Association between monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio and gallstones in U.S. adults: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2020.

BACKGROUND: Studies have indicated that monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) can be a reliable indicator of various diseases. However, the association between MHR and gallstone prevalence remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore any potential association between MHR and gallstone prevalence. METHODS: This study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-March 2020. MHR was calculated as the monocyte count ratio to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Multiple logistic regression models, Cochran-Armitage trend test, and subgroup analyses were used to examine the association between MHR and gallstones. RESULTS: This study included 5907 participants, of whom 636 (10.77%) were gallstone formers. The study participants had a mean age of 50.78 ± 17.33 years. After accounting for multiple covariables, the multiple logistic regression model showed a positive linear association between MHR and gallstone odds. The subgroup analyses and interaction testing results revealed that the association between MHR and gallstones was statistically different across strata, including sex, smoking, asthma, and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Gallstone prevalence positively associated with elevated MHR, indicating that MHR can be employed as a clinical indicator to assess gallstone prevalence.

Traditional social learning predicts cyber deviance? Exploring the offending versatility thesis in social learning theory.

Social learning theory has been widely implemented to understand cyber deviance. Nevertheless, the antecedent scholarship homogenously nested in the perspective of offending specification, leaving the offending versatility thesis unattained. The lack of such studies may undermine the capability of comprehensively understanding the social learning patterns of online offending. Using a sample of 3741 Chinese college students, this study estimated an array of binary logistic regressions to compare the effects of traditional and online social learning in four types of online offending (online sexual harassment, cyberbullying, hacking, and digital piracy). The results suggest that offending versatility and offending specification co-exist in the social learning process of cyber deviance, while offending specification explains a marginally greater variance. Besides, online learning variables act as potential mediators in the relationships between traditional learning and cyber deviance. Furthermore, traditional social learning shows greater predictive power in cyber-enabled crimes than in cyber-dependent crimes. Our study provides fresh empirical evidence for the non-exclusive association between offending versatility and offending specification in the social learning process of cyber deviance.

Deciphering layer formation in Red Heart Qu: A comprehensive study of metabolite profile and microbial community influenced by raw materials and environmental factors.

Environmental-origin microbiota significantly influences Red Heart Qu (RH_Qu) stratification, but their microbial migration and metabolic mechanisms remain unclear. Using high-throughput sequencing and metabolomics, we divided the stratification of RH_Qu into three temperature-based stages. Phase I features rising temperatures, causing microbial proliferation and a two-layer division. Phase II, characterized by peak temperatures, sees the establishment of thermotolerant species like Bacillus, Thermoactinomyces, Rhodococcus, and Thermoascus, forming four distinct layers and markedly altering metabolite profiles. The Huo Quan (HQ), developing from the Pi Zhang (PZ), is driven by the tyrosine-melanin pathway and increased MRPs (Maillard reaction products). The Hong Xin evolves from the Rang, associated with the phenylalanine-coumarin pathway and QCs (Quinone Compounds) production. Phase III involves the stabilization of the microbial and metabolic profile as temperatures decline. These findings enhance our understanding of RH_Qu stratification and offer guidance for quality control in its fermentation process.

Eco-Friendly and Self-Sanitizing Microporous Cellulose Sponge (MCS)-Based Cooling Media for Mitigating Microbial Cross-Contamination in the Food Cold Chain.

Maintaining precise temperature control is vital for cold chain food transport, as temperature fluctuations can cause significant food safety and quality issues. During transport, ice that melts can promote the growth of microbes and their spread, resulting in microbial cross-contamination. This study developed sustainable, non-melting, self-sanitizing "ice cubes" using food grade compositions including microporous cellulose sponges (MCS) and photosensitizers, aimed at enhancing temperature regulation and minimizing microbial contamination in the cold chain. Upon absorbing water, the MCS matched traditional ice in cooling efficiency and heat absorption and exhibit remarkable mechanical and thermal durability, withstanding multiple freeze-thaw cycles and compressive stresses. The cationic MCS combined with erythrosine B demonstrated strong self-sanitizing capabilities, effectively reducing microbial cross-contamination in food models. Additionally, the release rates of photosensitizers from the MCS can be modulated by altering environmental ionic strength. This research offers viable solutions to address microbial cross-contamination challenges in current cold chain systems.

