Artemdubosides A-G, seven unusual polyacetylenes from Artemisia dubia var. subdigitata and their antihepatoma activity.

Artemdubosides A-E (1-5), the first examples of natural polyacetylenes substituted by 6'-O-crotonyl ß-glucopyranoside, and artemdubosides F-G (6-7) that were two unusual polyacetylenes featuring a 6'-O-acetyl ß-glucopyranoside moiety, were isolated from Artemisia dubia var. subdigitata. Their structures were elucidated based on the spectral data including HRESIMS, UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR, and ECD calculations. Antihepatoma assay suggested that compound 1 exhibited activity against HepG2, Huh7, and SK-Hep-1 cells with inhibitory ratios of 77.1%, 90.8%, and 73.1% at 200.0 µM, respectively.

Limited English Proficiency Is Not Associated With Poor Postoperative Outcomes or Follow-Up Rates in Patients Undergoing Breast Reduction Mammoplasty - A Single Institution Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Limited English Proficiency (LEP) status has been associated with worse patient outcomes on a variety of metrics. METHODS: A retrospective review of all bilateral breast reduction mammoplasty patients at our institution between 2015 and 2019 was performed. Data collected include patient demographics, language status, interpreter usage, complications, and follow-up clinic/emergency department visits. Patients were grouped into high and low follow-up cohorts by median follow-up. Bivariate testing and regression modeling were used for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1023 patients were included. Average age and body mass index (BMI) were 37.7 years and 31.7 kg/m2. All LEP (21%) patients used interpreters. There were 590 individuals in the low follow-up and 433 in the high follow-up group. Those in low follow-up were younger, with lower BMI, and were more likely to use Medicaid. Prevalence of diabetes and postoperative emergency department visits were higher in the high follow-up cohort. There were no significant differences in race/ethnicity, smoking status, and interpreter use between groups. Poisson modeling demonstrated that presence of complications is associated with a 0.435 increase in the number of clinic visits and a 1-y increase in age is associated with a 0.006 increase (P < 0.001). Interpreter use was not significantly associated with postoperative clinic visits. Multivariable regression modeling demonstrated BMI and diabetes to be significantly associated with incidence of any complication (odds ratio: 1.08 & 2.234; P < 0.001 &P = 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: LEP status was not associated with worse postoperative outcomes or follow-up length in patients undergoing breast reduction mammoplasty. This may be due to interpreter use and effective patient education.

Roles of entrapped bubbles in methanogenic granules under oscillating pressure: Respiration and embolization for intra-granular transport.

Anaerobic granular sludge plays a pivotal role in the treatment of concentrated organic wastewater. However, previous studies on intra- granular transport have generally overlooked lung-like respiration that expedites transport in response to fluctuating pressure. This study explored the activities of calcified and normal granules under simulated hydrostatic pressure oscillations. The results revealed a significant enhancement in the bioactivity of calcified granules under oscillating pressure, contrasting with the comparatively lower bioactivity observed in normal granules. The hypothesis posited that the gas pockets in calcified granules facilitated respiration as the functional structure. The presence of tiny bubbles exhibited a propensity for inducing clogging, thereby diminishing the capillary connectivity essential for substrate diffusion. The proposed respiration and embolization concepts decipher the distinct roles of entrapped bubbles in the granular bioactivity across diverse fluid states. This study offers valuable insights into the impact of fluidization on microscopic transport within granule-based bed reactors.

PE (0:0/14:0), an endogenous metabolite of the gut microbiota, exerts protective effects against sepsis-induced intestinal injury by modulating the AHR/CYP1A1 pathway.

