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Abstract Background The high prevalence of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in the United States necessitates further investigation into its impact on complications associated with total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study utilizes a large nationwide database to explore risk factors in DKD cases undergoing THA. Methods This research utilized a case–control design, leveraging data from the national inpatient sample for the years 2016 to 2019. Employing propensity score matching (PSM), patients diagnosed with DKD were paired on a 1:1 basis with individuals free of DKD, ensuring equivalent age, sex, race, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI), and insurance coverage. Subsequently, comparisons were drawn between these PSM-matched cohorts, examining their characteristics and the incidence of post-THA complications. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was then employed to evaluate the risk of early complications after surgery. Results DKD's prevalence in the THA cohort was 2.38%. A 7-year age gap separated DKD and non-DKD patients (74 vs. 67 years, P

Background Salidroside has been shown to protect diabetic kidney disease (DKD) rats, however, whether it is equally effective in a hypoxic environment and the specific mechanism of action remain unclear. Objective To observe the effects of salidroside on biochemical parameters, renal tissue pathological lesion, and the expression of cell pyroptosis-related proteins in a rat model of DKD under hypoxia, and explore its mechanisms of action. Methods From March 2022 to March 2023, forty 6-week-old SPF-grade SD male rats were used, with eight randomly selected as the control group, the remaining were modeled. Twenty-four DKD model rats were randomly divided into three groups of the model group, salidroside group, and salidroside+nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) activator group for intervention, with 8 in each group. After the intervention, blood was collected from the abdominal aorta for biochemical parameter testing, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe renal pathological changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of interleukin (IL) 1β and IL-18. Western blotting was used to measure the expression levels of Caspase-1, Gasdermin D (GSDMD), NLRP3, and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in renal tissue. Results The body weight of the rats after modeling was significantly lower than that of the control group (P

The existing sealing methods for goaf along gob-side entry retaining mainly focus on building sealing walls and sealing wall cracks. The construction period is long and repeated, which consumes a lot of labor costs, has a low degree of automation, and is prone to secondary damage. In order to solve the above problems, an automatic sealing system for goaf along gob-side entry retaining has been designed. The system uses flexible sealing airbags as carriers, placing uninflated airbags between the sealing wall and individual hydraulic pillars in the goaf. The system inflates the airbags to make them in contact with the roof and floor of the goaf and the outer side of the sealing wall in the goaf. The intelligent perception of mine pressure causes deformation of the surrounding rock of the roadway, and the shape of the airbag changes flexibly at any time. That is, when the internal pressure of the airbag rises and exceeds the rated pressure of the safety relief valve, it automatically releases the airbag gas to reduce the volume. The airbag re tightly adheres to the roof and floor surrounding rock. It achieves the effect of continuous sealing of the goaf and suppresses the leakage of dangerous gases in the goaf. The on-site test results show that the safety relief valve opens normally when the internal pressure of the flexible sealing airbag reaches about 4 kPa and stops venting when it reaches about 2.7 kPa. Flexible sealing equipment can sense changes in pressure and shrink its volume to adapt to the shape of surrounding rock, allowing for long-term and sustained sealing of goaf. After the installation of flexible sealing equipment, it has a high degree of adhesion with the sealing wall in the goaf. The volume fraction of gas in front of the sealing wall is reduced by 0.13%, effectively suppressing gas overflow.

Abstract Background Adolescent malignant-bone tumor patients' fear of cancer recurrence is a significant psychological issue, and exploring the influencing factors associated with fear of cancer recurrence in this population is important for developing effective interventions. This study is to investigate the current status and factors influencing fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) related to malignant bone-tumors in adolescent patients, providing evidence for future targeted mental health support and interventions. Design A cross-sectional survey. Methods In total, 269 adolescent malignant-bone tumor cases were treated at two hospitals in Zhejiang Province, China from January 2023 to December 2023. Patients completed a General Information Questionnaire, Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF), Family Hardiness Index (FHI), and a Simple Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ). Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions analysis were used to assess fear of cancer recurrence. Results A total of 122 (45.4%) patients experienced FCR (FoP-Q-SF ≥ 34). Logistic regression analysis analyses showed that per capita-monthly family income, tumor stage, communication between the treating physician and the patient, patient's family relationships, family hardiness a positive coping score, and a negative coping score were the main factors influencing FCR in these patients (P