Novel Noninvasive Hybrid Flap Preconditioning (HFP) Surpasses Surgical Delay in the Murine Model.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic necrosis in the distal portion of the flap is a challenging complication in plastic surgery. We hypothesize a novel hybrid flap preconditioning (HFP) device combining foam-mediated external suction and non-surgical delay can promote skin flap survival better than surgical delay. METHOD: Twenty-eight mouse were divided into four groups. Control group: a 4*1.5 dorsal flap was made with no preconditioning. Surgical delay (SD) group: surgical delay was made 7 days before flap elevation. Foam-mediated external suction (FMES) group: foam-mediated external suction at -100mmHg was employed 5 hours per day for 6 days, and the flap was elevated on the seventh day. Hybrid Flap Preconditioning (HFP) group: silicone strips was applied along the contour of the foam interface. Same negative pressure protocol was used as the FMES group. Seven days after flap elevation, macroscopic, histologic, and Western blot analyses were performed. RESULTS: The flap survival rate was 46.25% (8.12%) in the control group, 68.72% (7.00%) in the SD group, 57.03% (8.17%) in the FMES group and 80.66% (3.27%) in the HFP group. Immunohistologic analysis of CD 31+ cell in distal end of viable tissue procured seven days after flap elevation showed a significantly higher angiogenesis in SD group and HFP group. Western Blot results showed an increased expression of VEGF in SD group and HFP group. CONCLUSION: We have developed and fabricated a novel hybrid flap precondition (HFP) device combining foam-mediated external suction and non-surgical delay. The concept of HFP is proved to promote flap survival better than surgical delay.

Causal relationships between coffee intake, apolipoprotein B and gastric, colorectal, and esophageal cancers: univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization.

PURPOSE: Coffee intake and apolipoprotein B levels have been linked to gastric, colorectal, and esophageal cancers in numerous recent studies. However, whether these associations are all causal remains unestablished. This study aimed to assess the potential causal associations of apolipoprotein B and coffee intake with the risk of gastric, colorectal, and esophageal cancers using Mendelian randomization analysis. METHODS: In this study, we utilized a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to access the causal effects of coffee intake and apolipoprotein B on gastric, colorectal, and esophageal cancers. The summary statistics of coffee intake (n = 428,860) and apolipoprotein B (n = 439,214) were obtained from the UK Biobank. In addition, the summary statistics of gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and esophageal cancer were obtained from the FinnGen biobank (n = 218,792). Inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode were applied to examine the causal relationship between coffee intake, apolipoprotein B and gastric, colorectal, and esophageal cancers. MR-Egger intercept test, Cochran's Q test, and leave-one-out analysis were performed to evaluate possible heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Steiger filtering and bidirectional mendelian randomization analysis were performed to evaluate the possible reverse causality. RESULTS: The result of the inverse variance weighted method indicated that apolipoprotein B levels were significantly associated with a higher risk of gastric cancer (OR = 1.392, 95% CI 1.027-1.889, P = 0.0333) and colorectal cancer (OR = 1.188, 95% CI 1.001-1.411, P = 0.0491). Furthermore, multivariable Mendelian randomization analysis also revealed a positive association between apolipoprotein B levels and colorectal cancer risk, but the effect of apolipoprotein B on gastric cancer risk disappeared after adjustment of coffee intake, body mass index or lipid-related traits. However, we did not discover any conclusive evidence linking coffee intake to gastric, colorectal, or esophageal cancers. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested a causal association between genetically increased apolipoprotein B levels and higher risk of colorectal cancer. No causal relationship was observed between coffee intake and gastric, colorectal, or esophageal cancers.

Unveiling malic acid biorefinery: Comprehensive insights into feedstocks, microbial strains, and metabolic pathways.