Sepsis is known to cause damage to the intestinal mucosa, leading to bacterial translocation, and exacerbation of both local and remote organ impairments. In the present study, fecal samples were collected from both septic and healthy individuals. Analysis through 16s rRNA sequencing of the fecal microbiota revealed that sepsis disrupts the balance of the gut microbial community. Recent research has highlighted the association of lipid metabolism with disease. By analyzing the fecal metabolome, four lipid metabolites that showed significant differences between the two groups were identified: PE (O-16:0/0:0), PE (17:0/0:0), PE (0:0/14:0), and PE (12:0/20:5 (5Z, 8Z, 11Z, 14Z, 17Z)). Notably, the serum levels of PE (0:0/14:0) were higher in the healthy group. Subsequent in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated the protective effects of this compound against sepsis-induced intestinal barrier damage. Label-free proteomic analysis showed significant differences in the expression levels of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a protein implicated in sepsis pathogenesis, between the LPS-Caco-2 and LPS-Caco-2 + PE (0:0/14:0) groups. Further analysis, with the help of Discovery Studio 3.5 software and co-immunoprecipitation assays, confirmed the direct interaction between AHR and PE (0:0/14:0). In the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model, treatment with PE (0:0 /14:0) was found to up-regulate the expression of tight junction proteins through the AHR/Cytochrome P450, family 1, subfamily A, and polypeptide 1 (CYP1A1) pathway. This highlights the potential therapeutic use of PE (0:0/14:0) in addressing sepsis-induced intestinal barrier damage.

Research on calibration method of microscopic parameters of siltstone based on gray theory.

When the Linear Parallel Bond Model (PBM) in Particle Flow Code is used to simulate intact rocks, a basic problem is how to determine the microscopic parameters that control the macroscopic properties of the modeled rocks. After simplifying the microscopic parameters of the PBM model, this study proposes a new method of inverse performance of the regression equations of the macroscopic parameters by the gray absolute correlation combined with regression analysis, which solves the drawbacks of the current manual trial parameter calibration method to a certain extent. When this method is applied to the calibration of the microscopic parameters of the siltstone, the numerical simulation results produce good agreement between the results derived from the finite element software (ABAQUS) both in terms of macroscopic parameters and damage forms.

Therapy of replenishing and regulating for manic episode in bipolar disorder: study protocol for a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic and recurrent disorder characterized by biphasic mood episodes of mania or hypomania and depression. It affects more than 1% of the global population and is a leading cause of disability in young people. Currently available treatments for BD are still fairly limited in terms of efficacy, with high rates of non-adherence, non-response, and undesirable side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history and rich experience in stabilizing mania and improving quality of life. Aiming at rebalancing and in BD, therapy of replenishing and regulating (RYRY therapy) has been in clinical use for years in China. The present prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial is designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of RYRY therapy for bipolar mania and its possible mechanism from the point of regulating gut microbiota and anti-inflammation. A total of 60 eligible participants will be recruited from Beijing Anding Hospital. They will be randomized to either the study group or the control group in a ratio of 1∶1. Participants allocated to the study group will receive RYRY granule, while placebo granule will be applied in the control group. Participants in both groups will be prescribed conventional therapy for manic episode in BD. Four scheduled visits will be conducted over 4 weeks. Outcome measurements include Young Mania Rating Scale, TCM Symptom Pattern Rating Scale, Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale, levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α and the gut microbial community profile of stool samples. Safety outcomes and adverse events will also be recorded. In this study, we set a number of scientific and objective assessments to evaluate the efficacy of RYRY therapy and study into its possible mechanism, hopefully offering clinicians an alternative approach to BD.

Static and Dynamic Plantar Pressure Distribution in 94 Patients with Different Stages of Unilateral Knee Osteoarthritis Using the Footscan® Platform System: An Observational Study.

