on lamellar α + β phase, a good lubricated condition obviously increases the average volume fraction of α phase, while decreases the average values of temperature and β phase volume fraction as well as the distribution uniformities of α and β phases. Keywords: Titanium alloy, Blade forging, Friction condition, Phase transformation, FE modeling

To improve the Al/Steel bimetallic interface, Eu was firstly added to the Al/Steel bimetallic interface made by liquid-solid casting. The effects of Eu addition on the microstructure, mechanical capacities, and rupture behavior of the Al/Steel bimetallic interface was studied in detail. As the addition of 0.1 wt.% Eu, the morphology of eutectic Si changed from coarse plate-like to fine fibrous and granular in Al-Si alloys, and the average thickness of the intermetallic compounds layer decreased to a minimum value of 7.96 μm. In addition, there was a more sudden drop of Fe in steel side and the Si in Al side was observed to be more than the other conditions. The addition of Eu did not change the kinds of intermetallic compounds in the Al/steel reaction layer, which was composed of Al5Fe2, τ1-(Al, Si)5Fe3, Al13Fe4, τ5-Al7Fe2Si, and τ6-Al9Fe2Si2 phases. The addition of the element Eu did not change the preferential orientation of the Al5Fe2, τ1-(Al, Si)5Fe3, Al13Fe4, τ5-Al7Fe2Si, and τ6-Al9Fe2Si2 phases, but refined the grain size of each phase and decreased the polar density of Al5Fe2 phase. Eu was mainly enriched in the front of the ternary compound layer (τ6-Al9Fe2Si2) near the Al side and steel matrix. The Fe and Al element distribution area tended to narrow in the interface after the addition of 0.1 wt.% Eu, which is probably because that Eu inhibits the spread of Al atoms along the c-axis direction of the Al5Fe2 phase and the growth of Al13Fe4, τ5-Al7Fe2Si, and τ6-Al9Fe2Si2 phases. When the Eu content was 0.1 wt.%, the shear strength of the Al/Steel bimetal achieved a maximum of 31.21 MPa, which was 47% higher than the bimetal without Eu.

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is the most lethal tumor involving the pediatric central nervous system. The median survival of children that are diagnosed with DIPG is only 9 to 11 months. More than 200 clinical trials have failed to increase the survival outcomes using conventional cytotoxic or myeloablative chemotherapy. Immunotherapy presents exciting therapeutic opportunities against DIPG that is characterized by unique and heterogeneous features. However, the non-inflammatory DIPG microenvironment greatly limits the role of immunotherapy in DIPG. Encouragingly, the induction of immunogenic cell death, accompanied by the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) shows satisfactory efficacy of immune stimulation and antitumor strategies. This review dwells on the dilemma and advances in immunotherapy for DIPG, and the potential efficacy of immunogenic cell death (ICD) in the immunotherapy of DIPG.

Agricultural machinery intelligence is the inevitable direction of agricultural machinery design, and the systems in these designs are important tools. In this paper, to address the problem of low processing power of traditional agricultural machinery design systems in analyzing data, such as fit, tolerance, interchangeability, and the assembly process, as well as to overcome the disadvantages of the high cost of intelligent design modules, lack of data compatibility, and inconsistency between modules, a novel agricultural machinery intelligent design system integrating image processing and knowledge reasoning is constructed. An image-processing algorithm and trigger are used to detect the feature parameters of key parts of agricultural machinery and build a virtual prototype. At the same time, a special knowledge base of agricultural machinery is constructed to analyze the test data of the virtual prototype. The results of practical application and software evaluation of third-party institutions show that the system improves the efficiency of intelligent design in key parts of agricultural machinery by approximately 20%, reduces the operation error rate of personnel by approximately 40% and the consumption of computer resources by approximately 30%, and greatly reduces the purchase cost of intelligent design systems to provide a reference for intelligent design to guide actual production.

To address the difficulty of obtaining the optimal driving strategy under the condition of a complex environment and changeable tasks of vehicle autonomous driving, this paper proposes an end-to-end autonomous driving strategy learning method based on deep reinforcement learning. The ideas of target attraction and obstacle rejection of the artificial potential field method are introduced into the distributed proximal policy optimization algorithm, and the APF-DPPO learning model is established. To solve the range repulsion problem of the artificial potential field method, which affects the optimal driving strategy, this paper proposes a directional penalty function method that combines collision penalty and yaw penalty to convert the range penalty of obstacles into a single directional penalty, and establishes the vehicle motion collision model. Finally, the APF-DPPO learning model is selected to train the driving strategy for the virtual vehicle, and the transfer learning method is selected to verify the comparison experiment. The simulation results show that the completion rate of the virtual vehicle in the obstacle environment that generates penalty feedback is as high as 96.3%, which is 3.8% higher than the completion rate in the environment that does not generate penalty feedback. Under different reward functions, the method in this paper obtains the highest cumulative reward value within 500 s, which improves 69 points compared with the reward function method based on the artificial potential field method, and has higher adaptability and robustness in different environments. The experimental results show that this method can effectively improve the efficiency of autonomous driving strategy learning and control the virtual vehicle for autonomous driving behavior decisions, and provide reliable theoretical and technical support for real vehicles in autonomous driving decision-making.