The over-reliance on fossil fuels and resultant environmental issues necessitate sustainable alternatives. Microbial fermentation of biomass for malic acid production offers a viable, eco-friendly solution, enhancing resource efficiency and minimizing ecological damage. This review covers three core aspects of malic acid biorefining: feedstocks, microbial strains, and metabolic pathways. It emphasizes the significance of utilizing biomass sugars, including the co-fermentation of different sugar types to improve feedstock efficiency. The review discusses microbial strains for malic acid fermentation, addressing challenges related to by-products from biomass breakdown and strategies for overcoming them. It delves into the crucial pathways and enzymes for malic acid production, outlining methods to optimize its metabolism, focusing on enzyme regulation, energy balance, and yield enhancement. These insights contribute to advancing the field of consolidated bioprocessing in malic acid biorefining.

Effect of Caproicibacterium lactatifermentans inoculation on the microbial succession and flavor formation of pit mud used in Chinese Baijiu fermentation.

Caproicibacterium lactatifermentans is a major caproate-producing bacterium in high-quality pit mud and has an impact on the synthesis of fatty acids during Baijiu fermentation. To develop an effective method for cultivating high-quality pit mud, we explored the role of Caproicibacterium lactatifermentans inoculation. The inoculation resulted in a high level of Caproicibacterium lactatifermentans (29.16%) and fortified pit mud produced abundant fatty acids and ethyl esters in short-term usage. Rare microbes, such as Hazenella coriacea, promoted the production of fatty acids. After long-term usage, changes in physicochemical properties led to a decrease in caproate-producing bacterium, namely Clostridium and Caproicibacterium, and an increase in microbes with limited fatty acid biosynthesis capability, including Proteiniphilum, Fastidiosipila, and Caldicoprobacter. These alterations ultimately led to a decrease in fatty acids and ethyl esters. In summary, Caproicibacterium lactatifermentans inoculation exhibited positive outcomes in obtaining high-quality pit mud. However, the maintenance of functional microbes necessitates further investigation.

Identifying sources and transformations of nitrate in different occurrence environments of carbonate rocks using a coupled isotopic approach (δ15N, δ18O, 87Sr/86Sr) in karst groundwater system, North China.

Karst water as the vital water supply source is an increasingly serious problem suffering from NO3- pollution. Identifying sources and transformations is the key to effectively controlling diffuse NO3- pollution. In this study, 25 karst groundwater samples were collected from the Xujiagou karst groundwater system in June 2023, and chemical variables and stable isotopes (δ15N, δ18O, 87Sr/86Sr) were determined in different occurrence environments of carbonate rocks (exposed, covered, and buried carbonate rock areas). The results showed that the karst groundwater is dominated by nitrification. Human activities have affected the water quality of karst groundwater. The nitrate concentration ranged from 5.69 to 124.22 mg/L, and 4 % exceeds the quality indexes of class III water in China's standard for groundwater quality (20 mg/L as NO3--N). NH4+ in fertilizer, manure and septic waste, and soil N were the main sources of nitrate pollution in the karst groundwater system. The distribution of NO3- sources is closely related to land-use types. Soil N (72.2 %) became the dominant nitrate source in the exposed area due to the small amount of urban land and the large distribution of forest and grassland. There were more cultivated land and large agricultural activities in the covered area, NH4+ in fertilizer (59.1 %) contributes the most to NO3- sources. The buried area dominated by urban land, the influence of human activities (densely population and agricultural production activities) caused the highest concentration and coefficient of variation of nitrate in this area, and manure and septic waste (64.2 %) were the most to NO3- sources. This study can provide an important scientific basis for the protection of karst groundwater, and provide theoretical support for the treatment of karst groundwater pollution sources in the "monoclinic paraclinal" strata in northern China.

Genome-Wide and Transcriptome Analysis of Jacalin-Related Lectin Genes in Barley and the Functional Characterization of HvHorcH in Low-Nitrogen Tolerance in Arabidopsis.

