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The pipe curtain structure method (PSM) is a novel construction method to control ground deformation strictly. Compared with the traditional pipe-roofing and pipe jacking method, the connection between pipes in large spacings using PSM is widely acknowledged as a unique construction procedure. Further study on this connection procedure is needed to resolve similar cases in that the pipes are inevitably constructed on both sides of existing piles. Cutting the steel plate during the connection procedure is the first step, which is crucial to control the safety and stability of the surrounding environment and existing structures. The deformation mechanism and limit support pressure of the cutting steel plate during the connection between pipes in large spacings are studied in this paper, relying on the undercrossing Yifeng gate tower project of Jianning West Road River Crossing Channel in Nanjing, China. A modified 3D wedge-prism failure model is proposed using the 3D discrete element method. Combined with Terzaghi loose earth pressure theory and the limit equilibrium theory, the analytical solutions for the limit support pressure of the excavation face of the cutting steel plate are derived. The modified 3D wedge-prism failure model and corresponding analytical solutions are categorised into two cases: (a) unilateral cutting scheme, and (b) bilateral cutting scheme. The analytical solutions for the two cases are verified from the numerical simulation and in-situ data and compared with the previous solutions. The comparative analysis between the unilateral and bilateral cutting schemes indicates that the bilateral cutting scheme can be adopted as a priority. The bilateral cutting scheme saves more time and induces less ground deformation than the unilateral one due to the resistance generated from the superimposed wedge. In addition, the parametric sensitivity analysis is carried out using an orthogonal experimental design. The main influencing factors arranged from high to low are the pipe spacing, the cutting size, and the pipe burial depth. The ground deformation increases with the increased cutting size and pipe spacing. The pipe burial depth slightly affects the ground deformation if the other two factors are minor. Cutting steel plates in small sizes, excavating soil under low disturbance, and supporting pipes for high frequency can effectively reduce the ground surface subsidence.

Abstract Acute liver failure (ALF) is characterized by the rapidly progressive deterioration of hepatic function, which, without effective medical intervention, results in high mortality and morbidity. Here, using proteomic and transcriptomic analyses in murine ALF models, we found that the expression of multiple splicing factors was downregulated in ALF. Notably, we found that KH-type splicing regulatory protein (KHSRP) has a protective effect in ALF. Knockdown of KHSRP resulted in dramatic splicing defects, such as intron retention, and led to the exacerbation of liver injury in ALF. Moreover, we demonstrated that KHSRP directly interacts with splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1) and enhances the binding of SF3B1 to the intronic branch sites, thereby promoting pre-mRNA splicing. Using splicing inhibitors, we found that Khsrp protects against ALF by regulating pre-mRNA splicing in vivo. Overall, our findings demonstrate that KHSRP is an important splicing activator and promotes the expression of genes associated with ALF progression by interacting with SF3B1; thus, KHSRP could be a possible target for therapeutic intervention in ALF.

Abstract Background Myofascial tissue plays a critical role in shoulder joint mobility disorders. Myofascial release therapy (MFR) is frequently utilized to restore the extensibility of fascial tissue and is considered beneficial for various clinical conditions such as low back pain and ankle injuries. However, no studies have yet evaluated the effects of MFR on periscapular muscles activation and shoulder mobility in patients with subacromial pain syndrome(SAPS). Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of MFR combined with supervised exercise(SE) and SE alone in patients with SAPS. Design Assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial. Setting Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Subjects Subacromial pain syndrome patients. Methods Fifty participants were divided into two groups: SE group and MFR + SE group, each group 25 cases. Both treatment methods were performed 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Main measures Shoulder pain severity was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS); shoulder range of motion (ROM) by a goniometer; functionality by shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI); and periscapular muscles activation by sEMG. All measurements were evaluated both pre- and post-treatment. Results An ANOVA analysis indicated no significant group by time interactions for flexion ROM and resting VAS (p > 0.05). However, significant group by time interactions were found for SPADI, abduction and external rotation ROM, and activity VAS (p

To investigate the interaction of the bolt-reinforced rock and the surface support, an analytical model of the convergence-confinement type is proposed, considering the sequential installation of the fully grouted rockbolts and the surface support. The rock mass is assumed to be elastic-brittle-plastic material, obeying the linear Mohr-Coulomb criterion or the non-linear Hoek-Brown criterion. According to the strain states of the tunnel wall at bolt and surface support installation and the relative magnitude between the bolt length and the plastic depth during the whole process, six cases are categorized upon solving the problem. Each case is divided into three stages due to the different effects of the active rockbolts and the passive surface support. The fictitious pressure is introduced to quantify the three-dimensional (3D) effect of the tunnel face, and thus, the actual physical location along the tunnel axis of the analytical section can be considered. By using the bolt-rock strain compatibility and the rock-surface support displacement compatibility conditions, the solutions of longitudinal tunnel displacement and the reaction pressure of surface support along the tunnel axis are obtained. The proposed analytical solutions are validated by a series of 3D numerical simulations. Extensive parametric studies are conducted to examine the effect of the typical parameters of rockbolts and surface support on the tunnel displacement and the reaction pressure of the surface support under different rock conditions. The results show that the rockbolts are more effective in controlling the tunnel displacement than the surface support, which should be installed as soon as possible with a suitable length. For tunnels excavated in weak rocks or with restricted displacement control requirements, the surface support should also be installed or closed timely with a certain stiffness. The proposed method provides a convenient alternative approach for the optimization of rockbolts and surface support at the preliminary stage of tunnel design.

Background Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) are a major component of the periodontal ligament and have an important role in the regeneration of periodontal tissue and maintenance of homeostasis. High glucose can affect the activity and function of PDLCs in a variety of ways; therefore, it is particularly important to find ways to alleviate the effects of high glucose on PDLCs. Annexin A2 (ANXA2) is a calcium- and phospholipid-binding protein involved in a variety of cellular functions and processes, including cellular cytokinesis, cytophagy, migration, and proliferation. Aim The aim of this study was to exploring whether ANXA2 attenuates the deleterious effects of high glucose on PDLCs and promotes osteogenic differentiation capacity. Methods and results Osteogenic differentiation potential, cellular senescence, oxidative stress, and cellular autophagy were detected. Culturing PDLCs with medium containing different glucose concentrations (CTRL, 8 mM, 10 mM, 25 mM, and 40 mM) revealed that high glucose decreased the protein expression of ANXA2 (p

Abstract This article studies the intricate dynamics of family resilience within the Chinese productivist regime over the course of seven decades, emphasizing the instrumental role of public policy in shaping this resilience. Drawing on a dynamic approach, the research demonstrates how, across distinct periods of central planning and economic reform, policies have persistently harnessed families to advance economic objectives. Showing that the productivist regime’s double-edged role on family resilience emerged while public policies bolstered short-term family resilience in times of sustained economic growth and favorable demographics, and signs of family sector downturn—declining fertility rates, family dysfunctions—became evident, the current article underscores the challenges of a model that primarily perceives families as economic instruments. Advocating for a policy paradigm shift that harmonizes economic ambitions with family well-being, this study offers valuable insights for policy-makers and lays the groundwork for future research in comparative welfare systems.

