Age Estimation by Machine Learning and CT-Multiplanar Reformation of Cranial Sutures in Northern Chinese Han Adults.

OBJECTIVES: To establish age estimation models of northern Chinese Han adults using cranial suture images obtained by CT and multiplanar reformation (MPR), and to explore the applicability of cranial suture closure rule in age estimation of northern Chinese Han population. METHODS: The head CT samples of 132 northern Chinese Han adults aged 29-80 years were retrospectively collected. Volume reconstruction (VR) and MPR were performed on the skull, and 160 cranial suture tomography images were generated for each sample. Then the MPR images of cranial sutures were scored according to the closure grading criteria, and the mean closure grades of sagittal suture, coronal sutures (both left and right) and lambdoid sutures (both left and right) were calculated respectively. Finally taking the above grades as independent variables, the linear regression model and four machine learning models for age estimation (gradient boosting regression, support vector regression, decision tree regression and Bayesian ridge regression) were established for northern Chinese Han adults age estimation. The accuracy of each model was evaluated. RESULTS: Each cranial suture closure grade was positively correlated with age and the correlation of sagittal suture was the highest. All four machine learning models had higher age estimation accuracy than linear regression model. The support vector regression model had the highest accuracy among the machine learning models with a mean absolute error of 9.542 years. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of skull CT-MPR and machine learning model can be used for age estimation in northern Chinese Han adults, but it is still necessary to combine with other adult age estimation indicators in forensic practice.

Methods for improving imaging quality of a small-distance high-speed rotational reflection tracking system.

The imaging quality of a rotational reflection high-speed tracking system is greatly affected by the optical characteristics of the reflector and the depth of field limitations of the imaging system, especially for tracking systems working in small distances. In order to improve the imaging quality, this paper focused on two factors that affect the imaging quality: double vision caused by the optical characteristics of reflectors and blurring caused by the depth of field of imaging systems. This paper quantified the impact of these two factors on imaging through theoretical analysis, proposed a method of changing the hardware position, and conducted a simulation and experiments. The results show that the proposed solution in this paper can effectively improve the imaging quality of the system. The content studied in this paper has certain significance in the field of high-speed tracking of rotating reflectors and can provide reference for relevant researchers.

New insights into the mechanism of resistance to lenvatinib and strategies for lenvatinib sensitization in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Lenvatinib is a multikinase inhibitor that suppresses vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα), as well as the proto-oncogenes RET and KIT. Lenvatinib has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the first-line treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to its superior efficacy when compared to sorafenib. Unfortunately, the development of drug resistance to lenvatinib is becoming increasingly common. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify the factors that lead to drug resistance and ways to mitigate it. We summarize the molecular mechanisms that lead to lenvatinib resistance (LR) in HCC, which involve programmed cell death (PCD), translocation processes, and changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and provide strategies to reverse resistance.

Development of a tomato xylem-mimicking microfluidic system to study Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum biofilm formation.

The bacterial wilt pathogen Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum (Rps) colonizes plant xylem vessels and blocks the flow of xylem sap by its biofilm (comprising of bacterial cells and extracellular material), resulting in devastating wilt disease across many economically important host plants including tomatoes. The technical challenges of imaging the xylem environment, along with the use of artificial cell culture plates and media in existing in vitro systems, limit the understanding of Rps biofilm formation and its infection dynamics. In this study, we designed and built a microfluidic system that mimicked the physical and chemical conditions of the tomato xylem vessels, and allowed us to dissect Rps responses to different xylem-like conditions. The system, incorporating functional surface coatings of carboxymethyl cellulose-dopamine, provided a bioactive environment that significantly enhanced Rps attachment and biofilm formation in the presence of tomato xylem sap. Using computational approaches, we confirmed that Rps experienced linear increasing drag forces in xylem-mimicking channels at higher flow rates. Consistently, attachment and biofilm assays conducted in our microfluidic system revealed that both seeding time and flow rates were critical for bacterial adhesion to surface and biofilm formation inside the channels. These findings provided insights into the Rps attachment and biofilm formation processes, contributing to a better understanding of plant-pathogen interactions during wilt disease development.