Background: Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is a highly invasive pulmonary malignancy with an extremely poor prognosis. The results of previous studies suggest that ubiquitin-specific peptidase 9X (USP9X) contributes to the progression of numerous types of cancer. Nevertheless, there is little knowledge about the molecular mechanisms and functions of USP9X in the metastasis of PSC. Methods: Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to detect USP9X expression levels in PSC tissues and cells. Wound healing, transwell, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), tube formation, and aortic ring assays were used to examine the function and mechanism of USP9X in the metastasis of PSC. Results: Expression of USP9X was markedly decreased and significantly correlated with metastasis and prognosis of patients with PSC. Then we revealed that USP9X protein levels were negatively associated with the levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and the migration of PSC cells. It was confirmed that USP9X in PSC cells reduced VEGF secretion and inhibited tubule formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro. USP9X was detected to downregulate MMP9. Meanwhile, MMP9 was positively related to EMT, angiogenesis and was negatively related to immune infiltration in the public databases. USP9X was significantly negatively associated with the expression of MMP9, EMT markers, CD31, and positively associated with CD4, and CD8 in PSC tissues. Conclusion: The present study reveals the vital role of USP9X in regulating EMT, angiogenesis and immune infiltration and inhibiting metastasis of PSC via downregulating MMP9, which provides a new effective therapeutic target for PSC.

IntroductionThe trend of human migration to terrestrial high altitudes (HA) has been increasing over the years. However, no published prospective studies exist with follow-up periods exceeding 1 month to investigate the cardiac change. This prospective study aimed to investigate the changes in cardiac structure and function in healthy young male lowlanders following long-term migration to HA.MethodsA total of 122 Chinese healthy young males were divided into 2 groups: those migrating to altitudes between 3600 m and 4000 m (low HA group, n = 65) and those migrating to altitudes between 4000 m and 4700 m (high HA group, n = 57). Traditional echocardiographic parameters were measured at sea level, 1 month and 1 year after migration to HA.ResultsAll 4 cardiac chamber dimensions, areas, and volumes decreased after both 1 month and 1 year of HA exposure. This reduction was more pronounced in the high HA group than in the low HA group. Bi-ventricular diastolic function decreased after 1 month of HA exposure, while systolic function decreased after 1 year. Notably, these functional changes were not significantly influenced by altitude differences. Dilation of the pulmonary artery and a progressive increase in pulmonary artery systolic pressure were observed with both increasing exposure time and altitude. Additionally, a decreased diameter of the inferior vena cava and reduced bicuspid and tricuspid blood flow velocity indicated reduced blood flow following migration to the HA.Discussion1 year of migration to HA is associated with decreased blood volume and enhanced hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. These factors contribute to reduced cardiac chamber size and slight declines in bi-ventricular function.