Objectives: The aim of the present work was to comparatively investigate the generation and characteristics of fretting and sliding wear debris produced by CuNiAl against 42CrMo4. Methods: Tribological tests were conducted employing a self-developed tribometer. Most experimental conditions were set the same except for the amplitudes and number of cycles. Morphological, chemical, microstructural and dimensional features of the worn area and debris were investigated using optical microscope (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and a laser particle sizer. Outcomes: Not only wear scar profiles but also the wear debris color, distribution and generated amount under fretting and sliding wear modes were quite different, which can be attributed to the significant difference in wear mechanisms. Particle size analysis indicates that the fretting debris has a smaller size distribution range; the biggest detected fretting and sliding wear debris sizes were 141 μm and 355 μm, respectively. Both fretting and sliding debris are mainly composed of copper and its oxides, but the former shows a higher oxidation degree.

BACKGROUND:Aberrant methylation of DNA plays an important role in the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In the current study, we aimed to integrate three cohorts profile datasets to identify abnormally methylated-differentially expressed genes and pathways associated with NPC. METHODS:Data of gene expression microarrays (GSE53819, GSE412452) and gene methylation microarrays (GSE52068) obtained from the GEO database. Aberrantly methylated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by GEO2R. The David database was utilized to perform enrichment and functional analysis regarding selected genes. To create a protein-protein interaction (PPI), STRING and Cytoscape software were utilized. The MCODE was used for module analysis of the PPI network. RESULTS:In total, 181 hypomethylation-high expression genes were identified, which were enriched in the biological mechanisms involved in the differentiation of endodermal cell, mitotic nuclear division, mitotic cell cycle process, chromosome segregation and cell cycle phase transition, etc. Pathway enrichment showed ECM-receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Focal adhesion, Protein digestion and absorption and Amoebiasis, etc. The top 3 hub genes of PPI network were FANCI, POSTN, and IFIH1. Additionally, 210 hypermethylation-low expression genes were identified, and our data revealed enrichment in biological processes including axoneme assembly, micro tubular formation, assembly of axonemal dynein complex, cilium movement and cilium organization, etc. Pathway analysis indicated enrichment in B cell receptor signaling pathway, Hematopoietic cell lineage, Leukocyte transendothelial migration, Complement and coagulation cascades and Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis, etc. The ZMYND10, PACRG and POU2AF1 were identified as the top three hub genes of PPI network. After validation in TCGA and GEPIA database, most hub genes remained significant. Patients with high expression of POSTN found to have shorter overall survival, while in patients with high expression of ZMYND10 and POU2AF1 longer overall survival was identified. CONCLUSIONS:The data revealed novel aberrantly methylated-differentially expressed genes and pathways in NPC by bioinformatics analysis, potentially providing novel insights for the molecular mechanisms governing NPC progression. Hub genes including FANCI, POSTN, IFIH1, ZMYND10, PACRG and POU2AF1 might serve as novel biomarkers for precision diagnosis and providing medical treatment for patient with NPC.

ABSTRACT: Purpose: The feasibility and validity of simultaneous transcatheter interventions for patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) complicated with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has not been systematically evaluated.Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in patients who received transcatheter procedures for ASD complicated with PDA concurrently. The indications and treatment protocols were in accordance with the current guidelines. The sequence of therapy for ASD complicated with PDA was determined by clinical experience. Patients were followed up for at least 6 months after therapyResults: Overall, 22 patients received simultaneous transcatheter interventional therapy, and the success rate was a 100%. No severe complications transpired during the procedure or follow-up stage.Conclusion: Simultaneous transcatheter intervention is feasible and effective for patients who have concurrent complications for both ASD and PDA. Keywords:: atrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, transcatheter, interventional cardiology

Friction conditions significantly impact the temperature and phases of titanium forged parts, further directly affecting the microstructures and mechanical properties of final parts. In this paper, a 2D simplified finite element (FE) model combined with phase transition equations is developed to simulate a Ti-6Al-4V drum forging procedure. Then, friction effects on the temperature and phases of the forged drum are numerically analyzed and verified by experiments. The simulated results indicate that a reasonable range of friction factor is needed to obtain a relatively homogenous temperature distribution within the forged drum. Moreover, unlike its small influence on the α + β phase, improving friction obviously decreases the general levels of temperature and β phase and increases the homogeneities of α and β phases within the forged drum, which are associated with cooling rates and the heating effects of friction and deformation.