Flexible terahertz phase shifter for optically controlled polydimethylsiloxane-vanadium dioxide composite film.

In the terahertz (THz) band, modulation research has become a focal point, with precise control of the phase shift of THz waves playing a pivotal role. In this study, we investigate the optical control of THz phase shift modulation in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-vanadium dioxide (VO2) flexible material using THz time-domain spectroscopy. Under the influence of an 808-nm continuous wave (CW) laser with power densities ranging from 0 to 2.74 W/cm2, the PDMS-VO2 flexible material exhibits significant phase shift modulation in the frequency range of 0.2 to 1.0 THz. The maximum optical-pumping phase shift reaches 0.27π rad at 1.0 THz in a composite material with a VO2 mass fraction of 5% and a thickness of 360 µm, and the amplitude transmittance from 0.2 THz to 1.0 THz exceeds 70%. Furthermore, the composite material exhibits good stability under at least 640 switching cycle times, as confirmed through repeatability tests. The proposed composite devices offer a new approach for more flexible phase shift modulation owing to the flexibility of the composite material and the non-contact and precise modulation of light control. Additionally, the stress-adjustable characteristics of flexible materials make them highly suitable for use in wearable THz modulators, highlighting their significant application potential.

Research Progress on Dental Age Estimation Based on MRI Technology.

Dental age estimation is a crucial aspect and one of the ways to accomplish forensic age estimation, and imaging technology is an important technique for dental age estimation. In recent years, some studies have preliminarily confirmed the feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating dental development, providing a new perspective and possibility for the evaluation of dental development, suggesting that MRI is expected to be a safer and more accurate tool for dental age estimation. However, further research is essential to verify its accuracy and feasibility. This article reviews the current state, challenges and limitations of MRI in dental development and age estimation, offering reference for the research of dental age assessment based on MRI technology.

Solid-Phase-Supported Chemoenzymatic Synthesis and Analysis of Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan Glycopeptides.

Proteoglycans (PGs), consisting of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) linked with the core protein through a tetrasaccharide linkage region, play roles in many important biological events. The chemical synthesis of PG glycopeptides is extremely challenging. In this work, the enzymes required for synthesis of chondroitin sulfate (CS) PG (CSPG) have been expressed and the suitable sequence of enzymatic reactions has been established. To expedite CSPG synthesis, the peptide acceptor was immobilized on solid phase and the glycan units were directly installed enzymatically onto the peptide. Subsequent enzymatic chain elongation and sulfation led to the successful synthesis of CSPG glycopeptides. The CS dodecasaccharide glycopeptide was the longest homogeneous CS glycopeptide synthesized to date. The enzymatic synthesis was much more efficient than the chemical synthesis of the corresponding CS glycopeptides, which could reduce the total number of synthetic steps by 80 %. The structures of the CS glycopeptides were confirmed by mass spectrometry analysis and NMR studies. In addition, the interactions between the CS glycopeptides and cathepsin G were studied. The sulfation of glycan chain was found to be important for binding with cathepsin G. This efficient chemoenzymatic strategy opens new avenues to investigate the structures and functions of PGs.

Experimental Study on Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Sandy Soil by Combining Microbial Mineralization Technology with Silty Soil.

