Trajectories and Predictors of Weight-Bearing and Non-Weight-Bearing Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis: A 9-Year Follow-Up Study.

Objective: To identify distinct developmental trajectories of weight-bearing pain (WBP) and non-weight-bearing pain (NWBP) and examine the trajectory predictors in individuals with or at risk of knee osteoarthritis. Methods: We included 971 participants from the Osteoarthritis Initiative whose baseline magnetic resonance imaging data and 9-year follow-up data on pain were available. We applied group-based trajectory modeling to identify WBP and NWBP trajectories over 9 years. Univariate and multivariate multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the predictors of identified trajectories. Results: Three distinct WBP trajectories were identified: "no pain" (32.4%), "mild pain" (44.6%), and "moderate pain" (23%). Three distinct NWBP trajectories were identified: "no pain" (50.9%), "mild pain" (33.4%), and "moderate pain" (15.7%). In multivariate analyses, high body mass index, depression, multisite pain, radiographic knee OA, and comorbidities were associated with worse development trajectories for WBP and NWBP. Weak quadriceps strength and bone marrow lesion were only associated with worse WBP trajectories, whereas low education level was only associated with worse NWBP trajectories. Conclusion: The developmental course of pain is heterogeneous in WBP or NWBP. Quadriceps strength and bone marrow leisure may be WBP-specific predictors, whereas education level may be a NWBP-specific predictor. The assessment of knee pain should be more accurate, which may help select appropriate therapeutic targets.

Locoregional interventional therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: radiologic and clinical factors predictive of untreatable progression and time to untreatable progression.

Objective: In this retrospective cohort study, independent risk factors that influence untreatable progression (UP) and time to UP (TTUP) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after locoregional interventional therapy were examined. The effects of initial response and best response on UP occurrence and TTUP after locoregional interventional therapy were evaluated. Methods: Data were collected from HCC patients who were initially treated with the drug-eluting beads-transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) procedure at our hospital from January 2017 to December 2022. Modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (m-RECIST) was used to evaluate the radiologic response of tumors. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors for UP in patients, and Cox regression analysis was used to discover independent variables that influenced TTUP. Results: A total of 93 patients who initially underwent the DEB-TACE procedure were included. Subsequent to initial treatment, 50 patients continued with DEB-TACE treatment, while 43 received DEB-TACE and sequential thermal ablation treatment. The probability of developing UP was 82.8% (n = 77). Furthermore, 49 (52.7%) patients achieved an initial response, and 70 (75.3%) achieved the best response. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed three independent risk factors of UP, namely, age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.950, p = 0.044); initial response (OR: 0.177, p = 0.020); and treatment regimen (OR: 7.133, p = 0.007). Multivariate Cox regression found that total bilirubin (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.029, p = 0.002), tumor distribution (HR: 1.752, p = 0.034), Subjective Angiographic Chemoembolization Endpoint (SACE) classification (HR: 0.668, p = 0.043), number of tumors (HR: 1.130, p = 0.004), initial response (HR: 0.539, p = 0.019), and treatment regimen (HR: 4.615, p < 0.001) were independent variables that influenced TTUP. Conclusions: Age, initial response, and treatment regimen significantly affected the occurrence of UP in HCC patients. Initial response, SACE classification, treatment regimen, total bilirubin, number of tumors, and tumor distribution were significantly correlated with TTUP. The initial response following locoregional interventional therapy had greater effects on UP occurrence and TTUP than the best response.

Trajectories of pain and their associations with long-term cognitive decline in older adults: evidence from two longitudinal cohorts.

BACKGROUND: Pain is a dynamic experience that varies over time, but it remains unknown whether trajectories of pain are associated with subsequent cognitive decline. The purpose of this study was to identify distinct trajectories of pain presence and activity-limiting pain and investigate their longitudinal associations with the rate of subsequent cognitive decline in older adults. METHODS: A total of 5685 participants from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) and 7619 participants from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were included. Pain presence trajectories were identified over eight years in the ELSA and 10 years in the HRS, while trajectories of activity-limiting pain were identified over 10 years in the HRS. We utilised linear mixed-effects models to investigate the long-term relationship between pain trajectories and the rate of cognitive decline across various domains, including memory, orientation, executive function and global cognition. RESULTS: Three pain presence trajectories were identified. Moderate-increasing and high-stable groups exhibited steeper declines in global cognition than the low-stable group. Furthermore, individuals in the moderate-increasing group experienced a more rapid decline in executive function, while the high-stable group showed a faster decline in orientation function. Two trajectories of activity-limiting pain were identified, with the moderate-increasing group experiencing a faster decline in orientation function and global cognition. CONCLUSIONS: The trajectories of both pain presence and activity-limiting pain are linked to the rate of subsequent cognitive decline among older people. Interventions for specific pain trajectories might help to delay the decline rate of cognition in specific domains.