Nostoc commune (Nostoc commune Vaucher ex Born & Flahault) is widely distributed in grasslands within the subtropical region. Because of its morphological changes are more sensitive to moisture, it may affect the soil’s response to infiltration-runoff processes, thus significantly influencing soil moisture dynamics, runoff, and soil loss. However, the exact effects of this phenomenon are not yet fully understood. This study established a one-year monitoring experiment of soil moisture, runoff and soil erosion in the karst area of Southwest China from September 2021 to November 2022. Using bare soil (CK) as the control, two treatments of Nostoc commune cover at 100 % coverage (C1) and 50 % coverage (C2) were set up in 3 repetitions to investigate the shallow soil’s response to Nostoc commune cover and rainfall and to quantify the effects of land cover and rainfall type on runoff and soil loss. The results showed that Nostoc commune cover significantly increased the shallow-soil water content, and the effect of increasing soil water content was more significant with increasing coverage. The cumulative soil water increment (CSWI) varied greatly under different types of rainfall due to the high water-absorbing capacity of Nostoc commune. The CSWI showed C1 C2 > CK under heavy rain and rainstorm events. The temporal pattern of soil moisture changed greatly under different cover treatments and rainfall events. In particular, the response time under different rainfall types varied from 10 min to 250 min. The runoff depth and soil loss in CK were 1.19–2.15 times and 1.92–14.43 times that of C1 and C2, respectively. This indicates that Nostoc commune cover has a significant effect on controlling runoff and soil erosion. In addition, the sensitivity of runoff and soil loss to the maximum 10-min rainfall intensity was higher than that of the maximum 30-min rainfall intensity, which was attributed to the rapid swelling of Nostoc commune in the hydration process, which greatly reduced runoff and soil erosion. This study can contribute to further understanding the hydrological process and soil erosion characteristics under different surface covers in humid karst areas.

ObjectiveThis study aims to establish a prediction model of foetal umbilical vein standardised blood flow volume (sQuv) on estimated foetal weight (EFW) in the third trimester.MethodsA case-cohort study involving 200 eligible normal foetuses was conducted at the Ultrasound Department of Longquanyi District of Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital between June 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021. Ultrasound measurements were taken at two separate intervals to assess EFW and the rate of EFW (rEFW) [first: between 28 w and 33 w6d of gestational age (GA); second: after 4–6 weeks]. Umbilical vein blood flow volume (Quv) and sQuv (normalised with EFW) were calculated only during the initial measurement. Using general linear regression, a prediction model for EFW based on GA and sQuv was developed, with the gestational week employed as a calibration scalar and validated using linear regression cross-validation.ResultsIn the third trimester, EFW exhibited significant correlations with GA, abdominal circumference (AC), head circumference (HC) and Quv (all ρ > 0.6, P 0.6, P

Abstract The association between the anatomical features of teeth and the pathogenesis of periodontitis is well-documented. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the mesial concavity of the maxillary first premolar on periodontal clinical indices and alveolar bone resorption rates. Employing a cross-sectional design, in 226 patients with periodontitis, we used cone beam computed tomography(CBCT) to examine the mesial concavity and alveolar bone resorption of 343 maxillary first premolar. Periodontal clinical indicators recorded by periodontal probing in the mesial of the maxillary first premolar in patients with periodontitis. Our findings indicate that the presence of mesial concavity at the cemento-enamel junction of the maxillary first premolar was not significantly influenced by either tooth position or patient sex (p > 0.05). Nonetheless, the mesial concavity at the cemento-enamel junction of the maxillary first premolar was found to exacerbate alveolar bone resorption and the inflammatory condition (p

Addressing the treatment of depression is crucial; nevertheless, the etiology and pathogenesis remain unelucidated. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of teriflunomide (TF) on corticosterone (CORT)-induced depression-like behaviors in mice. Notably, TF administration resulted in a substantial amelioration of anxiety and depression-like behaviors observed in CORT-treated mice. This was evidenced by behavioral assessments conducted via the sucrose preference test (SPT), open-field test (OFT), novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT), forced swimming test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST). The administration of CORT inflicts damage upon oligodendrocytes and neurons within the hippocampus. Our findings indicate that TF offers significant protective effects on oligodendrocytes, mitigating apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, TF was found to counteract the CORT-induced neuronal loss and synaptic damage, as demonstrated by an increase in Nissl-positive cells across hippocampal regions CA1, CA3, and the dentate gyrus (DG) alongside elevated levels of synapse-related proteins including PSD-95 and synaptophysin. Additionally, TF treatment facilitated a reduction in the levels of apoptosis-related proteins while simultaneously augmenting the levels of Bcl2. Our findings indicate that TF administration effectively mitigates CORT-induced depression-like behaviors and reverses damage to oligodendrocytes and neurons in the hippocampus, suggesting TF as a promising candidate for depression.

Abstract Purpose To analyze return to work and sports, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy (CWDFO) for valgus deformity and lateral compartmental osteoarthritis. Methods Thirty-three patients underwent isolated CWDFO in our center between January 2018 and June 2020 were enrolled, of whom 32 and 23 patients were included in the return-to-work and return-to-sports analyses, respectively. Short Form-36 (SF-36), Tegner score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were compared preoperatively and postoperatively. And postoperative complications were recorded. Results Overall, 33 patients were contacted at a mean follow-up of 37.94 ± 6.68 months, with a median age of 35 years (range: 26–63 years) at the surgery time. The physical component summary of SF-36 (p

Abstract Background There is no consensus about intertrochanteric fractures with lateral wall treated with intramedullary nail—proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA). The aim of the present study was to compare function outcomes between lateral wall and no lateral wall fractures after surgery by PFNA. Methods This retrospective study evaluated patients with or without lateral wall fractures who underwent PFNA between January 2015 and June 2018. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, time to fracture healing, complications and functional outcomes qualified by Harris hip score and Parker − Palmer mobility score (PPMS) were compared between the two groups. Results Two groups were comparable with regard to patient age, sexual distribution, mechanism of injury, fracture type, body mass index (BMI), Time to surgery, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and quality of reduction. The incomplete group had a longer operation time (54.1 ± 8.74 min vs. 51.0 ± 9.86 min) and more intraoperative blood loss (228.4 ± 48.8 ml vs. 151.3 ± 43.5 ml) in comparison with the control group (P 0.05), respectively. Similar results were obtained about PPMS. We found no difference in Weight bearing time, Time of fracture healing, and Complications between incomplete group and intact group. Conclusions There is no substantial difference in functional results or complication rates for intertrochanteric fractures with lateral wall fractures, except from increased blood loss and operation time. We believe that an intramedullary nail will be sufficient to repair an intertrochanteric fracture with or without a lateral wall fracture.