The jacalin-related lectins (JRLs) are widely distributed in plants and are involved in plant development and multiple stress responses. However, the characteristics of the HvJRL gene family at the genome-wide level and the roles of JRLs in barley's response to low-nitrogen (LN) stress have been rarely reported. In this study, 32 HvJRL genes were identified and unevenly distributed at both ends of the seven chromosomes in barley. HvJRL proteins generally exhibited low sequence similarity but shared conserved jacalin domains by multiple sequence analysis. These proteins were classified into seven subfamilies based on phylogenetic analysis, with a similar gene structure and conserved motifs in the same subfamily. The HvJRL promoters contained a large number of diverse cis-elements associated with hormonal response and stress regulation. Based on the phylogenetic relationships and functionally known JRL homologs, it was predicted that some HvJRLs have the potential to serve functions in multiple stress responses but not nutrition deficiency stress. Subsequently, nine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) encoding eight HvJRL proteins were identified in two barley genotypes with different LN tolerance by transcriptome analysis. Furthermore, 35S:HvHorcH transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings did enhance LN tolerance, which indicated that HvHorcH may be an important regulator of LN stress response (LNSR). The HvJRL DEGs identified herein could provide new candidate genes for LN tolerance studies.

Indoor Localization System Based on RSSI-APIT Algorithm.

An indoor localization system based on the RSSI-APIT algorithm is designed in this study. Integrated RSSI (received signal strength indication) and non-ranging APIT (approximate perfect point-in-triangulation test) localization methods are fused with machine learning in order to improve the accuracy of the indoor localization system. The system focuses on the improvement of preprocessing and localization algorithms. The primary objective of the system is to enhance the preprocessing of the acquired RSSI data and optimize the localization algorithm in order to enhance the precision of the coordinates in the indoor localization system. In order to mitigate the issue of significant fluctuations in RSSI, a technique including the integration of Gaussian filtering and an artificial neural network (ANN) is employed. This approach aims to preprocess the acquired RSSI data, thus reducing the impact of multipath effects. In order to address the issue of low localization accuracy encountered by the conventional APIT localization algorithm during wide-area localization, the RSSI ranging function is incorporated into the APIT localization algorithm. This addition serves to further narrow down the localization area. Consequently, the resulting localization algorithm is referred to as the RSSI-APIT positioning algorithm. Experimental results have demonstrated the successful reduction of inherent localization errors within the system by employing the RSSI-APIT positioning algorithm. The present study aims to investigate the impact of the localization scene and the number of anchors on the RSSI-APIT localization algorithm, with the objective of enhancing the performance of the indoor localization system. The conducted experiments demonstrated that the enhanced system exhibits several advantages. Firstly, it successfully decreased the frequency of anchor calls, resulting in a reduction in the overall operating cost of the system. Additionally, it effectively enhanced the accuracy and stability of the system's localization capabilities. In a complex environment of 100 m2 in size, compared with the traditional trilateral localization method and the APIT localization algorithm, the RSSI-APIT localization algorithm reduced the localization error by about 2.9 m and 1.8 m, respectively, and the overall error was controlled within 1.55 m.

Mesangial C3 Deposition, Complement-Associated Variant, and Disease Progression in IgA Nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: IgA nephropathy is the most common primary GN worldwide, with dominant deposition of IgA and co-deposits of complement component 3 (C3). Phenotypes and progression of IgA nephropathy varies among different ethnic populations, while patients with IgA nephropathy from Asia showed more severe clinical phenotypes, active kidney lesions, and rapid progression. Our previous genome-wide association study identified complement factor H ( CFH ) variant rs6677604, tightly linked with the deletion of CFH -related protein 3 and CFH -related protein 1 genes ( ΔCFHR3-1 ), as IgA nephropathy susceptible variant, and additionally revealed its effect on complement regulation in IgA nephropathy. METHODS: To further explore the effect of rs6677604 on IgA nephropathy progression, here we enrolled a Chinese IgA nephropathy cohort of 1781 patients with regular follow-up for analysis. The rs6677604 genotype was measured, and the genotype-phenotype correlation was analyzed using the t test, the chi-squared test, or the nonparametric test, and the association between rs6677604 genotype or mesangial C3 deposition and IgA nephropathy prognosis was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression. RESULTS: We found that patients with rs6677604-GG genotype had a stronger intensity of mesangial C3 deposition than those with the rs6677604-AA/AG genotype. Patients with IgA nephropathy who had stronger intensity of C3 deposition manifested with more severe clinical and pathological manifestations, including lower eGFR and higher Oxford-M/S/T/C (mesangial hypercellularity, endocapillary cellularity, segmental sclerosis, interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy, and crescent) scores. In the survival analysis, stronger intensity of mesangial C3 deposition, but not rs6677604-GG genotypes, was associated with poor long-term kidney outcome in IgA nephropathy. CONCLUSIONS: We found that in Chinese patients with IgA nephropathy, variant rs6677604 was associated with mesangial C3 deposition, and mesangial C3 deposition, but not rs6677604, was associated with IgA nephropathy severity and progression.