Effects of combined morbid insomnia and sleep apnea on long-term cardiovascular risk and all-cause mortality in elderly patients: a prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: It is reported that insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increase the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to analyze the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in elderly patients with comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (COMISA). METHODS: We included 868 elderly patients with OSA who underwent sleep monitoring at a multicenter sleep room from January 2015 to October 2017. We collected demographic data, clinical features, medical history, sleep parameters, and laboratory findings. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to identify the relationship between COMISA and adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: There were 181 elderly patients with COMISA. The median follow-up was 43 months, during which we observed major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in 90 patients. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve indicated a significant relationship between COMISA and MACE (Plog Rank < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that COMISA increased the incidence of MACE (HR = 2.328, 95% CI: 1.349-4.018, P = 0.002), hospitalization for unstable angina (HR = 2.915, 95% CI: 1.397-6.081, P = 0.004), and the combination of all events (HR = 2.301, 95% CI: 1.393-3.803, P = 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in cardiovascular death, all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, or hospitalized heart failure in patients with COMISA (P > 0.05). Subgroup analyses showed that among COMISA patients, male sex (HR = 2.800, 95% CI: 1.458-5.377, P = 0.002), age < 70 years (HR = 4.050, 95% CI: 2.022-8.115, P < 0.001), and overweight and obesity (HR = 2.482, 95% CI: 1.383-4.453, P = 0.002) were associated with a higher risk of MACE. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that COMISA increased the risk of MACE, unstable angina, and the compound occurrence of all events. Male, overweight or obese COMISA patients under 70 years of age have an increased risk of MACE.

Association between pain interference and motoric cognitive risk syndrome in older adults: a population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is a pre-dementia condition characterized by subjective complaints in cognition and slow gait. Pain interference has previously been linked with cognitive deterioration; however, its specific relationship with MCR remains unclear. We aimed to examine how pain interference is associated with concurrent and incident MCR. METHODS: This study included older adults aged ≥ 65 years without dementia from the Health and Retirement Study. We combined participants with MCR information in 2006 and 2008 as baseline, and the participants were followed up 4 and 8 years later. The states of pain interference were divided into 3 categories: interfering pain, non-interfering pain, and no pain. Logistic regression analysis was done at baseline to examine the associations between pain interference and concurrent MCR. During the 8-year follow-up, Cox regression analysis was done to investigate the associations between pain interference and incident MCR. RESULTS: The study included 7120 older adults (74.6 ± 6.7 years; 56.8% females) at baseline. The baseline prevalence of MCR was 5.7%. Individuals with interfering pain had a significantly increased risk of MCR (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.17-1.95; p = 0.001). The longitudinal analysis included 4605 participants, and there were 284 (6.2%) MCR cases on follow-up. Participants with interfering pain at baseline had a higher risk for MCR at 8 years of follow-up (HR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.52-2.69; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Older adults with interfering pain had a higher risk for MCR versus those with non-interfering pain or without pain. Timely and adequate management of interfering pain may contribute to the prevention and treatment of MCR and its associated adverse outcomes.

The impact of ankle-foot orthoses on mobility of dual-task walking in stroke patients? A cross-sectional two-factor factorial design clinical trial.

ABSTRACTTo assess the impact of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) on mobility and gait during dual-task walking in post-stroke survivors. In this cross-sectional, factorial design trial, stroke survivors performed four randomized tasks: (1) dual-task walking with AFOs, (2) single-task walking with AFOs, (3) dual-task walking without AFOs, and (4) single-task walking without AFOs. Primary outcome was the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, with secondary outcomes including gait metrics, Tinetti scores, and auditory N-back tests. In the results, 48 subjects (38 males and 10 females; 19-65 years) completed the trial. Patients had a greater TUG score with AFOs compared with non-AFOs conditions (95% CI: 7.22-14.41, P < 0.001) in single-task and dual-task conditions. Secondary outcomes showed marked enhancement with AFOs during dual-task walking, with significant interaction effects in gait metrics, balance, and cognitive function (P < 0.05). Although not statistically significant, dual-task effects of TUG and walking speed were more pronounced during dual-task walking. In conclusion, AFOs enhance mobility and gait during both single and dual-task walking in post-stroke survivors.