Abstract Background Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive malignancy. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are pathogen-trapping structures in the tumor microenvironment that affect DLBCL progression. However, the predictive function of NET-related genes (NRGs) in DLBCL has received little attention. This study aimed to investigate the interaction between NRGs and the prognosis of DLBCL as well as their possible association with the immunological microenvironment. Methods The gene expression and clinical data of patients with DLBCL were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. We identified 148 NRGs through the manual collection of literature. GSE10846 (n = 400, GPL570) was used as the training dataset and divided into training and testing sets in a 7:3 ratio. Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify overall survival (OS)-related NETs, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator was used to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the NRGs. Kaplan–Meier plots were used to visualize survival functions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the prognostic predictive ability of NRG-based features. A nomogram containing the clinical information and prognostic scores of the patients was constructed using multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional risk regression models. Results We identified 36 NRGs that significantly affected patient overall survival (OS). Eight NRGs (PARVB, LYZ, PPARGC1A, HIF1A, SPP1, CDH1, S100A9, and CXCL2) were found to have excellent predictive potential for patient survival. For the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates, the obtained areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve values were 0.8, 0.82, and 0.79, respectively. In the training set, patients in the high NRG risk group presented a poorer prognosis (p

Based on the structural and geological characteristics of the F1 weathering trough of a submarine tunnel and its spatial relationship with the cavern, a simplified calculation model of the weathering trough water inrush was established, and the formation, development process and influencing factors of the water inrush channel in the water-resistant rock layer were carried out by a numerical simulation of particle flow. It shows that the integrity and stability of the critical water-resistant rock mass is the key to preventing water inrush, and the identification and positioning of the water inrush channel is the basis for the grouting reinforcement design of the weathering groove of the submarine tunnel. Based on above research results, the F1 weathering trough was blocked and reinforced by the composite grouting method, and the engineering reinforcement effect was good.

Longitudinal cracks on the tunnel lining significantly influence the performance of tunnels in operation. In this study, we propose a semi-analytical method that provides a simple and effective way to calculate the internal forces of tunnel linings with multiple cracks. The semi-analytical solution is obtained using structural analysis considering the flexural rigidity for the cracked longitudinal section of the tunnel lining. Then the proposed solution is verified numerically. Using the proposed method, the influences of the crack depth and the number of cracks on the bending moment and modified crack tip stress are investigated. With the increase in crack depth, the bending moment of lining scetion adjacent to the crack decreases, while the bending moment of lining scetion far away from the crack increases slightly. The more the number of cracks in a tunnel lining, the easier the new cracks initiated.

Abstract Uncontrolled viral replication and excessive inflammation are the main causes of death in the host infected with virus. Hence inhibition of intracellular viral replication and production of innate cytokines, which are the key strategies of hosts to fight virus infections, need to be finely tuned to eliminate viruses while avoid harmful inflammation. The E3 ligases in regulating virus replication and subsequent innate cytokines production remain to be fully characterized. Here we report that the deficiency of the E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase HECTD3 results in accelerated RNA virus clearance and reduced inflammatory response both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, HECTD3 interacts with dsRNA-dependent protein kinase R (PKR) and mediates Lys33-linkage of PKR, which is the first non-proteolytic ubiquitin modification for PKR. This process disrupts the dimerization and phosphorylation of PKR and subsequent EIF2α activation, which results in the acceleration of virus replication, but promotes the formation of PKR-IKK complex and subsequent inflammatory response. The finding suggests HECTD3 is the potential therapeutic target for simultaneously restraining RNA virus replication and virus-induced inflammation once pharmacologically inhibited.

Rock load on lining structures increases over time for tunnels buried in rheological rock, and in addition deterioration of primary lining is common due to its structural characteristics and service environment attack, where these delayed features affect the mechanical response of tunnels. However, accounting for these delayed features in long-term stability assessment of tunnel structures is complex and has not attracted enough attention. In this paper, an analytical approach is proposed for investigating long-term mechanical response of tunnel structures in rheological rock influenced by degradation of primary lining. For this purpose, degradation of primary lining, characterized by decreasing concrete stiffness over time, is quantitatively described by an exponential model. The rheological characteristic of surrounding rock is simulated by the Burgers model. The time-varying solutions for rock deformation and support pressure are obtained by considering the coordinated interaction between surrounding rock and linings, and their correctness is verified by comparing them with numerical results. The results revealed that the pressure imposed on linings due to the rheological behavior of surrounding rock increases over time. As the primary lining degrades, the rheological load is transferred from primary lining to secondary lining, leading to increasing pressure on secondary lining; and a faster degradation rate of primary lining leads to greater pressure on secondary lining. Therefore, the primary lining should not be overlooked in long-term safety assessment of operation tunnels because of its role in bearing and transmitting load. Finally, the tunnel's design and operational maintenance strategy are discussed when the delay effects of surrounding rock and lining are taken into account.

BackgroundSubjective cognitive decline (SCD) is considered a preclinical stage of Alzheimer’s disease. However, reliable prevalence estimates of SCD in the Chinese population are lacking, underscoring the importance of such metrics for policymakers to formulate appropriate healthcare strategies.ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate SCD prevalence among older Chinese adults.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM, and Airiti Library databases were searched for studies on SCD in older Chinese individuals published before May 2023. Two investigators independently screened the literature, extracted the information, and assessed the bias risk of the included studies. A meta-analysis was then conducted using Stata 16.0 software via a random-effects model to analyze SCD prevalence in older Chinese adults.ResultsA total of 17 studies were included (n = 31,782). The SCD prevalence in older Chinese adults was 46.4% (95% CI, 40.6–52.2%). Further, subgroup analyzes indicated that SCD prevalence was 50.8% in men and 58.9% among women. Additionally, SCD prevalence in individuals aged 60–69, 70–79, and ≥ 80 years was 38.0, 45.2, and 60.3%, respectively. Furthermore, SCD prevalence in older adults with BMI 24.0 was 59.3, 54.0, and 52.9%, respectively. Geographically, SCD prevalence among older Chinese individuals was 41.3% in North China and 50.0% in South China. In terms of residence, SCD prevalence was 47.1% in urban residents and 50.0% among rural residents. As for retired individuals, SCD prevalence was 44.2% in non-manual workers and 49.2% among manual workers. In the case of education, individuals with an education level of “elementary school and below” had an SCD prevalence rate of 62.8%; “middle school, “52.4%; “high school, “55.0%; and “college and above, “51.3%. Finally, SCD prevalence was lower among married individuals with surviving spouses than in single adults who were divorced, widowed, or unmarried.ConclusionOur systematic review and meta-analysis identified significant and widespread SCD prevalence in the older population in China. Therefore, our review findings highlight the urgent requirement for medical institutions and policymakers across all levels to prioritize and rapidly develop and implement comprehensive preventive and therapeutic strategies for SCD.Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023406950, identifier: CRD42023406950.