Currently, coastal sandy soils face issues such as insufficient foundation strength, which has become one of the crucial factors constraining urban development. Geotechnical engineering, as a traditional discipline, breaks down disciplinary barriers, promotes interdisciplinary integration, and realizes the green ecological and low-carbon development of geotechnical engineering, which is highly important. Based on the "dual carbon" concept advocating a green and environmentally friendly lifestyle, Bacillus spores were utilized to induce calcium carbonate precipitation technology (MICP) to solidify coastal sandy soils, leveraging the rough-surface and low-permeability characteristics of silty soil. The mechanical-strength variations in the samples were explored through experiments, such as calcium carbonate generation rate tests, non-consolidated undrained triaxial shear tests, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) experiments, to investigate the MICP solidification mechanism. The results indicate that by incorporating silty soil into sandy soil for MICP solidification, the calcium carbonate generation rates of the samples were significantly increased. With the increase in the silty-soil content, the enhancement range was 0.58-3.62%, with the maximum calcium carbonate generation rate occurring at a 5% content level. As the silty-soil content gradually increased from 1% to 5%, the peak deviator stress increased by 4.2-43.2%, enhancing the sample shear strength. Furthermore, the relationship between the internal-friction angle, cohesion, and shear strength further validates the enhancement of the shear strength. Silty soil plays roles in adsorption and physical filling during the MICP solidification process, reducing the inter-particle pores in sandy soil, increasing the compactness, providing adsorption sites, and enhancing the calcium carbonate generation rate, thereby improving the shear strength. The research findings can provide guidance for reinforcing poor coastal sandy-soil foundations in various regions.

KIAA0040 enhances glioma growth by controlling the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway.

The role of KIAA0040 role in glioma development is not yet understood despite its connection to nervous system diseases. In this study, KIAA0040 expression levels were evaluated using qRT-PCR, WB and IHC, and functional assays were conducted to assess its impact on glioma progression, along with animal experiments. Moreover, WB was used to examine the impact of KIAA0040 on the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway. Our study found that KIAA0040 was increased in glioma and linked to tumour grade and poor clinical outcomes, serving as an independent prognostic factor. Functional assays showed that KIAA0040 enhances glioma growth, migration and invasion by activating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Of course, KIAA0040 enhances glioma growth by preventing tumour cell death and promoting cell cycle advancement. Our findings suggest that targeting KIAA0040 could be an effective treatment for glioma due to its role in promoting aggressive tumour behaviour and poor prognosis.

Clinical Application of Botulinum Toxin A on Nasal Reconstruction with Expanded Forehead Flap for Asian Patients.

BACKGROUND: Because of its unique advantages, frontal expansion has become a common tool for Asian nasal reconstruction, but it has the limitations of prolonging the duration and pain in the expansion area. Based on the fact that the denervation effect of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) has been widely used in the reconstruction of superficial organs, we hypothesized that BTX-A would shorten the length of nasal reconstruction sequence and alleviate the discomfort of patients. METHODS: A comparative retrospective study was conducted of consecutive patients underwent sequential treatment of nasal reconstruction between June 2010 and July 2012. Data on demographics, BTX-A injection plan and expansion duration were collected and analyzed. Phased pain intensity outcomes were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS). Photographs were collected during the follow-up period. RESULTS: Thirty patients were enrolled in the study; 15 (50%) with and 15 (50%) without BTX-A pre-injection. Demographic data were homogeneous. The duration of the observation group (BTX-A pretreated) (133.87 ± 13.64 days) was significantly shortened versus the control group (164.27 ± 14.08 days, P<0.001). At the initial stage, no significant difference was found in the VAS scores (P=0.64). At the medium stage, the VAS score of the observation group (2.07 ± 0.80) was significantly lower than the control group (3.00 ± 0.53, P<0.01). At the terminal stage, the VAS score of the observation group (1.93 ± 0.59) was significantly lower than the control group (2.73 ± 0.70) but with a narrower disparity. CONCLUSION: Pre-injection of BTX-A is effective in shortening the duration of the expansion phase, as well as relieving the pain associated with expansion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: The journal asks authors to assign a level of evidence to each article. For a complete description of Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, see the Table of Contents or the online Instructions for Authors at www.springer.com/00266 .

Building Uniformly Structured Polymer Memristors via a 2D Conjugation Strategy for Neuromorphic Computing.