MI-based BCI with accurate real-time three-class classification processing and light control application.

The use of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to control intelligent devices is a current and future research direction. However, the challenges of low accuracy of real-time recognition and the need for multiple electroencephalographic channels are yet to be overcome. While a number of research teams have proposed many ways to improve offline classification accuracy, the potential problems in real-time experiments are often overlooked. In this study, we proposed a label-based channel diversion preprocessing to solve the problem of low real-time classification accuracy. The Tikhonov regularised common spatial-pattern algorithm (TRCSP) and one vs rest support vector machine (OVR-SVM) were used for feature extraction and pattern classification. High accuracy was achieved in real-time three-class classification using only three channels (average real-time accuracy of 87.46%, with a maximum of 90.33%). In addition, the stability and reliability of the system were verified through lighting control experiments in a real environment. Using the autonomy of MI and real-time feedback of light brightness, we have built a fully autonomous interactive system. The improvement in the real-time classification accuracy in this study is of great significance to the industrialisation of BCI.

Mechanism of ELL-associated factor 2 and vasohibin 1 regulating invasion, migration, and angiogenesis in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: As a novel endogenous anti-angiogenic molecule, vasohibin 1 (VASH1) is not only expressed in tumor stroma, but also in tumor tissue. Moreover, studies have shown that VASH1 may be a prognostic marker in colorectal cancer (CRC). Knockdown of VASH1 enhanced transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1)/Smad3 pathway activity and type I/III collagen production. Our previous findings suggest that ELL-associated factor 2 (EAF2) may play a tumor suppressor and protective role in the development and progression of CRC by regulating signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/TGF-ß1 signaling pathway. However, the functional role and mechanism of VASH1-mediated TGF-ß1 related pathway in CRC has not been elucidated. AIM: To investigate the expression of VASH1 in CRC and its correlation with the expression of EAF2. Furthermore, we studied the functional role and mechanism of VASH1 involved in the regulation and protection of EAF2 in CRC cells in vitro. METHODS: We collected colorectal adenocarcinoma and corresponding adjacent tissues to investigate the clinical expression of EAF2 protein and VASH1 protein in patients with advanced CRC. Following, we investigated the effect and mechanism of EAF2 and VASH1 on the invasion, migration and angiogenesis of CRC cells in vitro using plasmid transfection. RESULTS: Our findings indicated that EAF2 was down-regulated and VASH1 was up-regulated in advanced CRC tissue compared to normal colorectal tissue. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the higher EAF2 Level group and the lower VASH1 Level group had a higher survival rate. Overexpression of EAF2 might inhibit the activity of STAT3/TGF-ß1 pathway by up-regulating the expression of VASH1, and then weaken the invasion, migration and angiogenesis of CRC cells. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that EAF2 and VASH1 may serve as new diagnostic and prognostic markers for CRC, and provide a clinical basis for exploring new biomarkers for CRC. This study complements the mechanism of EAF2 in CRC cells, enriches the role and mechanism of CRC cell-derived VASH1, and provides a new possible subtype of CRC as a therapeutic target of STAT3/TGF-ß1 pathway.