Abstract Background The public health and economic implications of perinatal mental health problems are well documented. Maternity clinicians are ideally placed to effectively identify women at risk and facilitate early intervention. However, in China as globally a number of issues are implicated in a failure to recognise and treat. Aim The present study sought to develop and evaluate the Chinese version ‘professional issues in maternal mental health’ scale (PIMMHS), explore its psychometric properties and potential application. Methods A cross-sectional design and instrument translation and evaluation approach was taken to investigate the psychometric properties of the PIMMHS in a Chinese population. A total of 598 obstetricians, obstetric nurses, and midwives participated in this study from 26 hospitals across China. Findings The Chinese PIMMHS was not a good fit to the original two factor model. The emotion/communication subscale yielded an excellent fit to the data according to all fit indices, offering compelling evidence for a single factor solution. The training (PIMMHS: Training), proved problematic throughout the analysis with divergent validity for the training subscale also being poor with a concomitant impact on the total scale performance. The performance of this subscale may be related to the nature of medical training and PMH. Conclusion The Chinese PIMMHS comprises a unidimensional scale of emotion/ communication, which is simple and may provide insight into the emotional burden of providing PMH care, with the potential to mitigate that burden. Further development and investigation of the training sub-scale could be of value.

This study evaluates the feasibility of producing high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel using advanced wire-fed laser additive manufacturing (LAM-W) and wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) technologies. Optimized parameters were independently developed for each heat source, utilizing a self-designed HSLA steel wire as the feedstock. Microstructural features and mechanical properties of the fabricated steels were characterized and compared, taking into account differences in heat input and cooling rates. LAM-W samples exhibited a finer columnar grain microstructure, while both LAM-W- and WAAM-produced steels predominantly showed lower bainite and granular bainite microstructures. LAM-W demonstrated higher strength and hardness, lower ductility, and comparable low-temperature toughness compared to WAAM. Both processes demonstrated an excellent balance between strength and ductility, with absorbed energy exceeding 100 J at −40 °C. The study confirms the feasibility of producing high-strength and tough HSLA steel parts using LAM-W and WAAM technologies, and compares the advantages and disadvantages of each method. These findings assist in selecting the most suitable wire-fed AM process for HSLA steel fabrication at high deposition rates.

Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) remains the most common consequence of ischemic stroke. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role and mechanisms of melatonin (MT) in improving cognitive dysfunction in stroke mice. We used CoCl2-induced hypoxia-injured SH-SY5Y cells as a cellular model of stroke and photothrombotic-induced ischemic stroke mice as an animal model. We found that the stroke-induced upregulation of mitophagy, apoptosis, and neuronal synaptic plasticity was impaired both in vivo and in vitro. The results of the novel object recognition test and Y-maze showed significant cognitive deficits in the stroke mice, and Nissl staining showed a loss of neurons in the stroke mice. In contrast, MT inhibited excessive mitophagy both in vivo and in vitro and decreased the levels of mitophagy proteins PINK1 and Parkin, and immunofluorescence staining showed reduced co-localization of Tom20 and LC3. A significant inhibition of mitophagy levels could be directly observed under transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, behavioral experiments and Nissl staining showed that MT ameliorated cognitive deficits and reduced neuronal loss in mice following a stroke. Our results demonstrated that MT inhibits excessive mitophagy and improves PSCI. These findings highlight the potential of MT as a preventive drug for PSCI, offering promising therapeutic implications.

Aerial manipulators expand the application scenarios of manipulators into the air. To complete various operations, the contact force between the aerial manipulator and the target must be precisely controlled. In this study, we first established the mathematical models of the multirotor and the manipulator separately. Their mutual influence is regarded as each other’s disturbance, and the overall linkage mechanism is established through analysis. Then, a robust sliding mode control strategy is developed for accurate trajectory tracking. The controller is derived from Lyapunov theory, which can ensure the stability of the closed-loop system. To compensate for the effect of system uncertainty, an adaptive radial basis function neural network is devised to approximate the part of the controller containing the model information. In addition, an impedance controller is designed to convert force control into position control to make the manipulator contact with the target compliantly. Finally, the simulation and experimental results indicate that the proposed method can guarantee the accuracy of the contact force and has good robustness.

Abstract We developed a physics-informed neural network based on a mixture of Cartesian grid sampling and Latin hypercube sampling to solve forward and backward modified diffusion equations. We optimized the parameters in the neural networks and the mixed data sampling by considering the squeeze boundary condition and the mixture coefficient, respectively. Then, we used a given modified diffusion equation as an example to demonstrate the efficiency of the neural network solver for forward and backward problems. The neural network results were compared with the numerical solutions, and good agreement with high accuracy was observed. This neural network solver can be generalized to other partial differential equations.

Mineral weathering and microbial priming are two important processes that regulate soil formation and CO2 emissions. Here the authors link weathering with primed organic matter decomposition, which plays a key role in controlling soil C dynamics.

Tunnel excavation below existing tunnels produces ultimate and serviceability problems to the existing tunnels. The behaviours of induced stresses on the existing tunnels haven't yet been fully recognized. In this study, a centrifuge model test was adopted to investigate the effects of new tunnelling on two existing overlying tunnels. One existing tunnel model simulated a prototype composite lining tunnel and the other simulated a prototype segmental lining tunnel. The volume loss produced by new tunnel excavation was modelled by an in-flight actuator system. The surface settlements, the existing tunnels settlements, the soil pressures on existing tunnels, the bending movements of existing tunnels, and the joint behaviours of existing tunnels were monitored. The volume of surface settlement trough was much smaller than the soil volume moving into the tunnel, due to the heave of the tunnel bottom and the dilation of sand during shearing. The maximum settlement of the segmental lining model was larger than that of the composite lining model as the equivalent bending stiffness of the composite lining model was larger than that of the former. Due to new tunnel excavation, the soil pressures on different positions of the existing tunnel behaved differently, and the bending movements of the existing tunnels decreased. Moreover, the joint deformation of existing tunnel caused by new tunnel excavation could be classified into three types: (1) translation, (2) rotation, and (3) combination of both.

Renal cyst development and expansion in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) involves over‐proliferation of cyst‐lining epithelial cells and excessive cystic fluid secretion. While metformin effectively inhibits renal cyst growth in mouse models of ADPKD it exhibits low potency, and thus an adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator with higher potency is required. Herein, we adopted a drug repurposing strategy to explore the potential of PF‐06409577, an AMPK activator for diabetic nephropathy, in cellular, ex vivo and in vivo models of ADPKD. Our results demonstrated that PF‐06409577 effectively down‐regulated mammalian target of rapamycin pathway‐mediated proliferation of cyst‐lining epithelial cells and reduced cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator‐regulated cystic fluid secretion. Overall, our data suggest that PF‐06409577 holds therapeutic potential for ADPKD treatment.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency and safety of tranexamic acid for blood management during high tibial osteotomy (HTO). A systematic search was conducted in Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library database. Six studies and 208 patients were included in this meta‐analysis using Review Manager V.5.3 and Stata 15.1 software. For primary outcomes, tranexamic acid lowered the total blood loss (WMD = –219.47, 95% CI [−355.61, −83.33], P = 0.002). For secondary outcomes, a significant reduction was found for decreased hemoglobin (POD1: WMD = –9.86, 95% CI [−13.45, −6.28], P 40%: WMD = –53.11, 95% CI [−100.16, −6.05], P = 0.03; 40% ≥ M/F ≥ 20%: WMD = –362.20, 95% CI [−423.96, −300.45], P 40%: WMD = –7.11, 95% CI [−10.75, −3.47], P