BACKGROUND Plantar pressure analysis is widely used in the study of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The present study aimed to investigate the static and dynamic plantar pressure distribution in patients with different stages of unilateral KOA using the Footscan® platform system. MATERIAL AND METHODS We recruited 94 patients aged 61.75±7.23 years old with different stages of unilateral KOA for static and dynamic analysis using the Footscan® platform system. The static pressure (%) of the left, right, anterior, posterior, and the pelvic rotation (°) was assessed. The peak pressure (PP, kPa) was investigated in 10 areas of the foot: medial heel (MH), lateral heel (LH), midfoot (MF), first to fifth metatarsals (M1-M5), hallux (T1), and toes 2-5 (T2-5). The correlation between KOA stages and plantar pressure distributions was investigated. RESULTS The results revealed that static pressure on the unaffected side and pelvic rotation were positively correlated with KOA stages. In addition, there was a positive correlation between KOA stages and PP of M5, MF, and LH zones on the affected side and PP of M2, M3, and M4 zones on the unaffected side, and a negative correlation between KOA stages and PP of T1 and T2-5 zones on the affected side. CONCLUSIONS With the progression of KOA, static plantar pressure tends to distributed on the unaffected side, and the dynamic plantar pressure tends to be distributed laterally on both feet. The plantar pressure distributions in unilateral KOA patients are abnormal and are closely related to the severity of KOA.

Predictive Value of 18 F-FDG PET/MRI for Pleural Invasion in Solid and Subsolid Lung Adenocarcinomas Smaller Than 3 cm.

BACKGROUND: Positron emission tomography (PET)/MRI combines the characteristics of metabolism imaging and high soft tissue resolution, and could provide high diagnostic efficacy for assessment of pleural invasion (PI) of lung cancer. PURPOSE: To investigate the application of 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/MRI for predicting PI of lung cancer with the maximum diameter ≤3 cm. STUDY TYPE: Prospective. POPULATION: A total of 44 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), age from 39 to 79 years old, including 19 (56.82%) females. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: A 3-T, hybrid PET/MRI including axial fast spin echo respiratory-triggered T2 fat-suppressed imaging (T2FS) and echo planar imaging diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). ASSESSMENT: The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of all lesions was measured on PET images. Localized effusion outside the contact between the nodules and the pleura on T2FS and signal at the contact between the nodules and the pleura on DWI were evaluated by experienced physicians through visual assessment of the MRI sequences. STATISTICAL TESTS: Three models (models 1-3) were developed, incorporating CT, CT and PET, PET and MRI features, and Lasso regression was used in feature selection. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for PI diagnosis was visualized for each model, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. The DeLong test was used to compare the different AUCs. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The AUC of models 1-3 was 0.762, 0.829, and 0.915, respectively. The DeLong test showed a statistically significant difference between the AUCs of model 1 vs. model 3, while the differences between the AUCs of model 1 vs. model 2 (P = 0.253) and model 2 vs. model 3 (P = 0.075) were not statistically significant. DATA CONCLUSION: 18 F-FDG PET/MRI might show high predictive value for lung adenocarcinoma smaller than 3 cm with PI. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Biotrophic Fungal Pathogens: a Critical Overview.

Biotrophic fungi are one group of heterogeneous organisms and these fungi differ in their traits like mode of nutrition, types of reproduction, and dispersal systems. Generally, based on the nutritional mode, fungi are classified into three broad categories, viz. biotrophs, necrotrophs, and hemi-biotrophs. Biotrophs derive their nutrients and energy from living plant cells and survive within the interstitial space of the cells. Biotrophic fungi cause serious crop diseases but are highly challenging to investigate and develop a treatment strategy. Blumeria (Erysiphe) graminis, Uromyces fabae, Ustilago maydis, Cladosporium fulvum, Puccinia graminis, and Phytophthora infestans are some of the significant biotrophic fungi that affect mainly plants. One among the biotrophic fungus, Pneumocystis jirovecii (Taphrinomycotina subphylum of the Ascomycota) exclusively a human pathogen, can cause lung diseases such as "pneumocystis." Biotrophic fungus widely parasitizing Solanaceae family crops (Tomato and potato) has done massive damage to the crops and has led to economic impact worldwide. During infection and for nutrient absorption, biotrophs develops external appendages such as appressoria or haustoria. The hyphae or appressorium adheres to the plant cell wall and collapses the layers for their nutrient absorption. The pathogen also secretes effector molecules to escape from the plant defense mechanism. Later, plants activate their primary and secondary defense mechanisms; however, the pathogen induces virulence genes to escape the host immune responses. Obligate biotrophic fungi pathogenicity has not been fully understood at the molecular level because of the complex interaction, recognition, and signaling with the host. This review summarizes the mechanism of infection in the host, and immune response to emphasize the understanding of the biotrophic fungal biology and pathogenesis in crops. Thus, the detailed review will pave the way to design methods to overcome the resistance of biotrophic fungi and develop disease-free crops.