Mechanical engineering of 2D materials allows continuous and reversible modulation of their electronic and photonic properties. Although photoluminescence (PL) measurement is an effective way to monitor the effects of mechanical forces on 2D semiconductors, there is currently a lack of techniques to enhance PL signals during stress application. This study presents an innovative mechanical engineering approach that integrates a dielectric microsphere as an atomic force microscopy (AFM) probe into a Raman-AFM system. Force–distance curve tests and COMSOL simulations were performed to analyze and estimate the compressive stress exerted by the microsphere. Importantly, the PL signals of transition metal dichalcogenides subjected to microsphere probe's force were enhanced and reveal distinct mechanical responses depending on the substrate rigidity: compressive pressures for rigid substrates and tensile strains for flexible ones. Notably, this strategy not only amplifies spectral signals in real time but also achieves fine stress modulation in the precise targeted material region, demonstrating its superiority in sensitive mechanical engineering applications. Our work offers a new avenue for the deliberate design of mechanical strains in 2D materials, which is crucial for optimizing the performance of related devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin 17A (IL-17A) is a key cytokine promoting osteoblast formation, which contributes to osteogenesis. IL-17A functions in autophagy inhibition within osteoblasts. Metallothionein-2 (MT-2), as an important reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging molecule, prevents oxidative stress from damaging osteoblast formation. The relationship between IL-17A-regulated autophagy and MT-2 production under oxidative stress deserves further exploration. In this study, we first investigated the roles of IL-17A in osteoblastic differentiation and ROS production in osteoblast precursors in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Next, we explored the effects of IL-17A on autophagic activity and MT-2 protein expression in osteoblast precursors in the presence of H2O2. Ultimately, by using autophagic pharmacological agonist (rapamycin) and lentiviral transduction technology, the relationship between autophagy, IL-17A-regulated MT-2 protein expression and IL-17A-regulated ROS production was further elucidated. Our results showed that in the presence of H2O2, IL-17A promoted osteoblastic differentiation and inhibited ROS production. Moreover, in the presence of H2O2, IL-17A inhibited autophagic activity and promoted MT-2 protein expression in osteoblast precursors. Importantly, IL-17A-promoted MT-2 protein levels and -inhibited ROS production were reversed by autophagy activation with rapamycin. Furthermore, IL-17A-inhibited ROS production were blocked by MT-2 silencing. In conclusion, IL-17A promotes ROS clearance by inhibiting autophagic degradation of MT-2, thereby protecting osteoblast formation from oxidative stress.

Next-generation advanced high/pulsed power capacitors urgently require dielectric materials with outstanding energy storage performance. Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-based lead-free materials exhibit high polarization, but the high remanent polarization and large polarization hysteresis limit their applications in dielectric capacitors. Herein, high-entropy perovskite relaxor ferroelectrics (Na0.2Bi0.2Ba0.2Sr0.2Ca0.2)(Ti1−x%Zrx%)O3 are designed by adding multiple ions in the A-site and replacing the B-site Ti4+ with a certain amount of Zr4+. The newly designed system showed high relaxor feature and slim polarization–electric (P–E) loops. Especially, improved relaxor feature and obviously delayed polarization saturation were found with the increasing of Zr4+. Of particular importance is that both high recoverable energy storage density of 6.6 J/cm3 and energy efficiency of 93.5% were achieved under 550 kV/cm for the ceramics of x = 6, accompanying with excellent frequency stability, appreciable thermal stability, and prosperous discharge property. This work not only provides potential dielectric materials for energy storage applications, but also offers an effective strategy to obtain dielectric ceramics with ultrahigh comprehensive energy storage performance to meet the demanding requirements of advanced energy storage applications.

Background: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an escalating global health concern, is a primary factor behind cirrhosis, liver transplantation, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Effective treatments remain elusive. Danggui-Shaoyao-San (DGSY), a classic famous prescription employed in treating NASH, could hold promise, although its molecular underpinnings are still under investigation. This study undertakes an exploration of the impacts of DGSY on NASH and seeks to illuminate the mechanisms at play. Methods: UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS was employed to identify compounds within DGSY. Mice underwent a 25-week regimen of HFHC diet and high-sugar water, with 4 weeks of DGSY treatment for efficacy and pathogenic mechanism exploration in vivo. L02 cells were cultured with 0.2 mM FFA for 24 h, exposed to DGSY at 1 mg/ml and 2 mg/ml for efficacy and pathogenic mechanism exploration in vitro. Using online databases, we sought potential targets for NASH treatment, and through PPI networks, identified key targets. Expression levels of genes and proteins were examined by western blotting, RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence staining. Results: Thirty-four compounds were identified within DGSY. DGSY brought about marked reductions in biochemical indicators and yielded significant improvements in NASH mice histological features. Additionally, it mitigated hepatic steatosis and inflammation both in vivo and in vitro. The top 10 targets from two network pharmacology analyses, one focusing on structural prediction and the other on literature mining, identified APOE and APP as potential therapeutic targets for DGSY in NASH treatment. PCR validation confirmed that DGSY reduced APP expression after treatment, and further investigation revealed that DGSY significantly suppressed hepatic APP and Aβ expression, indicating its effectiveness in treating NASH. Furthermore, it inhibited Aβ-induced Cathepsin B lysosomal release, reducing hepatic inflammation. Conclusion: Danggui-Shaoyao-San has anti-steatohepatitis effects in ameliorating hepatic APP protein expression, reducing hepatic lysosomal CTSB release, and suppressing hepatic NF-κB activation. The study provided a more theoretical basis for the future clinical application of DGSY.