IntroductionDietary patterns were shown to be closely related to inflammation, which was independently associated with cognitive impairment (CI) in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). However, it remains unclear the influence of dietary patterns derived from inflammation on CI in this population. This study aimed to examine the association between dietary patterns derived from C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and CI in patients undergoing HD.MethodsDietary intake was obtained from the simplified quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Reduced rank regression (RRR) was used to extract two dietary patterns, with IL-6 and CRP as response variables. Cognitive function was examined by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Beijing version). Venous blood was drawn for measuring IL-6 and CRP levels. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the association between dietary patterns and CI.ResultsDietary pattern derived from IL-6 was not significantly associated with CI. The third quartile of dietary pattern, which used CRP as the response variable, significantly contributed to the increased risk of CI (AOR 8.62, 95% CI 1.47–50.67) after controlling age, sex, education level, marital status, and residential pattern (p-for-trend = 0.028). After considering hypertension and diabetes, physical activity level, anxiety and depression, smoking and drinking status, social support, energy intake, and the dietary pattern derived from IL-6 (p-for-trend = 0.026), the relationship between the dietary pattern derived from CRP and CI remained significant (AOR 14.54, 95% CI 1.40–151.13).ConclusionDietary pattern associated with high CRP level, including high intake of rice, liquor, fruit, tea and coffee and low intake of dark vegetables and juice, contributed to the increased risk of CI. The association between the consumption of seafood, sweet beverages, and alcohol and CI is yet to be established. However, they may be dietary contributing factors to inflammation in patients undergoing HD.

Considering the rarity and aggressive nature of retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma (RLMS), several prognostic factors might contribute to the cancer-specific mortality of these patients. This study aimed to construct a competing risk-based nomogram to predict cancer-specific survival (CSS) for patients with RLMS. In total, 788 cases from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2000–2015) were included. Based on the Fine & Gray's method, independent predictors were screened to develop a nomogram for predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year CSS. After multivariate analysis, CSS was found significantly associated with tumor characteristics (tumor grade, size, range), as well as surgery status. The nomogram showed solid prediction power and was well calibrated. Through decision curve analysis (DCA), a favorable clinical utility of the nomogram was demonstrated. Additionally, a risk stratification system was developed and distinctive survival between risk groups was observed. In summary, this nomogram showed a better performance than the AJCC 8th staging system and can assist in the clinical management of RLMS.

In complex marine environments, the wave-induced instantaneous liquefaction of the seabed is a key issue for the long-term safety control of marine structures. Existing computational frameworks for instantaneous liquefaction result in unreasonable tensile stresses in a non-cohesive seabed. To address this issue, a liquefaction-associated non-Darcy flow model has been proposed, but it has only been applied to the scenario of a pure seabed without a structure. In this study, we applied the previously proposed non-Darcy flow model to investigate the mechanism of wave–seabed–structure interactions under extreme wave loading considering a pipeline fully buried in a non-cohesive seabed. By comparing the liquefaction depths in the presence and absence of structures, it was found that the existence of structures weakens the attenuation of the pore pressure amplitude and influences the overall pore pressure distribution. Parametric studies were conducted. It was found that the liquefaction depth from the non-Darcy model is approximately 0.73 times that from the traditional Darcy model, regardless of whether or not a pipeline is involved. A quantitative relationship between the wave loading and structural size was established. The liquefied zone above the buried pipeline was found to be smaller than that in a pure seabed without a structure. A tentative explanation is provided for this phenomenon.

Micro-LED arrays exhibit high brightness, a long lifespan, low power consumption, and a fast response speed. In this paper, we have proposed a series-biased micro-LED array by using a nitride layer with multi-quantum wells epitaxial on sapphire substrate. The III-nitride multiple quantum wells serving as the micro-LED active material enable both luminescence and detection functionalities. The micro-LED array combines lighting, detection, and communication capabilities. We have conducted a thorough analysis of the micro-LED array’s optoelectronic features in both lighting and detection modes. We also explore visible light communication performance across different arrangements of single micro-LED devices within the series-biased array. Our research achieves 720p video transmission via visible light communication using the micro-LED array, supporting a communication rate of up to 10 Mbps. Our contributions encompass the successful integration of lighting and detection functions and a comprehensive assessment of optoelectronic and communication performance. This study highlights the multifunctional micro-LED array’s potential as a transceiver terminal in visible light communication systems, expanding its applications from smart lighting to visible light communication and photonic integrated chips. These innovations enhance our understanding of micro-LED technology and its versatile applications.

The calculation of conformal mapping for irregular domains is a crucial step in deriving analytical and semi-analytical solutions for irregularly shaped tunnels in rock masses using complex theory. The optimization methods, iteration methods, and the extended Melentiev’s method have been developed and adopted to calculate the conformal mapping function in tunnel engineering. According to the strict definition and theorems of conformal mapping, it is proven that these three methods only map boundaries and do not guarantee the mapping’s conformal properties due to inherent limitations. Notably, there are other challenges in applying conformal mapping to tunnel engineering. To tackle these issues, a practical procedure is proposed for the conformal mapping of common tunnels in rock masses. The procedure is based on the extended SC transformation formulas and corresponding numerical methods. The discretization codes for polygonal, multi-arc, smooth curve, and mixed boundaries are programmed and embedded into the procedure, catering to both simply and multiply connected domains. Six cases of conformal mapping for typical tunnel cross sections, including rectangular tunnels, multi-arc tunnels, horseshoe-shaped tunnels, and symmetric and asymmetric multiple tunnels at depth, are performed and illustrated. Furthermore, this article also illustrates the use of the conformal mapping method for shallow tunnels, which aligns with the symmetry principle of conformal mapping. Finally, the discussion highlights the use of an explicit power function as an approximation method for symmetric tunnels, outlining its key points.

The deformation of tunnel support structures during tunnel construction is influenced by geological factors, geometrical factors, support factors, and construction factors. Accurate prediction of tunnel support structure deformation is crucial for engineering safety and optimizing support parameters. Traditional methods for tunnel deformation prediction have often relied on numerical simulations and model experiments, which may not always meet the time-sensitive requirements. In this study, we propose a fusion deep neural network (FDNN) model that combines multiple algorithms with a complementary tunnel information encoding method. The FDNN model utilizes Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks to extract features related to tunnel structural deformation. FDNN model is used to predict deformations in the Capital Ring Expressway, and the predictions align well with monitoring results. To demonstrate the superiority of the proposed model, we use four different performance evaluation metrics to analyze the predictive performance of FDNN, DNN, XGBoost, Decision Tree Regression (DTR), and Random Forest Regression (RFR) methods. The results indicate that FDNN exhibits high precision and robustness. To assess the impact of different data types on the predictive results, we use tunnel geometry data as the base and combine geological, support, and construction data. The analysis reveals that models trained on datasets comprising all four data types perform the best. Geological parameters have the most significant impact on the predictive performance of all models. The findings of this research guide predicting tunnel construction parameters, particularly in the dynamic design of support parameters.