Exploring the Antecedents to the Reputation of Chinese Public Sector Organizations During COVID-19: An Extension of Situational Crisis Communication Theory.

The study is intended to examine the impact of crisis responsibility on the reputation of the Chinese public sector organization during the COVID-19 crisis. In addition to that, the study has also examined the mediating role of crisis response strategy in the relationship between crisis responsibility and the reputation of the Chinese public sector organization during the COVID-19 crisis. Lastly, the study has also examined the moderating role of internal crisis communication in the relationship between the crisis responsibility and crisis response strategy of the Chinese public sector organization during COVID-19. This study bases on a quantitative research approach along with a cross-sectional research design. The population of the study is the Chinese public sector organization companies. Data is collected from the employees working in Chinese public sector organizations. The current study used 500 sample sizes; 205 valid responses are received which were used in data analysis. The SEM-PLS is used for the data analysis. The result of the study indicates that all the direct hypotheses are accepted significantly, which indicates that the crisis responsibility and crisis response strategy are significant determinants of organizational reputation during the COVID-19. In a similar vein, the crisis responsibility has placed a significant impact on the crisis response strategy of Chinese organizations during COVID-19. The study is among the pioneer studies on crisis responsibility in the Chinese public sector organization during COVID-19. The study has employed an extended framework encircling the literature on crisis responsibility, crisis response strategy, internal crisis communication, and organizational reputation. Theoretically, the study has extended the situational crisis communication theory framework by incorporating internal crisis communication in the framework.

A biomechanical study of ligament tethers strengthening for the prevention of proximal junctional kyphosis after posterior long-segment spinal fusion.

BACKGROUND: Proximal junctional kyphosis is a known complication of posterior long-segment thoracolumbar fusion. Here, the biomechanical effectiveness of ligament tethers strengthening and vertebral body augmentation, in proximal junctional kyphosis prevention was explored using the finite element analysis. METHODS: Based on a validated model of T1-L5 with the pedicle screw system instrumented T8-L5, strengthening models with different strategies were created to assess the range of motion in proximal vertebrae, vertebrae stress, pedicle screw stress, and pressure on intervertebral discs during extension, flexion, lateral bending, and axial rotation motions. Strengthening strategies included two- and three-level posterior ligament tethers (TE-T7-T9 and TE-T6-T9), and tethers with T7 &T8 vertebral body augmentation (TECE-T7-T9 and TECE-T6-T9). FINDINGS: Compared to the spinal fusion model, the ligament tethers strengthening significantly reduced the flexion-extension range of motion difference among the proximal vertebrae. During the flexion-extension motion, the T8 vertebra stresses in the TE-T7-T9, TE-T6-T9, TECE-T7-T9, and TECE-T6-T9 models were distinctively reduced, the values decreased by 26.8%, 28.3%, 28.8%, and 9.6%, respectively, during flexion, and by 21.9%, 35.2%, 23%, and 18.6%, respectively, during extension. In the strengthening models, the maximum stresses on the T7/T8 intervertebral disc in the TE-T6-T9 model were reduced by 13.8% during flexion and by 14.7% during extension. INTERPRETATION: Based on our results, the ligament strengthening configuration of the three-level posterior tethers produced a more gradual transition in range of motion, vertebrae stresses, and intervertebral discs stress between the fused and non-fused segments, especially during flexion-extension, which may significantly decrease the proximal junctional kyphosis biomechanical risk.