Background: This study aims to investigate the correlation between serum levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferong (IFN-g) and the clinical prognosis of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Additionally, the study aims to analyse the risk factors associated with this correlation. Methods: The clinical data of 195 NPC patients admitted to our hospital from October 2020 to October 2022 were selected for a retrospective study. Based on the Glasgow score, patients were divided into two groups: the good prognosis group (group g), consisting of patients who scored 0 points, and the poor prognosis group (group p), consisting of patients who scored 1-2 points. The levels of serum IL-2 and IFN-g were compared between the two groups, and the clinical values of serum IL-2 and IFN-g in the prognosis of patients were analysed. The clinical parameters of the patients were collected, and the risk factors affecting the prognosis of NPC were analysed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Among 195 patients, 125 were in group g, and 70 were in group p. The levels of IL-2 and IFN-g in group g were higher than in group p (P

Abstract Realgar-Indigo naturalis formula (RIF), an oral traditional Chinese medicine mainly containing Realgar (As4S4), is highly effective in treating adult acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, the treatment efficacy and safety of RIF have not been verified in pediatric patients. SCCLG-APL group conducted a multicenter randomized non-inferiority trial to determine whether intravenous arsenic trioxide (ATO) can be substituted by oral RIF in treating pediatric APL. Of 176 eligible patients enrolled, 91 and 85 were randomized to ATO and RIF groups, respectively. Patients were treated with the risk-adapted protocol. Induction, consolidation, and 96-week maintenance treatment contained all-trans-retinoic acid and low-intensity chemotherapy, and either ATO or RIF. The primary endpoint was 5-year event-free survival (EFS). The secondary endpoints were adverse events and hospital days. After a median 6-year follow-up, the 5-year EFS was 97.6% in both groups. However, the RIF group had significantly shorter hospital stays and lower incidence of infection and tended to have less cardiac toxicity. All 4 relapses occurred within 1.5 years after completion of maintenance therapy. No long-term arsenic retentions were observed in either group. Substituting oral RIF for ATO maintains treatment efficacy while reducing hospitalization and adverse events in treating pediatric APL patients, which may be a future treatment strategy for APL.

In order to improve the quality of early indica rice flour products by using endogenous proteins to regulate its physicochemical properties, this paper studied the effects of removing endogenous proteins with different solubility (albumin, globulin, prolamin and oryzenin) on the solubility, swelling capacity, and pasting properties of the early indica rice flour, as well as on its water binding state, rheological properties and freeze-thaw stability after pasting. The results showed that the removal of globulin and oryzenin could improve the solubility of the early indica rice flour, while the removal of prolamin and oryzenin could improve its swelling capacity under high temperature. The removal of albumin made the peak viscosity, final viscosity, breakdown value and setback value of the early indica rice flour decrease by 16%, 21%, 50% and 43%, respectively. The removal of globulin could increased its gelatinization temperature and decreased its peak viscosity, while the removal of prolamin was the opposite. The removal of oryzenin made its peak viscosity, and final viscosity decrease by 22% and 12%, respectively, as well as made its breakdown value and setback value increase by 49% and 53%, respectively. The removal of oryzenin made the weak bound water content of the early indica rice flour decrease by 14% after pasting. The removal of both globulin and oryzenin could increase its water binding strength after pasting, while the removal of prolamin was the opposite. The removal of prolamin made the solid-like state of the early indica rice flour enhance by 20% after pasting. The removal of both globulin and oryzenin could decrease its elasticity after pasting, while the removal of prolamin was the opposite. The removal of globulin and oryzenin made the freeze-thaw stability of the early indica rice flour decrease by 121% and 56%, respectively, after pasting. This study would provide an important reference for improving the quality of early indica rice flour products by using endogenous proteins with different solubility.