Polymer memristors represent a highly promising avenue for the advancement of next-generation computing systems. However, the intrinsic structural heterogeneity characteristic of most polymers often results in organic polymer memristors displaying erratic resistive switching phenomena, which in turn lead to diminished production yields and compromised reliability. In this study, a 2D conjugated polymer, named PBDTT-BPQTPA, is synthesized by integrating the coplanar bis(thiophene)-4,8-dihydrobenzo[1,2-b:4,5-b]dithiophene (BDTT) as an electron-donating unit with a quinoxaline derivative serving as an electron-accepting unit. The incorporation of triphenylamine groups at the quinoxaline termini significantly enhances the polymer's conjugation and planarity, thereby facilitating more efficient charge transport. The fabricated polymer memristor with the structure of Al/PBDTT-BPQTPA/ITO exhibits typical non-volatile resistive switching behavior under high voltage conditions, along with history-dependent memristive properties at lower voltages. The unique memristive behavior of the device enables the simulation of synaptic enhancement/inhibition, learning algorithms, and memory operations. Additionally, the memristor demonstrates its capability for executing logical operations and handling decimal calculations. This study offers a promising and innovative approach for the development of artificial neuromorphic computing systems.

Tunneled Paranasal Augmentation Using Diced Autologous Costal Cartilage in Asian Rhinoplasty: A Comparative Study.

Due to the prevalence of anterior maxilla dysplasia in Asian population, paranasal concavity is a common accompaniment to low nose, but its impact on facial harmonization is often underestimated. A retrospective comparative study was conducted on patients diagnosed as low nose with paranasal concavity between June 2017 and June 2021, with a total of 56 patients followed up successfully. The control and observation groups were established according to whether the paranasal augmentation was performed. Demographic data were collected. Cosmetic enhancement was quantitatively evaluated by sagittal planimetry, establishing related anatomical landmarks and measuring columella base prominence (CBP) and alar base prominence (ABP). Subjective evaluation concluded the patient-reported satisfaction (FACE-Q-Rhinoplasty Module and Facial Appearance Module) and the third-party physician assessment (Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, GAIS).Significant improvements in CBP and ABP were reported both in the control and the observation group (p < 0.01). In postoperative intergroup comparisons, the observation group was superior to the control group regarding ABP values (2.5 ± 0.75 degrees, p < 0.01), FACE-Q-Facial scores (7.49 ± 3.70, p < 0.05), and GAIS scores (p < 0.05). However, no statistical difference was found in CBP values and FACE-Q-Rhinoplasty scores. Paranasal augmentation-related complications included asymmetry of alar bases (6.9%) and facial or intraoral foreign body sensation (34.5%). This study affirmed that paranasal augmentation using diced costal cartilage in rhinoplasty is a safe procedure effective in remedying paranasal concavity and improving facial satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: IV.

Simultaneous determination of diquat, paraquat, glufosinate, and glyphosate in plasma by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry: from method development to clinical application.

Diquat (DQ), paraquat (PQ), glufosinate (GLU), and glyphosate (GLYP) are commonly used herbicides that have been confirmed to be toxic to humans. Rapid and accurate measurements of these toxicants in clinical practice are beneficial for the correct diagnosis and timely treatment of herbicide-poisoned patients. The present study aimed to establish an efficient, convenient, and reliable method to achieve the simultaneous quantification of DQ, PQ, GLU, and GLYP in human plasma using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) without using derivatization or ion-pairing reagents. DQ, PQ, GLU, and GLYP were extracted by the rapid protein precipitation and liquid-liquid extraction method and then separated and detected by LC-MS/MS. Subsequently, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), precision, accuracy, extraction recovery, matrix effect, dilution integrity, and stability were evaluated to validate the method based on the FDA criteria. Finally, the validated method was applied to real plasma samples collected from 166 Chinese patients with herbicide poisoning. The results showed satisfactory linearity with low LOD (1 ng/mL for DQ and PQ, 5 ng/mL for GLU, and 10 ng/mL for GLYP, respectively) and low LOQ (5 ng/mL for DQ and PQ, 25 ng/mL for GLU and GLYP, respectively). In addition, the precision, accuracy, extraction recovery, and stability of the method were acceptable. The matrix effect was not observed in the analyzed samples. Moreover, the developed method was successfully applied to determine the target compounds in real plasma samples. These data provided reliable evidence for the application of this LC-MS/MS method for clinical poisoning detection.