A Membrane Lipid Signature Unravels the Dynamic Landscape of Group 1 ILCs.

In an era where the established lines between cell identities are blurred by intra-lineage plasticity, distinguishing between stable and transitional states becomes imperative. This challenge is particularly pronounced within the Group 1 ILC lineage, where the similarity and plasticity between NK cells and ILC1s obscure their classification and the assignment of their unique contributions to immune regulation. This study exploits the unique property of Asialo-GM1 (AsGM1)-a membrane lipid associated with cytotoxic attributes absent in ILC1s-as a definitive criterion to distinguish between these cells. By prioritizing cytotoxic potential as the cardinal differentiator, our strategic use of the AsGM1 signature achieved precise delineation of NK cells and ILC1s across tissues, validated by RNA-seq analysis. This capability extends beyond steady-state classifications, adeptly capturing the binary classification of NK cells and ILC1s during acute liver injury. By leveraging two established models of NK-to-ILC1 plasticity driven by TGFß and Toxoplasma gondii , we demonstrate the stability of the AsGM1 signature, which sharply contrasts with the loss of Eomes. This signature identified a spectrum of known and novel NK cell derivatives-ILC1-like entities that bridge traditional binary classifications in aging and infection. The early detection of the AsGM1 signature at the immature NK (iNK) stage, preceding Eomes, and its stability, unaffected by transcriptional reprogramming that typically alters Eomes, position AsGM1 as a unique, site-agnostic marker for fate mapping NK-to-ILC1 plasticity. This provides a powerful tool to explore the expanding heterogeneity within the Group 1 ILC landscape, effectively transcending the ambiguity inherent to the NK-to-ILC1 continuum.

Prediction of initial objective response to drug-eluting beads transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma using CT radiomics-based machine learning model.

Objective: A prognostic model utilizing CT radiomics, radiological, and clinical features was developed and validated in this study to predict an objective response to initial transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads (DEB-TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Between January 2017 and December 2022, the baseline clinical characteristics and preoperative and postoperative follow-up imaging data of 108 HCC patients who underwent the first time treatment of DEB-TACE were analyzed retrospectively. The training group (n = 86) and the validation group (n = 22) were randomly assigned in an 8:2 ratio. By logistic regression in machine learning, radiomics, and clinical-radiological models were constructed separately. Finally, the integrated model construction involved the integration of both radiomics and clinical-radiological signatures. The study compared the integrated model with radiomics and clinical-radiological models using calibration curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: The objective response rate observed in a group of 108 HCC patients who received initial DEB-TACE treatment was found to be 51.9%. Among the three models, the integrated model exhibited superior predictive accuracy in both the training and validation groups. The training group resulted in an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.860, along with sensitivity and specificity values of 0.650 and 0.913, respectively. Based on the findings from the validation group, the AUC was estimated to be 0.927. Additionally, it was found that values of sensitivity and specificity were 0.875 and 0.833, respectively. In the validation group, the AUC of the integrated model showed a significant improvement when contrasted to the clinical-radiological model (p = 0.042). Nevertheless, no significant distinction was observed in the AUC when comparing the integrated model with the radiomics model (p = 0.734). The DCA suggested that the integrated model demonstrates advantageous clinical utility. Conclusion: The integrated model, which combines the CT radiomics signature and the clinical-radiological signature, exhibited higher predictive efficacy than either the radiomics or clinical-radiological models alone. This suggests that during the prediction of the objective responsiveness of HCC patients to the first DEB-TACE treatment, the integrated model yields superior outcomes.