FHB resistance conferred by Fhb1 is under inhibitory regulation of two genetic loci in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

KEY MESSAGE: Two loci inhibiting Fhb1 resistance to Fusarium head blight were identified through genome-wide association mapping and validated in biparental populations. Fhb1 confers Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance by limiting fungal spread within spikes in wheat (type II resistance). However, not all lines with Fhb1 display the expected resistance. To identify genetic factors regulating Fhb1 effect, a genome-wide association study for type II resistance was first performed with 72 Fhb1-carrying lines using the Illumina 90 K iSelect SNP chip. Of 84 significant marker-trait associations detected, more than half were repeatedly detected in at least two environments, with the SNPs distributed in one region on chromosome 5B and one on chromosome 6A. This result was validated in a collection of 111 lines with Fhb1 and 301 lines without Fhb1. We found that these two loci caused significant resistance variations solely among lines with Fhb1 by compromising the resistance. In1, the inhibitory gene on chromosome 5B, was in close linkage with Xwgrb3860 in a recombinant inbred line population derived from Nanda2419 × Wangshuibai and a double haploid (DH) population derived from R-43 (Fhb1 near isogenic line) × Biansui7 (with Fhb1 and In1); and In2, the inhibitory gene on chromosome 6A, was mapped to the Xwgrb4113-Xwgrb4034 interval using a DH population derived from R-43 × PH8901 (with Fhb1 and In2). In1 and In2 are present in all wheat-growing areas worldwide. Their frequencies in China's modern cultivars are high but have significantly decreased in comparison with landraces. These findings are of great significance for FHB resistance breeding using Fhb1.

Bacterial Communities Found in Pit-Wall Mud and Factors Driving Their Evolution.

Pit-wall mud (PWM) fosters bacterial communities involved in Baijiu production. PWM varies depending on pit age and height. In this study, we explored the bacterial communities in PWM and factors driving their evolution. The abundance and diversity of bacterial communities were low in new PWM (NPWM). In old PWM (OPWM), similar but diverse bacterial communities were observed at different heights. Lactobacillus was the predominant genus in NPWM, and Caproiciproducens, Aminobacterium, Hydrogenispora, Lactobacillus, Petrimonas, Syntrophomonas, and Sedimentibacter were the dominant genera in OPWM. A decrease was noted in the abundance of Lactobacillus, which indicated evolution. Among all the physicochemical properties, pH had the highest degree of interpretation with an R2 value of 0.965. pH also exerted the strongest effect on bacterial communities. The path coefficients of pH on bacterial community diversity and abundance were 0.886 and 0.810, respectively. Caproiciproducens and Clostridium sensu stricto 12 metabolized lactic acid, inhibiting the growth of Lactobacillus at a suitable pH, which led to the maturation of PWM. Our findings enrich the literature on the evolution of bacterial communities in PM and the maturation of PM.

Screening strategy for ketamine-based new psychoactive substances using fragmentation characteristics from high resolution mass spectrometry.

Recreational designer drugs called new psychoactive substances (NPS) are emerging and pose enormous risks to public health. Detection of recently discovered or unreported NPS remains a huge challenge by using traditional targeted mass spectrometry methods. Here a novel screening strategy was developed to detect both known and novel analogs of NPS based on fragmentation characteristics from liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The HRMS fragmentation pathway of one selected NPS family was investigated to form a database containing predicted drugs as well as their mass characteristics. During the study, an unexpected substituent effect was found to distinguish geometric isomers. Seventy-eight seized samples were analyzed using this strategy, four ketamine-based NPS were detected and three of them were newly marketed. The substituent effect predicted the position of their phenylic substituent, the results were confirmed by NMR.

A Computerized Recognition System to Assess Breast Asymmetry after Augmentation Mammaplasty.