High-speed target tracking control system based on short-time rotational reflection imaging.

High-speed tracking technology has wide applications in the military and aerospace industry. However, existing approaches, such as camera arrays or Doppler radar systems, suffer from high cost and inconvenience. This paper reports a high-speed target tracking control system based on short-time rotational reflection imaging, specifically aimed at overcoming certain limitations. In the system we designed, a high-speed camera coupled with a rotating reflector is used to achieve reliable high-speed target tracking. This paper first introduces the working principle and mathematical model of the system, then analyzes the key technologies, including motor response delay time and rotational speed curve fitting, and, finally, verifies the feasibility of the system and the correctness of the theory based on a series of experiments. Experimental results demonstrated that our work is efficient and accurate in target tracking and image clarity. The developed system demonstrates significant potential for widespread use across military and aerospace sectors. Furthermore, the insights gained from our investigation into key technologies could act as a reference point for fellow researchers in related scientific areas.

Broadband light absorption by a hemispherical concentric nanoshell array.

Achieving highly efficient broadband absorption is an important research area in nanophotonics. In this paper, a novel method is proposed to design broadband near-perfect absorbers, consisting of a four-layer hemispherical concentric nanoshell array. The proposed nanostructure supports absorptivity exceeding 95% in the entire visible region, and the absorption bandwidth is determined by the interaction or 'hybridization' of the plasmons of the inner and outer metal-based nanoshells. Moreover, the designed absorber has wide-angle capability and is insensitive to polarization. The simple structure, as well as the stable absorption properties, suggests that such core-shell nanostructures can serve as a potential candidate for many applications such as solar energy harvesting, photo-detection, and emissivity control.

[Advances of studies on culture and product functions of Euglena gracilis].

Euglena gracilis is a unicellular eukaryote between animal and plant cells, which is widely distributed in nature. E. gracilis has both plant and animal characteristics, and can grow photoautotrophically, heterotrophically and mixotrophically. E. gracilis also features on abundant and various cellular composition. Recently, extensive researches on unique cellular components of E. gracilis have revealed its application in the field of medicine, food, and feedstuff, in terms of improving immunity, fighting inflammation, and lowering uric acid levels. The application prospects of paramylon in biomedical area were also discovered. As food ingredients, food additives, feedstuffs and cosmetic ingredients, E. gracilis has been certified domestically and overseas. A series of products have been developed overseas, especially in Japan. However, the research and development of E. gracilis are still in its infancy in China, and there is huge space for development. At present, the research and potential application of cultivation and product functions of E. gracilis have been rarely reviewed. This review systematically examines both the domestic and abroad research of cultivation and production of E. gracilis, as well as the biological activity of E. gracilis powder and paramylon. The existing problems in the application, exploitation, and possible development direction of E. gracilis in the future are prospected. This review might be useful for establishing and optimizing large-scale and efficient heterotrophic technology, as well as developing related products of E. gracilis with specific functions.

The relay graft, a tailored supplement between the nasal hump and established tip in East Asian rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: In East Asian individuals, the nasal bone already has sufficient height for an ideal dorsal profile, but the tip requires enhancement for a desired projection. Consequently, the gap between the intrinsic bony structure and the established nasal tip requires appropriate management. The options are either to reduce the keystone region to create a smooth bed for a conventional dorsal onlay graft or to preserve the original osseocartilaginous structures and then customize a supplementary graft. The aim of this study was to detail and validate the utilization of a relay graft, a transition graft that fills the structural gap between the upper dorsum and established tip graft. The proper application of this graft could prevent osteotomy and preserve the intrinsic dorsum. METHODS: Relay grafts were applied during rib-based rhinoplasty in East Asian patients. Three-dimensional stereophotogrammetric evaluations of the patients were performed. Anthropometric points were analyzed in a blinded fashion. Outcome variables were tip projection improvement, radix elevation, and the angulation of kyphion and pronasale. RESULTS: Fifteen female patients, ranging in age from 21 to 40 years (average 24.5 years), were included. In all cases, the relay graft was applied as one essential element for filling the structural gap. No crooked dorsal profile or visible graft was noted in all cases. Fifteen patients completed the pre- and postoperative stereophotogrammetric study. Postoperative analysis showed great improvement of tip position as well as a slight elevation of the radix, evidenced by the consistent change of kyphion/pronasale angulation and sellion elevation. CONCLUSIONS: The relay graft effectively mitigates the necessity of a disruptive dorsal reduction. It is entirely possible for East Asians to achieve a smooth dorsal profile when only the lower half of the dorsum is transitioned to the proposed tip position. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Bone age assessment based on different MRI modalities of the proximal humerus epiphysis: the comparisons of T1WI, T2WI, and PDWI.