Association of Depression with Long-Term Cardiovascular Risks in Older Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Depression is a crucial factor among the various factors that are associated with OSA and CVD. Purpose: This study was conducted with an aim to assess the prognostic significance of depression on the MACE in older patients with OSA. Patients and Methods: 1106 older patients with OSA, without myocardial infarction (MI), history of hospitalization for unstable angina, or heart failure at baseline were enrolled and followed up prospectively. Incidence rates were expressed as cumulative incidence. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to estimate the risk of all events. The primary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Each patient underwent polysomnography (PSG) and GDS-12 scale assessment. Those with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) greater than 5 were diagnosed with OSA, while those with a scale score greater than 3 were diagnosed with depression. Results: Among the 1106 older patients with OSA, depression was found in 133(12.0%) patients, 96(8.7%) patients experienced MACE during the follow-up. Depression was associated with a higher cumulative incidence of MACE in older patients with OSA. Multivariate analysis revealed that depression independently increased the risk of MACE (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.34-3.90; P = 0.002). Subgroup analyses showed that male patients (aHR = 2.96; 95% CI: 1.52-5.77; P = 0.001), overweight-obese individuals (aHR = 2.98; 95% CI: 1.49-6.00; P = 0.002), and those with moderate-severe OSA (aHR = 2.82; 95% CI: 1.55-5.14; P = 0.001) and concurrent depression were at a higher risk for MACE. Conclusion: Depression is common in older patients with OSA in the absence of MI, hospitalization for unstable angina, or heart failure, and confers an independent, increased risk of MACE.

Microbial metabolism and health risk assessment of kitchen waste odor VOCs.

Kitchen waste (KW) generates odors comprising complex volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze VOCs, and 16S gene sequencing was used to analyze the microbial community composition and microbial metabolic mechanism. The results showed that the major odor-causing VOCs were hydrogen sulfide, methanethiol, methyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, and ethyl acetate. As the temperature increased, the VOCs and microbial community composition became more complex, and the microbial community related to VOC production included Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, Acetobacter, and Weissella. Based on PICRUSt2 analysis, the possibility of typical VOC interconversion by microbial metabolism was low. It was more likely that precursor substances were catalyzed by enzymes to generate the corresponding VOCs. Attention should be given to trichloromethane and 1,2-dichloroethane, which may cause adverse health effects through long-term inhalation. The study results provide guidance for controlling VOCs from KW.

Correction: In situ synthesis of silver nanowire gel and its super-elastic composite foams.

Correction for 'In situ synthesis of silver nanowire gel and its super-elastic composite foams' by Shu Huang et al., Nanoscale, 2020, 12, 19861-19869, https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR03958F.

Pain-Related Risk Factors Among Radiologic Stages of Knee Osteoarthritis: Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether risk factors related to pain vary at different stages of knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Individuals from the Osteoarthritis Initiative with available Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) grade and numerical rating scale (NRS) data at baseline were included in this study. Pain severity was classified into 3 categories based on NRS scores: no pain, mild pain, and moderate/severe pain. Knee OA severity was stratified into 4 categories according to the K/L system. Pain risk factors were evaluated using generalized ordinal logistic regression analysis, and a heatmap was created to compare differences in standardized regression coefficients between subgroups of patients with different knee OA severities. RESULTS: A total of 4,446 subjects were included in this study: 1,574 individuals without pain (35.4%), 1,138 individuals with mild pain (25.6%), and 1,734 individuals with moderate/severe pain (39.0%). For the entire population and subjects in the premorbid-stage subgroup, knee injury history, diabetes mellitus, depression, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and valgus malaligned knees were associated with more severe pain. Older age and stronger quadriceps muscles were associated with milder pain. As the disease progressed, the number of significant risk factors decreased. Only age and quadriceps muscle force remained significant in end-stage disease. CONCLUSION: Multiple factors are associated with pain in patients with knee OA. As the disease progresses, the number of significant risk factors gradually reduces. These findings suggest that strategies for managing pain related to knee OA should vary depending on radiographic grades.

The Association Between Quadriceps Strength and Synovitis in Knee Osteoarthritis: An Exploratory Study From the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the association between quadriceps strength and synovitis in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: This study was derived from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), which recruited adults from the OAI cohort with or at risk of KOA. Knees with complete records of isometric quadriceps strength and effusion-synovitis and Hoffa-synovitis assessments were included. Quadriceps strength was measured isometrically at baseline. Effusion-synovitis and Hoffa-synovitis were measured using the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Osteoarthritis Knee Score at baseline and at 1-year and 2-year follow-ups. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the associations of baseline quadriceps strength with changes in effusion-synovitis and Hoffa-synovitis in multivariable analyses. Additionally, analyses were stratified by synovitis-driven inflammatory phenotypes. RESULTS: A total of 1513 knees were included in this study. In total, 61% of the subjects were female; subjects had an average age of 61.9 (SD 8.8) years and a mean BMI of 29.4 (SD 4.7). Regarding the whole population, baseline quadriceps strength was negatively associated with baseline effusion-synovitis and follow-up changes in effusion-synovitis (odds ratio [OR] 0.77-0.86), but no significant association was observed in terms of Hoffa-synovitis. Stratified by synovitis-driven inflammatory phenotype, baseline quadriceps strength was significantly associated with follow-up changes in effusion-synovitis-but not in Hoffa-synovitis-in the population with existing effusion-synovitis (OR 0.75-0.79). CONCLUSION: Higher baseline quadriceps strength was negatively associated with changes in effusion-synovitis-but not in Hoffa-synovitis-especially in the population with existing effusion-synovitis. Our findings suggested a potential protective role of the quadriceps in effusion-synovitis.