Mechanical ball milling is a prevalent technology for material preparation and also serves as a post-treatment method to modify electrode materials, thus enhancing electrochemical performances. This study explores the microstructure modification of commercial activated carbon through mechanical ball milling, proving its efficacy in increasing sodium-ion energy storage. The evolution of activated carbon’s physical and chemical properties during ball milling was systematically examined. It was observed that the quantity of closed pores and the graphitization degree in activated carbon increased with extended ball milling duration. The sodium storage mechanism in activated carbon transitions to an insertion-pore filling process, significantly elevating platform capacity. Additionally, ball-milled activated carbon demonstrates remarkable long-term cycling stability (92% capacity retention over 200 cycles at 200 mA g−1) and rate performance. This research offers a novel approach to developing advanced anode materials for sodium-ion batteries.

Abstract Acute lung injury (ALI) is a potentially life-threatening, devastating disease with an extremely high rate of mortality. The underlying mechanism of ALI is currently unclear. In this study, we aimed to confirm the hub genes associated with ALI and explore their functions and molecular mechanisms using bioinformatics methods. Five microarray datasets available in GEO were used to perform Robust Rank Aggregation (RRA) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the key genes were identified via the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Lipopolysaccharide intraperitoneal injection was administered to establish an ALI model. Overall, 40 robust DEGs, which are mainly involved in the inflammatory response, protein catabolic process, and NF-κB signaling pathway were identified. Among these DEGs, we identified two genes associated with ALI, of which the CAV-1/NF-κB axis was significantly upregulated in ALI, and was identified as one of the most effective targets for ALI prevention. Subsequently, the expression of CAV-1 was knocked down using AAV-shCAV-1 or CAV-1-siRNA to study its effect on the pathogenesis of ALI in vivo and in vitro. The results of this study indicated that CAV-1/NF-κB axis levels were elevated in vivo and in vitro, accompanied by an increase in lung inflammation and autophagy. The knockdown of CAV-1 may improve ALI. Mechanistically, inflammation was reduced mainly by decreasing the expression levels of CD3 and F4/80, and activating autophagy by inhibiting AKT/mTOR and promoting the AMPK signaling pathway. Taken together, this study provides crucial evidence that CAV-1 knockdown inhibits the occurrence of ALI, suggesting that the CAV-1/NF-κB axis may be a promising therapeutic target for ALI treatment.

Abstract Background To investigate the role of achaete-scute complex-like 2 (ASCL2) in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD), we analyze whether ASCL2 suppression could retard cancer development and further observe the relevance between ASCL2 and inflammation via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation in STAD, both in vitro and in vivo. Methods Proliferation, development, inflammation, and apoptosis in STAD are observed using sh-ASCL2 lentivirus via TLR4 activation in vitro and in vivo. The relationship between ASCL2 and inflammation is analyzed. Western blotting of ASCL2 with the target protein of immune-associated cells is performed. The prognosis of STAD and associated ASCL2 mutation are analyzed. Results The ASCL2 level in STAD tumor tissues is increased, compared to normal tissues, and brings a worse prognosis. The ASCL2 shows a negative correlation with inflammation, and TLR4 reveals a positive correlation with gastric cancer. ASCL2 expression is high in MGC803 cells. Sh-ASCL2 could reduce STAD development by decreasing proliferation, tumor volume, and biomarker levels and increasing apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. The inflammatory role of ASCL2 is regulated through TLR4 activation. ASCL2 levels may be related to CNTNAP3, CLIP1, C9orf84, ARIH2, and IL1R2 mutations; positively correlated with M2 macrophage and T follicular helper cell levels; negatively correlated with neutrophil, dendritic cell, monocyte, CD8 T cell, and M1 macrophage levels; and involved in STAD prognosis. Conclusions The ASCL2 may adjust inflammation in STAD through TLR4 activation and may be associated with related immune cells. ASCL2 is possibly an upstream target factor of the TLR4 signaling pathway.

The Sichuan–Tibet railway construction has received significant attention from both China and abroad. The new section from Ya’an to Nyingchi is about 1018.6 km long, including 69 tunnels with a total length of 841.7 km. The longest tunnel (Yigong tunnel) is 42.4 km long. The successful construction of the Sichuan–Tibet railway depends largely on tunnel construction. Due to the complex conditions, tunnel construction for the Sichuan–Tibet railway poses great challenges to the research community. This paper aims to illustrate the necessity of interdisciplinary and joint research to solve problems associated with tunnel construction that will be encountered in the immediate future and facilitate the communication and exchange of ideas between disciplines. To this end, based on a systematic analysis of the available data related to Sichuan–Tibet railway tunnels, six major aspects of the geology, environment, and engineering conditions are identified. Next, based on the engineering responses from the Sichuan–Tibet railway tunnels, potential technical problems and risk characteristics are predicted and evaluated. Further, six key scientific issues are identified and discussed based on a coupled multi-layer analysis of essential tunnel engineering issues. Finally, research directions, technical ideas, and research methods that should be carried out for this project are proposed.

Based on the nondestructive test data of operating railway tunnels in China, this paper summarizes the basic characteristics of the complex contact behavior between the rock mass and lining structure. The contact modes are classified into dense contact, local non-contact, and loose contact. Subsequently, the corresponding mechanical model for each contact mode is developed according to its mechanical characteristics using the complex variable method. In the proposed mechanical model, a special algorithm is introduced to detect whether the local non-contact zone is re-contacted. Besides, a novel conformal mapping method is also proposed to accurately calculate the mechanical response of the concrete lining. Finally, the accuracy of the proposed method is verified by comparing it with the finite element method (FEM). Several parameter investigations are conducted to analyze the effects of different contact modes on the rock–lining interaction. The results show that: (i) the height of the local non-contact area does not have a significant effect on the contact stress distribution if no re-contact occurs; (ii) backfill grouting can reduce the local stress concentration caused by poor contact modes; and (iii) reducing the friction coefficient of the interface can lead to a more uniform distribution of internal forces in the concrete lining.

Summary: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification controls cell fate determination. Here, we show that liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1 (YTHDF1), a pivotal m6A “reader” protein, promotes the transdifferentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) into neural stem cell-like cells by activating the IκB-nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)-CCND1 axis. The inhibition of IκBα/β mRNA translation mediated by YTHDF1 LLPS is the key to the activation of the IκB-NF-κB-CCND1 axis. Disrupting either YTHDF1 LLPS or NF-κB activation inhibits transdifferentiation efficiency. Moreover, overexpression of the YTH domain of YTHDF1 inhibits the activation of the IκB-NF-κB-CCND1 axis by promoting IκBα/β mRNA translation. Overexpression of the tau-YTH fusion protein reactivates IκB-NF-κB-CCND1 axis by inhibiting the translation of IκBα/β mRNAs, and tau LLPS is observed, which can restore transdifferentiation efficiency. Our findings demonstrate that the protein-RNA LLPS plays essential roles in cell fate transition and provide insights into translational medicine and the therapy of neurological diseases.