BACKGROUND: Breast augmentation patients are often unaware of their preexisting breast asymmetry before surgery but discover it afterward, which leads to postoperative dissatisfaction and increases the reoperation rate. However, elaboration on how patients subjectively analyze breast asymmetry and the recognition thresholds were limited. METHODS: Two hundred female participants, including 100 patients 6 months postoperatively for primary augmentation mammaplasty and 100 preoperative patients, were recruited as two study groups. Self-assessments of breast asymmetry and objective measurements were taken. A computerized recognition experiment was constructed based on standardized three-dimensional models with different nipple-areola complex (NAC) and inframammary fold (IMF) asymmetry combinations. One hundred twenty-one three-dimensional models were generated and shown in random sequence. Participants responded whether they discovered breast asymmetry in each model. The recognition rate and 50% recognition thresholds of the asymmetry in NAC, IMF, lower pole length, volume, and their interrelations were calculated. RESULTS: Self-assessment of the postaugmentation group showed more precise distinguishing of NAC, IMF, and lower pole distance asymmetry than in the preaugmentation group. The 50% recognition thresholds of NAC and IMF level discrepancies were approximately 0.75 cm, with the IMF asymmetry identified with higher accuracy. When the NAC level discrepancy ranged from 0.0 to 1.25 cm, adjusting the IMF level discrepancy from 0.0 to 0.5 cm in the same direction lowered participants' recognition rates of breast asymmetry. CONCLUSIONS: Patients recognize their breast asymmetry issue more accurately after augmentation operations, despite improved parameters. In addition, adjusting the new IMF level, aligning with NAC discrepancy within 0.5 cm when treating mild NAC asymmetry, improved symmetric outcomes.

An overview of methods of left and right foot motor imagery based on Tikhonov regularisation common spatial pattern.

The motor imagery brain-computer interface (MI-BCI) provides an interactive control channel for spinal cord injury patients. However, the limitations of feature extraction algorithms may lead to low accuracy and instability in decoding electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. In this study, we examined the classification performance of an MI-BCI system by focusing on the distinction of the left and right foot kinaesthetic motor imagery tasks in five subjects. Feature extraction was performed using the common space pattern (CSP) and the Tikhonov regularisation CSP (TRCSP) spatial filters. TRCSP overcomes the CSP problems of noise sensitivity and overfitting. Moreover, support vector machine (SVM) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were used for classification and recognition. We constructed four combined classification methods (TRCSP-SVM, TRCSP-LDA, CSP-SVM, and CSP-LDA) and evaluated them by comparing their accuracies, kappa coefficients, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The results showed that the TRCSP-SVM method performed significantly better than others (average accuracy 97%, average kappa coefficient 0.91, and average area under ROC curve (AUC) 0.98). Using TRCSP instead of standard CSP improved accuracy by up to 10%. This study provides insights into the classification of EEG signals. The results of this study can aid lower limb MI-BCI systems in rehabilitation training.

The association between domestic violence exposure and cyberbullying behavior among secondary school students.

Introduction: Cyberbullying could have a severe and long-term impact on the physical and mental health of secondary school students because of its characteristics of being hidden, repetitive, and exceeding the limitations of time and space, thus attracting widespread attention. Among the many environmental factors, family was the immediate environment where secondary school students live. Violent behaviors such as aggression displayed by other subjects in the family environment could trigger aggressive behaviors among secondary school students, and the indirectness of the online environment intensifies this tendency. Methods: This study used the Cyberbullying Scale, the Domestic Violence Exposure Scale, the Depression Scale, and the Brief Self-Control Scale to conduct a questionnaire survey of 10,273 secondary school students in 12 secondary schools from Liaoning, Zhejiang, and Henan provinces in China to explore the relationship and internal mechanisms between domestic violence exposure and cyberbullying behavior among secondary school students. Results: This study found that (1) domestic violence exposure has a significant positive associated with cyberbullying behavior among secondary school students; (2) the mediating effect of depression partially exists between domestic violence exposure and cyberbullying behavior among secondary school students; (3). self-control alleviated the effects of domestic violence exposure on cyberbullying among secondary school students but intensified the effects of depression on cyberbullying among secondary school students. Discussion: The results suggest that while focusing on the association of domestic violence exposure with cyberbullying among secondary school students, it is also necessary to pay attention to the mediating effect of depression and the mitigating and intensifying mechanisms of self-control, resulting in a notable weakening effect on cyberbullying among secondary school students.