Pial arteriovenous fistula resembling the vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation, treated with staged endovascular embolization: a case report.

A 41-month-old boy was presented to our hospital because of an intracranial mass suspected of cerebrovascular malformation. He was admitted and received cerebral angiography. The angiography result confirmed the intracranial mass was the dilated vein of Galen resulting from a pial arteriovenous fistula, which quite resembling the vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation. Considering one-time embolization of the fistula may greatly change the distribution of intracranial blood flow, we decided to perform staged embolization. In the first stage, we partially embolized the fistula, resulting in a sharp decrease in blood flow to the lesion. The second intervention was performed one month later, and completely embolized the fistula. The boy recoverd well and returned to normal childhood without any neurological deficits. Follow-up MR images obtained at 10 months after the last procedure showing total obliteration of the pAVF, gradually shrinking of the varix, and remodeling of the vein of Galen.

Graphene Hydrogel as a Porous Scaffold for Cartilage Regeneration.

Porous scaffolds have widely been exploited in cartilage tissue regeneration. However, it is often difficult to understand how the delicate hierarchical structure of the scaffold material affects the regeneration process. Graphene materials are versatile building blocks for robust and biocompatible porous structures, enabling investigation of structural cues on tissue regeneration otherwise challenging to ascertain. Here, we utilize a graphene hydrogel with stable and tunable structure as a model scaffold to examine the effect of porous structure on matrix remodeling associated with ingrowth of chondrocytes on scaffolds. We observe much-accelerated yet balanced cartilage remodeling correlating the ingrowth of chondrocytes into the graphene scaffold with an open pore structure on the surface. Importantly, such an enhanced remodeling selectively promotes the expression of collagen type II fibrils over proteoglycan aggrecan, hence clearly illustrating that chondrocytes maintain a stable phenotype when they migrate into the scaffold while offering new insights into scaffold design for cartilage repair.

Flow diversion treatment for giant intracranial serpentine aneurysms.

Background: Giant serpentine aneurysms (GSAs) are among the most complex and challenging type of intracranial aneurysms. Surgical clipping, bypass, or endovascular parent artery occlusion has been the main treatment of GSAs in the past. However, studies on flow diversion (FD) are limited. Therefore, we reported our experience with patients with GSAs treated with FD. Methods: Patients with GSAs treated with FD from 2012 to 2020 in our single center were retrospectively reviewed. Angiographic outcomes were graded according to the O'Kelly-Marotta scale as complete occlusion (D), trace filling (C), entry remnant (B), or aneurysm filling (A). Clinical outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score. We also collected the patients' treatment details and perioperative complications. Results: Thirteen patients with 14 aneurysms were included, including three in the anterior circulation and 11 in the posterior circulation. Grades B-D were found in 72.7% (8/11) of the GSAs. Good prognosis (mRS score, 0-2) was found in 66.7% (8/12) and 50.0% (6/12) of the patients at the 6-month and latest follow-up, respectively. Parent artery occlusion was found in three cases of GSAs. Five postoperative complications were observed, including two minor complications and three major complications. Conclusion: Although reconstructive treatment with FD could be considered as one of the treatment strategies for patients with both anterior and posterior circulation GSAs, however, the risk of complications and parent artery occlusion should be considered.