Glioblastoma is a highly lethal type of primary brain tumor that exhibits unrestricted growth and aggressive invasion capabilities, leading to a dismal prognosis despite a multitude of therapies. Multiple alterations in the expression level of genes and/or proteins have been identified in glioblastomas, including the activation of oncogenes and/or silencing of tumor-suppressor genes. Nevertheless, there are still no effective targeted therapies associated with these changes. In this study, we investigated the expression of human leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains protein 3 (LRIG3) in human glioma specimens through immunohistochemical analysis. The results showed that LRIG3 was weakly expressed in high-grade gliomas (WHO [World Health Organization] grades III and IV) compared with that in low-grade gliomas (WHO grade II). Survival analysis of these patients with glioma indicated that LRIG3 is an important prognostic marker for better survival. Moreover, we confirmed the existence of soluble ectodomain of LRIG3 (sLRIG3) in the cell culture supernatant, serum, and in tumor cystic fluid of patients with glioma. Molecular mechanistic investigation demonstrated that both LRIG3 and sLRIG3 inhibit the growth and invasion capabilities of GL15, U87, and PriGBM cells and tumor xenografts in nude mice through regulating the MET/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed the positive correlation between serum sLRIG3 protein levels and overall survival time in patients with high-grade gliomas. Taken together, our data for the first time demonstrate the existence of sLRIG3 and that both LRIG3 and sLRIG3 are potent tumor suppressors, which could be used as prognostic markers for better overall survival and therapeutic agents for glioblastoma.

Electronic transport properties of nanoscale networks composed of interconnected molecules/gold nanoclusters are examined via first-principles plane wave scattering density functional theory-based simulations. Au-molecular (benzene/alkanedithiol) junctions and networks, connected in linear chains and Y-, H- and ring-shaped networks were studied. Molecular orbital calculations show HOMO (highest-occupied-molecular-orbital)-LUMO (lowest-unoccupied-molecular-orbital) gaps of chains decreased with length, indicating decreased barrier to electron transport. Orbitals near the gap of benzenedithiol networks show good delocalization whereas those of alkanedithiol molecules were more localized the metallic clusters. The transmission spectra of benzenedithiol-based networks showed increase in number/width of peaks near the Fermi energy as structures were extended due to increased orbital overlapping (spatially/energetically) with each other leading to formation of transmission pathways and electronic energy band-like properties. In contrast, lower transmission was observed for networks having localized orbitals (alkanedithiol molecular networks) with less overlap near the Fermi energy. Transmission spectra were also in good agreement with associated peaks in electronic density of states. In the case of multi-terminal networks, the location of delocalized orbitals can also shift from one branch to another, indicating potential ON/OFF switching behavior is possible. Switching elements and molecular-scale circuits (e.g., logic gates or inverters) based on Y- and H-shaped networks are proposed in analogy to electron waveguide devices and our simulations indicated that low-energy switching operation on the order of 10-50 meV may be possible. These nanoscale molecular electronic networks linked via metallic clusters provide an avenue for engineering electronics at the molecular level by using superstructures of different organic molecules and topologies.

The automatic fruit detection and precision picking in unstructured environments was always a difficult and frontline problem in the harvesting robots field. To realize the accurate identification of grape clusters in a vineyard, an approach for the automatic detection of ripe grape by combining the AdaBoost framework and multiple color components was developed by using a simple vision sensor. This approach mainly included three steps: (1) the dataset of classifier training samples was obtained by capturing the images from grape planting scenes using a color digital camera, extracting the effective color components for grape clusters, and then constructing the corresponding linear classification models using the threshold method; (2) based on these linear models and the dataset, a strong classifier was constructed by using the AdaBoost framework; and (3) all the pixels of the captured images were classified by the strong classifier, the noise was eliminated by the region threshold method and morphological filtering, and the grape clusters were finally marked using the enclosing rectangle method. Nine hundred testing samples were used to verify the constructed strong classifier, and the classification accuracy reached up to 96.56%, higher than other linear classification models. Moreover, 200 images captured under three different illuminations in the vineyard were selected as the testing images on which the proposed approach was applied, and the average detection rate was as high as 93.74%. The experimental results show that the approach can partly restrain the influence of the complex background such as the weather condition, leaves and changing illumination.

Purpose: To investigate the stain preventing ability of a new chlorhexidine mouthwash while maintaining efficacy using a randomized clinical trial design. Methods: 98 subjects were enrolled and completed a 4-week clinical study that evaluated the effectiveness of the new mouthwash on plague, gingivitis, and staining as compared to a commercially available chlorhexidine mouthwash. A subset of 62 subjects was evaluated for the effectiveness of the mouthwashes against plague bacteria. Results: After 4 weeks of use, the new chlorhexidine mouthwash reduced staining by 42.6% (P< 0.05) as compared to the commercially available mouthwash. The two mouthwashes were equivalent with regards to their effect on gingivitis, plague, and plague bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]