The role of myocardial work in evaluating coronary microcirculation of STEMI patients after percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Despite of restoring epicardial infarct-related artery(IRA) patency after myocardial infarction, microvascular reperfusion were not achieved sometimes, and the deterioration of myocardial perfusion persists in a considerable number of patients. This phenomenon is known as microvascular obstruction (MVO). MVO is often observed in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction(STEMI) patients, even if percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was successful. In addition, some evidence has indicated that the presence of MVO predicted poor clinical outcomes independent of myocardial infarct size. Noninvasive as well as invasive modes for assessing microvascular perfusion(MVP) are complex, time consuming, and expensive have, there is yet no simple method available at present to assess coronary microcirculation. In this research, we attempt to evaluate the usefulness of left ventricular myocardial work (LVMW), a new index of myocardial performance, for the assessment of MVP in STEMI patients after PCI. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with STEMI treated by PCI were enrolled and underwent a transthoracic doppler echocardiography (TTE) within 24-72 hours after PCI. IRA were left anterior descending (LAD) artery (29,62%), left circumflex (LCX) artery(9,19%), right coronary artery (RCA) (9,19%) respectively. Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) was used to evaluate MVP after PCI, then perfusion score index (PSI) was calculated referring to whether the ultrasonic enhancing agents was replenishment or not. Patients were divided into normal MVP and impaired MVP group according to PSI. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) was generated by speckle tracking echocardiography(STE) and pressure-strain loops (PSLs) was used to generate global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW), and global work efficiency (GWE). GLS and the MW parameters (GWI, GCW, GWW, GWE) were compared between groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated by plotting sensitivity versus (1-specificity), allowing calculation of the area under the curve (AUC) and the identification of LVMW parameters and GLS cutoff thresholds that best identify STEMI patients with impaired MVP after PCI. RESULTS: In this study, a statistically significant difference was observed in GWI (1163±405 mm Hg% vs 1617±363 mm Hg%), GCW (1296±430 mm Hg% vs 1789±406 mm Hg%), GWE (83±8.52% vs 90±5.58%) and GLS (11.56±3.29 vs 16.65±3.59) between impaired MVP group and normal MVP group. However, there is no statistical significance difference in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and GWW. ROC analysis revealed that GCW (cut-off value: 1326 mm Hg%, AUC: .80, sensitivity: 95% and specificity: 56%), GWI (cut-off value: 1281 mm Hg%, AUC: .81, sensitivity: 90% and specificity: 70%), GWE (cut-off value: 90%, AUC: .77, sensitivity: 65% and specificity: 78%) and GLS (cut-off value: 12.5, AUC: .86, sensitivity: 90% and specificity: 67%) have appreciable AUC, sensitivity, and specificity to identify STEMI patients with impaired MVP after PCI. CONCLUSION: Measuring LVMW indices of STEMI patients after PCI may add adjuvant value for the assessment of MVP.

Intravital Microscopy Imaging of Invariant Natural Killer T-Cell Dynamics in the Liver Using CXCR6-eGFP Transgenic Mice.

The immune response in the liver is a highly dynamic process involving the recruitment of many types of immune cells. As a powerful imaging technique, intravital microscopy has been widely used for real-time observation and quantification of cell movements in living animals. Here we describe the use of an in vivo half-dissociated preparation method combined with intravital confocal microscopy to observe the dynamic activities of invariant natural killer T cells in the liver of CXCR6GFP/+ transgenic mice. We believe that this method will enable researchers to explore the dynamics of many other types of immune cells in the liver.

Black liquor increases methane production from excess pulp and paper industry sludge.

The aim of the study was to use black liquor produced during the soda pulping process in a pulp and paper mill to increase methane production during pulp and paper industry sludge treatment and decrease the treatment cost. The effects of black liquor on sludge solubilization and methane production were assessed and the economic feasibility of the process was evaluated. Black liquor and NaOH were found to be equivalent in the thermochemical pretreatment process to solubilize sludge and disintegrate flocs. However, adding black liquor increased the background chemical oxygen demand and volatile fatty acid concentration and increased the amount of methane produced by approximately 7-30%. A start-up delay was emphasized by first-order kinetics model due to black liquor addition while methane production remained stable. Economic assessments of five scenarios were performed. It was found to be economically feasible to use black liquor to replace NaOH for the thermal pretreatment process. The surplus methane generated suggested that co-digestion of sludge and black liquor allows surplus bioenergy to be produced during the thermochemical pretreatment anaerobic digestion process.