Quadriceps strength is negatively associated with knee joint structural abnormalities-data from osteoarthritis initiative.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the longitudinal associations between baseline quadriceps strength and knee joint structural abnormalities in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: This study is a longitudinally observational study based on Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) cohort, including men and women aged 45-79. Quadriceps strength was measured by isometric knee extension testing at baseline. Knee joint structural abnormalities, including cartilage damage, bone marrow lesions (BMLs), effusion-synovitis and Hoffa-synovitis, were evaluated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS) at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Generalized estimating equations were employed to examine the associations between quadriceps strength and knee structural abnormalities. All analyses were stratified by sex. RESULTS: One thousand three hundred thirty-eight participants (523 men and 815 women) with a mean age of 61.8 years and a mean BMI of 29.4 kg/m2 were included in this study. For men, no significantly longitudinal association of quadriceps strength with structural abnormalities was detected. In contrast, quadriceps strength was significantly and negatively associated with changes in cartilage damage and BMLs in lateral patellofemoral joint (PFJ) (cartilage damage: OR: 0.91, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.99, P = 0.023; BMLs: OR: 0.85, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.96, P = 0.011) and effusion-synovitis (OR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.99, P = 0.045) among females longitudinally. Higher quadriceps strength was significantly associated with less progression of lateral PFJ cartilage damage, BMLs and effusion-synovitis in females. CONCLUSIONS: Higher quadriceps strength was associated with changes in cartilage damage and BMLs within the lateral PFJ and effusion-synovitis among females, suggesting the potential protective role of quadriceps strength on joint structures in women.

Thermal Annealing-Free SnO2 for Fully Room-Temperature-Processed Perovskite Solar Cells.

The SnO2 electron transport layer (ETL) for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has been recognized as one of the most reported protocols due to its processing convenience, high reproducibility, and excellence in device performance. To date, the thermal annealing (TA) process is still an essential step for a high-quality SnO2 ETL to reduce the surface trap density. This however could restrict its processing with high thermal energy input and set a barrier to the easiness of manufacturing such as processing under room-temperature conditions. Herein, we report a thermal annealing-free (TAF) SnO2 ETL by an alternative UV-ozone (UVO) treatment. This technique simultaneously endows the SnO2 ETL with a deeper valence band maximum (EVB) and lower defect density. Furthermore, with this SnO2 ETL, a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.46 and 22.26% was achieved based on MAPbI3 and Cs0.05(FA0.85MA0.15)0.95Pb(I0.85Br0.15)3 absorbers, respectively. Importantly, a fully room-temperature-processed (RTP) PSC based on the TAF-SnO2 ETL has been demonstrated with a PCE of 20.88% on a rigid substrate and 15.92% on a flexible substrate, which are the highest values for RTP solar cells.

[Design and Verification of Human Metabolic Measurement System Based on STM32].

A high-precision human metabolic measurement system is designed. The system uses STM32F103 as the main control chip to acquire oxygen, carbon dioxide and flow signals to calculate four quantitative indicators: oxygen consumption(VO2), carbon dioxide production(VCO2), respiratory entropy(RQ) and resting energy metabolism(REE), and finally uses an upper computer to display the calculation results.In this paper, the signal acquisition circuit design was carried out for the oxygen sensor, carbon dioxide sensor and flow sensor, and the validity of the device was verified with the American machine MGCDiagnositcs using Bland-Altman analysis method, and the results showed that the four parameters of VO2,VCO2, RQ and REE of both devices fell in the agreement interval of more than 95%. The device thus provides accurate metabolic measurements and offers an effective tool for the field of general health and clinical nutrition support in China.

Detecting subtle yet fast skeletal muscle contractions with ultrasoft and durable graphene-based cellular materials.

Human bodily movements are primarily controlled by the contractions of skeletal muscles. Unlike joint or skeletal movements that are generally performed in the large displacement range, the contractions of the skeletal muscles that underpin these movements are subtle in intensity yet high in frequency. This subtlety of movement makes it a formidable challenge to develop wearable and durable soft materials to electrically monitor such motions with high fidelity for the purpose of, for example, muscle/neuromuscular disease diagnosis. Here we report that an intrinsically fragile ultralow-density graphene-based cellular monolith sandwiched between silicone rubbers can exhibit a highly effective stress and strain transfer mechanism at its interface with the rubber, with a remarkable improvement in stretchability (>100%). In particular, this hybrid also exhibits a highly sensitive, broadband-frequency electrical response (up to 180 Hz) for a wide range of strains. By correlating the mechanical signal of muscle movements obtained from this hybrid material with electromyography, we demonstrate that the strain sensor based on this hybrid material may provide a new, soft and wearable mechanomyography approach for real-time monitoring of complex neuromuscular-skeletal interactions in a broad range of healthcare and human-machine interface applications. This work also provides a new architecture-enabled functional soft material platform for wearable electronics.