Bone age assessment (BAA) is crucial in various fields, including legal proceedings, athletic competitions, and clinical medicine. However, the use of X-ray methods for age estimation without medical indication is subject to ethical debate, especially in forensic and athletic fields. The application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with non-ionizing radiation can overcome this limitation in BAA. This study aimed to compare the application value of several MRI modalities of proximal humeral in BAA. A total of 468 patients with shoulder MRIs were retrospectively collected from a Chinese Han population aged 12-30 years (259 males and 209 females) for training and testing, including T1 weighted MRI (T1WI), T2 weighted MRI (T2WI), and Proton density weighted MRI (PDWI). Optimal regression models were established for age estimation, yielding mean absolute error (MAE) values below 2.0 years. The MAE values of T1WI were the lowest, with 1.700 years in males and 1.798 years in females. The area under the curve (AUC) and accuracy values of different MRI modalities of 16-year and 18-year thresholds were all around 0.9. For the 18-year threshold, T1WI outperformed T2WI and PDWI. In conclusion, the three MRI modalities of the proximal humerus can serve as reliable indicators for age assessment, while the T1WI performed better in age assessment and classification.

Machine Learning Supported the Modified Gustafson's Criteria for Dental Age Estimation in Southwest China.

Adult age estimation is one of the most challenging problems in forensic science and physical anthropology. In this study, we aimed to develop and evaluate machine learning (ML) methods based on the modified Gustafson's criteria for dental age estimation. In this retrospective study, a total of 851 orthopantomograms were collected from patients aged 15 to 40 years old. The secondary dentin formation (SE), periodontal recession (PE), and attrition (AT) of four mandibular premolars were analyzed according to the modified Gustafson's criteria. Ten ML models were generated and compared for age estimation. The partial least squares regressor outperformed other models in males with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 4.151 years. The support vector regressor (MAE = 3.806 years) showed good performance in females. The accuracy of ML models is better than the single-tooth model provided in the previous studies (MAE = 4.747 years in males and MAE = 4.957 years in females). The Shapley additive explanations method was used to reveal the importance of the 12 features in ML models and found that AT and PE are the most influential in age estimation. The findings suggest that the modified Gustafson method can be effectively employed for adult age estimation in the southwest Chinese population. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential of machine learning models to assist experts in achieving accurate and interpretable age estimation.

Adult age estimation from the sternum using maximum intensity projection images of CT and data mining in a Chinese population.

This study aimed to explore and develop data mining models for adult age estimation based on CT reconstruction images from the sternum. Maximum intensity projection (MIP) images of chest CT were retrospectively collected from a modern Chinese population, and data from 2700 patients (1349 males and 1351 females) aged 20 to 70 years were obtained. A staging technique within four indicators was applied. Several data mining models were established, and mean absolute error (MAE) was the primary comparison parameter. The intraobserver and interobserver agreement levels were good. Within internal validation, the optimal data mining model obtained the lowest MAE of 9.08 in males and 10.41 in females. For the external validation (N = 200), MAEs were 7.09 in males and 7.15 in females. In conclusion, the accuracy of our model for adult age estimation was among similar studies. MIP images of the sternum could be a potential age indicator. However, it should be combined with other indicators since the accuracy level is still unsatisfactory.