Dose atrophy of vastus medialis obliquus and vastus lateralis exist in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Whether vastus medialis obliquus atrophy exists in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome and whether the amount of atrophy differs between the vastus medialis obliquus and vastus lateralis muscles remain unknown. MATERIALS: From June 2016 to March 2019, 61 patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome were retrospectively included in the study group, and an age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched cohort of 61 patients with normal knees was randomly selected as the control group. All enrolled subjects had undergone CT scans in the supine position. The cross-sectional areas of the vastus medialis obliquus and the vastus lateralis muscle in the sections 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mm above the upper pole of the patella were measured, and the vastus medialis obliquus/vastus lateralis muscle area ratio was evaluated. RESULTS: In the study group, the vastus medialis obliquus areas and the vastus lateralis muscle areas in the sections that were 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mm above the upper pole of the patella were significantly smaller than the respective areas in the control group (P < 0.05). The vastus medialis obliquus/vastus lateralis muscle area ratio was significantly smaller at the upper pole of the patella (the section 0 mm above the upper pole of the patella) than the corresponding ratio in the control group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was noted between the two groups in the sections 5, 10, 15, and 20 mm above the upper pole of the patella (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome, vastus medialis obliquus and vastus lateralis muscle atrophy existed in sections 0-20 mm above the upper pole of the patella, compared with normal controls, and atrophy of the vastus medialis obliquus was more evident than that of the vastus lateralis muscle at the upper pole of the patella. These findings support the rationale for the use of general quadriceps exercise combined with vastus medialis obliquus strengthening exercise as part of the rehabilitation programme for the patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Assessment of Patellar Morphology in Trochlear Dysplasia on Computed Tomography Scans.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the patellar morphology of trochlear dysplasia and normal knees in different genders and in different severities of trochlear dysplasia on CT scans. METHODS: A total of 75 patients with trochlear dysplasia (110 knees) treated at the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University from December 2013 to December 2018 were included in an experimental group, and an age-matched and sex-matched cohort of 46 patients with normal trochlear shape (61 knees) were randomly selected into a control group. The experimental group was divided into a female experimental group (Group FE, 47 patients, 72 knees) and a male experimental group (Group ME, 28 patients, 38 knees); the control group was divided into a female control group (Group FC, 31 knees, 24 female patients) and a male control group (Group MC, 30 knees, 22 male patients). Furthermore, according to the severity of trochlear dysplasia, Group FE was divided into a female low-grade dysplasia group (Group FL, 20 knees) and a female high-grade dysplasia group (Group FH, 52 knees); Group ME was divided into a male low-grade dysplasia group (Group ML, 16 knees) and a male high-grade dysplasia group (Group MH, 22 knees). All participants had undergone CT scans in the supine position; the patellar width and thickness, the lateral patellar facet angle, the Wiberg angle, and the Wiberg index were measured and compared. RESULTS: In trochlear dysplasia knees, the mean patellar width and thickness and the lateral patellar facet angle were significantly smaller; the mean Wiberg index was significantly larger than in normal knees, regardless of gender (P < 0.05); and there was no statistically significant difference in the mean Wiberg angle (P > 0.05). In the female groups, the mean patellar width and thickness and the Wiberg angle were significantly smaller; the mean lateral patellar facet angle was significantly larger than those in the male groups (P < 0.05); and there was no significant difference in the mean Wiberg index (P > 0.05). In the low-grade dysplasia group, the mean Wiberg index was smaller than that in the high-grade dysplasia group (P < 0.05), regardless of gender; however, there was no significant difference in the mean patellar width and thickness, the lateral patellar facet angle, and the Wiberg angle in low-grade and high-grade dysplasia (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: On CT scans, the patella in trochlear dysplasia had a smaller width, a thinner thickness, a lengthened lateral facet, and a more flattened articular facet. In addition, the patellar articular facet was more prominent in female patients. With the severity of trochlear dysplasia increased, the lateral patellar facet became longer. In addition, the abnormal stress distribution on the patella influenced the patellar morphology in trochlear dysaplasia.