Unmanned Aerial Manipulation (UAM) is a novel type of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) equipped with manipulators instead of manual operation in hazardous and unreachable environments. The combination of UAV and manipulator unavoidably causes a significant predicament due to the increase of nonlinearity and coupling of the UAM system. Consequently, the system’s robustness becomes more vulnerable in the presence of system uncertainty and external disturbance. In addition, as a real-time embedded system, rapid and precise tracking of the desired trajectory is an essential aspect of UAM performance. This study aims to establish the dynamic model of UAM and propose a global fast terminal sliding mode controller for trajectory tracking. The controller is derived from Lyapunov theory to ensure the stability of the closed-loop system. We propose a set of illustrative metrics to evaluate the performance of the designed controller and compare it with the other two controllers by simulation. The results show that the proposed controller can effectively reduce the convergence time of tracking error and has good robustness and mechanical properties. And experimental results also verified its effectiveness.

Abstract Background Breast cancer (BC) is a common malignancy in women. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to play a key role in the development of BC; however, the effect of circular RNA zinc finger RNA binding protein (circ_ZFR) in BC is unknown. Methods Abundances of circ_ZFR, fatty acid binding protein 7 (FABP7), and microRNA‐223‐3p (miR‐223‐3p) were measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The circular structure of circ_ZFR was validated by RNase R treatment. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were assessed by colony formation, cell counting kit‐8, Transwell, flow cytometry assays, respectively. All protein levels were determined by Western blot. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the relationship between miR‐223‐3p and circ_ZFR or FABP7. A xenograft model was established to understand the effect of circ_ZFR on BC cell growth in vivo. Results The expression levels of circ_ZFR and FABP7 were higher in BC tissues and cell lines, whereas miR‐223‐3p expression was lower. Knockdown of circ_ZFR or FABP7 in BC cells reduced proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), and induced apoptosis in vitro, whereas the opposite effects were observed in circ_ZFR‐overexpressed cells. Furthermore, circ_ZFR might act as a sponge for miR‐223‐3p to regulate FABP7 expression, thereby promoting the progression of BC cells in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion Circ_ZFR might act as a miRNA sponge for miR‐223‐3p to regulate FABP7, thereby promoting proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of BC cells, and inhibiting cell apoptosis.

Abstract Background Pathological retinal angiogenesis resulting from a variety of ocular diseases including oxygen induced retinopathy, diabetic retinopathy and ocular vein occlusion, is one of the major reasons for vision loss, yet the therapeutic option is limited. Multiple nanoparticles have been reported to alleviate angiogenic retinopathy. However, the adverse effect cannot be ignored due to the relatively large scale. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have shown potential in drug delivery and have been proved biocompatible. In this study, Graphene quantum dots are extensively investigated for their application in angiogenic retinopathy therapy. Results We showed that GQDs were biocompatible nanomaterials in vitro and in vivo. The nanoparticles have a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on proliferation, migration, tube formation and sprouting of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Further data show that GQDs could inhibit pathological retinal neovascularization in an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model. The data of RNA sequencing suggested that periostin is involved in this process. GQDs inhibit the expression of periostin via STAT3, and further regulated cell cycle-related protein levels through ERK pathway. The signaling pathway was conformed in vivo using OIR mouse model. Conclusions The present study indicated that GQDs could be a biocompatible anti-angiogenic nanomedicine in the treatment of pathological retinal neovascularization via disrupting periostin/ERK pathway and subsequent cell cycle. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background During male meiosis, the Y chromosome can form perfect pairing with the X chromosome. However, it is unclear whether mammalian Female germline stem cells (FGSCs) without a Y chromosome can transdifferentiate into functional haploid spermatid-like cells (SLCs). Results We found that spermatogenesis was restarted by transplanting FGSCs into Kit w/wv mutant testes. Complete meiosis and formation of SLCs was induced in vitro by testicular cells of Kit w/wv mutant mice, cytokines and retinoic acid. Healthy offspring were produced by sperm and SLCs derived from the in vivo and in vitro transdifferentiation of FGSCs, respectively. Furthermore, high-throughput chromosome conformation capture sequencing(Hi-C-seq) and “bivalent” (H3K4me3-H3K27me3) micro chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (μChIP-seq) experiments showed that stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8)/protamine 1 (PRM1)-positive transdifferentiated germ cells (tGCs) and male germ cells (mGCs) display similar chromatin dynamics and chromatin condensation during in vitro spermatogenesis. Conclusion This study demonstrates that sperm can be produced from FGSCs without a Y chromosome. This suggests a strategy for dairy cattle breeding to produce only female offspring with a high-quality genetic background.

IntroductionGasless unilateral trans-axillary approach (GUA) thyroidectomy has witnessed rapid development in technologies and applications. However, the existence of surgical retractors and limited space would increase the difficulty of guaranteeing the visual field and disturb safe surgical manipulation. We aimed to develop a novel zero-line method for incision design to access optimal surgical manipulation and outcomes.MethodsA total of 217 patients with thyroid cancer who underwent GUA were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly classified into two groups (classical incision and zero-line incision), and their operative data were collected and reviewed.Results216 enrolled patients underwent and completed GUA; among them, 111 patients were classified into the classical group, and 105 patients were classified into the zero-line group, respectively. Demographic data, including age, gender, and the primary tumor side, were similar between the two groups. The duration of surgery in the classical group was longer (2.66 ± 0.68 h) than in the zero-line group (1.40 ± 0.47 h) (p 0.05).ConclusionThe “zero-line” method for GUA surgery incision design was simple but effective for GUA surgery manipulation and worth promoting.

BackgroundFemoral neck fracture is a common fracture in orthopedic practice. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between the femoral neck system and dynamic hip system blade for the treatment of femoral neck fracture in young patients.MethodsThis retrospective study included 43 and 52 patients who underwent treatment for femoral neck fracture with the femoral neck system and dynamic hip system blade, respectively, between August 2019 and August 2020. Operative indexes, including operation duration, blood loss, incision length, postoperative complications (femoral neck shortening, non-union, screw pull-out, femoral head necrosis), and Harris scale scores were recorded and analyzed.ResultsCompared to that with the dynamic hip system blade, the femoral neck system showed significantly less operation duration (femoral neck system vs. dynamic hip system blade: 47.09 ± 9.19 vs. 52.90 ± 9.64, P = 0.004), less blood loss (48.53 ± 10.69 vs. 65.31 ± 17.91, P

Background. Microglia-associated neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the initiation and development of neuropathic pain (NeuP). AdipoRon is an analog of adiponectin that exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in various diseases through the adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) signaling mechanism. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a downstream target of AdipoR1, and the AdipoR1/AMPK pathway is involved in the regulation of inflammation. This study is aimed at investigating whether AdipoRon could alleviate NeuP by inhibiting the expression of microglia-derived tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) through the AdipoR1/AMPK pathway. Methods. In vivo, the NeuP model was established in mice through the spared nerve injury. The von Frey test was used to detect the effect of AdipoRon on the mechanical paw withdrawal threshold. Western Blot was performed to detect the effects of AdipoRon on the expression of TNF-α, AdipoR1, AMPK, and p-AMPK. Immunofluorescence was performed to observe the effects of AdipoRon on spinal microglia. In vitro, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce inflammatory responses in BV2 cells. The effect of AdipoRon on cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8. qPCR was used to examine the effects of AdipoRon on the expression of TNF-α and polarization markers. And the effect of AdipoRon on the AdipoR1/AMPK pathway was confirmed by Western Blot. Results. Intraperitoneal injection of AdipoRon alleviated mechanical nociception in SNI mice, and the application of AdipoRon reduced the expression of TNF-α and the number of microglia in the ipsilateral spinal cord. Additionally, AdipoRon decreased the protein level of AdipoR1 and increased the protein level of p-AMPK in the ipsilateral spinal cord. In vitro, AdipoRon inhibited BV2 cell proliferation and reversed LPS-induced TNF-α expression and polarization imbalance. Furthermore, AdipoRon reversed the LPS-induced increase in AdipoR1 expression and decrease in p-AMPK expression in BV2 cells. Conclusions. AdipoRon may alleviate NeuP by reducing microglia-derived TNF-α through the AdipoR1/AMPK pathway.

Abstract Background Kashin–Beck disease (KBD) is a chronic, deforming, endemic osteochondropathy that begins in patients as young as 2–3 years of age. The pathogenesis of KBD remains unclear, although selenium (Se) deficiency and T-2 toxin food contamination are both linked to the disease. In the present study, we evaluated transforming growth factor-β receptor (TGF-βR I and II) levels in clinical samples of KBD and in pre-clinical disease models. Methods Human specimens were obtained from the hand phalanges of eight donors with KBD and eight control donors. Animal models of the disease were established using Sprague–Dawley rats, which were fed an Se-deficient diet for 4 weeks and later administered the T-2 toxin. Cartilage cellularity and morphology were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Expression and localization of TGF-βRI and II were evaluated using immunohistochemical staining and western blotting. Results In the KBD samples, chondral necrosis was detected based on cartilage cell disappearance and alkalinity loss in the matrix ground substance. In the necrotic areas, TGF-βRI and II staining were strong. Positive percentages of TGF-βRI and II staining were higher in the cartilage samples of KBD donors than in those of control donors. TGF-βRI and II staining was also increased in cartilage samples from rats administered T-2 toxin or fed on Se-deficient plus T-2 toxin diets. Conclusion TGF-βRI and II may be involved in the pathophysiology of KBD. This study provides new insights into the pathways that contribute to KBD development.

Although photothermal therapy (PTT) have aroused substantial attention in the treatment of various types of tumors, the antitumor therapeutic efficacy is still unsatisfactory when using PTT alone. Very recently, oxygen-independent free-radical generation based on thermodynamic therapy (TDT) has emerged as a potential powerful therapeutic strategy for hypoxic cancer therapy. Herein, in this work, an intelligent hypoxia-independent free radical nanogenerator (CuS/AIPH@MnO2, denoted as CAM) was fabricated by in situ coating manganese dioxide (MnO2) shell onto the surface of as 2,2-azobis[2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl) propane] dihydrochloride (AIPH)-loaded mesoporous hollow mesoporous copper sulfide (CuS). The local hyperthermal generated by CAM upon NIR laser irradiation not only permitted PTT, but also promoted the disintegration of AIPH for generation of oxygen-independent free radicals, exerting the advantages of combination therapy of PTT/TDT for effective tumor ablation. Simultaneously, both in vitro and in vivo results have demonstrated the synergistic therapeutic efficacy of PTT/TDT for remarkable tumor growth inhibition. In addition, the favorable biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity of the as-synthesized nanoparticles were verified both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, this work proposed an attractive and promising strategy in cancer therapy based on generation of oxygen-irrelevant toxic free radicals, which exhibits great potential for clinical translations in hypoxic tumor therapy.

Abstract Background The use of a tourniquet during high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a routine procedure, but there is currently no research on the benefits and potential risks of tourniquet use during HTO. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of tourniquet on perioperative blood loss, early functional recovery and complications in opening wedge HTO with modern tranexamic acid protocols. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent unilateral opening wedge HTO between January 2019 and September 2020. All patients were divided into two groups according to whether a tourniquet was applied during HTO. Patients in both groups received the same surgical procedures, tranexamic acid protocols and other perioperative treatments. Preoperative baseline data, intraoperative data, early postoperative recovery and all complications during the 3-month follow-up were collected and compared between the two groups. Results A total of 62 patients were enrolled in this study, including 32 in the tourniquet group and 30 in the non-tourniquet group. There was no significant difference in preoperative baseline data between the two groups (P > 0.05 in all). Intraoperative blood loss in the tourniquet group was significantly lower than that in the non-tourniquet group (80.22 ml versus 94.00 ml, P < 0.001), but there was no difference in total blood loss (187.39 ml versus 193.31 ml, P = 0.714). And no patient in either group required blood transfusion. In terms of early postoperative recovery, tourniquet use significantly increased pain scores and reduced knee range of motion on the first and second postoperative days, but there was no significant difference between the two groups at postoperative third day and third month. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of lower limb force line correction, length of stay, Knee Society Score or the incidence of complications during the 3-month follow-up (P > 0.05 in all). Conclusions In opening wedge HTO with modern tranexamic acid protocols, not using a tourniquet does not increase perioperative total blood loss or the risk of complications, but facilitates early postoperative recovery by reducing pain and increasing range of motion.

Abstract Background Nurses play a core role and encompass the main workforce in health care systems. Their role model of health promoting lifestyle behaviors (HPLB) would directly or indirectly affect their clients’ beliefs or attitudes of health promotion. There is limited evidence on HPLB in clinical registered nurses. The current study aimed to explore the HPLB and associated influencing factors among clinical registered nurses in China. Methods A multi-center cross-sectional anonymous online survey was conducted in 2020. Participants were asked to complete social demographic information as well as the revised Chinese edition of Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP). Independent-Sample T-Test, One-Way ANOVA, and categorical regression (optimal scaling regression) were the main methods to analyze the relationship between demographic data and the score of HPLB. Results 19,422 nurses were included in the study. The mean score of self-actualization, health responsibility/physical activity, nutrition, job safety, interpersonal support, and overall Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile were, 27.61(5.42) out of a score of 36, 22.71(7.77) out of a score of 44, 10.43(2.97) out of a score of 16, 22.05(3.97) out of a score of 28, 20.19(4.67) out of a score of 28, and 102.99 (19.93) out of a score of 144, respectively. There was a significant relationship among Hospital levels, working years, nightshift status, and monthly income per person, and mean score of all subscales and the overall HPLP (P