Identifying Sleep-Related Factors Associated with Cognitive Function in a Hispanics/Latinos Cohort: A Dual Random Forest Approach.

Disordered sleep is associated with poor cognitive function and cognitive decline. However, little is known regarding the association of sleep-related factors with cognitive function in underrepresented cohorts such as the Hispanic/Latino population. Leveraging the National Sleep Research Resource, one of the most comprehensive collections of sleep studies, we identified a Hispanic/Latino cohort of 1,031 lower cognitive function cases and 2,062 normal controls. We developed a novel dual random forest (DRF) approach to discriminate cases against controls for estimating the potential impact of sleep-related variables related to the decline of cognitive function. Several important sleep-related factors were identified which may be associated with cognitive function in the Hispanics/Latinos cohort, such as heart rate, sleep duration, trouble falling asleep, and apnea/hypopnea index, which are consistent with existing research findings. Our DRF approach is effective in validating the association between disordered sleep and cognitive decline in this unique minority population.

Increased health threats from land use change caused by anthropogenic activity in an endemic fluorosis and arsenicosis area.

Urbanization is conducive to promoting social development and improving living standards. However, the changing land use attributed to urbanization has placed both the environment and humans at risk. Based on the long-term monitoring and the land use change during 2010-2017, we investigated the exposure of fluoride (F) and arsenic (As) in groundwater. We analyzed the temporal and spatial variation of F and As from different land use changes. The study assessed health risk for children by calculating carcinogenic risk and non-carcinogenic risk. Furthermore, we mapped the distribution pattern of F and As using GIS. For the 768 water samples collected from 2010 to 2017, F concentrations ranged between 0.10 and 5.70 mg L-1 (M = 0.68 ± 0.02 mg L-1), As concentrations ranged between 0.50 and 71.50 µg L-1 (M = 4.28 ± 0.28 µg L-1). A concerning result showed that 6.77% of F concentrations larger than 1.5  mg L-1 and 11.46% of As concentrations larger than 10 µg L-1 based on the recommendation by WHO, respectively. Results proved that land use change caused by human activity increased groundwater pollution and placed human health at risk. High F and As risk were found in southern Taiyuan City. In particular, the groundwater of industrial land suffered from more severe pollution, especially at the frontier of urban and suburban areas in the southern part of Taiyuan City. Land use change attributed to industrial land resulted in major increases in the F and As concentrations in groundwater across 2010-2017. Both carcinogenic risk and non-carcinogenic risk in 2016-2017 were higher than that in 2010-2015. Rational land use planning, strict groundwater protection policies and the regular monitoring of pollution levels are necessary in order to prevent the adverse health of residents.

Health risk in children to fluoride exposure in a typical endemic fluorosis area on Loess Plateau, north China, in the last decade.

Excessive and inadequate intake of fluoride may cause adverse effects in children, such as dental caries and dental fluorosis. This study reports the results of monitoring fluoride concentrations in drinking water from an endemic fluorosis region during the ten-year period (2008 through 2017). The fluoride concentration had a range of 0.03-9.42 mg L-1 (mean = 0.55 ± 0.01 mg L-1). Approximately 10%, 1.3% and 0.06% children are at risk for dental decay, dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis, respectively. Probabilistic risks for children were assessed and the fluoride endemic areas were marked by GIS mapping system. On several water consumption points, the hazard quotient (HQ) values for children were higher than 1, indicating potential non-cancer health risks due to fluoride exposure. The results of this study will help governmental agencies to develop better policies for protecting children from exposure to fluoride.