An electrochemical sensor based on 2D Zn-MOFs and 2D C-Ti3C2Tx composite materials for rapid and direct detection of various foodborne pathogens.

Rapid screening for foodborne pathogens is crucial for food safety. A rapid and one-step electrochemical sensor has been developed for the detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium). Through the construction of aptamer/two-dimensional carboxylated Ti3C2Tx (2D C-Ti3C2Tx)/two-dimensional Zn-MOF (2D Zn-MOF) composites, the recognition elements, signal tags, and signal amplifiers are integrated on the electrode surface. Pathogens are selectively captured using the aptamer, which increases the impedance of the electrode surface，leads to a decrease in the 2D Zn-MOF current. Bacteria can be rapidly quantified using a one-step detection method and the replacement of aptamers. The detection limits for E. coli, S. aureus, and S. typhimurium are 6, 5, and 5 CFU·mL-1, respectively. The sensor demonstrated reliable detection capabilities in real-sample testing. Therefore, the one-step sensor based on the 2D Zn-MOF and 2D C-Ti3C2Tx has significant application value in the detection of foodborne pathogens.

Chemical profiling and probiotic viability assessment in Gueuze-style beer: Fermentation dynamics, metabolite and sensory characterization, and in vitro digestion resistance.

Probiotic viability, metabolite concentrations, physicochemical parameters, and volatile compounds were characterized in Gueuze beers formulated with probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast. Additionally, the sensory profile of the beers and the resistance of the probiotics to digestion were determined. The use of 2 International Bitterness Units resulted in high concentrations of probiotic LAB but a decline in probiotic yeast as pH decreased. Secondary fermentation led to the consumption of maltose, citric acid, and malic acid, and the production of lactic and propionic acids. Carbonation and storage at 4 °C had minimal impact on probiotic viability. The addition of probiotic LAB resulted in a distinct aroma profile with improved sensory characteristics. Our results demonstrate that sour beers produced with probiotic LAB and a probiotic yeast, and fermented using a two-step fermentation process, exhibited optimal physicochemical parameters, discriminant volatile compound profiles, promising sensory characteristics, and high probiotic concentrations after digestion.

SMGformer: integrating STL and multi-head self-attention in deep learning model for multi-step runoff forecasting.

Accurate runoff forecasting is of great significance for water resource allocation flood control and disaster reduction. However, due to the inherent strong randomness of runoff sequences, this task faces significant challenges. To address this challenge, this study proposes a new SMGformer runoff forecast model. The model integrates Seasonal and Trend decomposition using Loess (STL), Informer's Encoder layer, Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (BiGRU), and Multi-head self-attention (MHSA). Firstly, in response to the nonlinear and non-stationary characteristics of the runoff sequence, the STL decomposition is used to extract the runoff sequence's trend, period, and residual terms, and a multi-feature set based on 'sequence-sequence' is constructed as the input of the model, providing a foundation for subsequent models to capture the evolution of runoff. The key features of the input set are then captured using the Informer's Encoder layer. Next, the BiGRU layer is used to learn the temporal information of these features. To further optimize the output of the BiGRU layer, the MHSA mechanism is introduced to emphasize the impact of important information. Finally, accurate runoff forecasting is achieved by transforming the output of the MHSA layer through the Fully connected layer. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed model, monthly runoff data from two hydrological stations in China are selected, and eight models are constructed to compare the performance of the proposed model. The results show that compared with the Informer model, the 1th step MAE of the SMGformer model decreases by 42.2% and 36.6%, respectively; RMSE decreases by 37.9% and 43.6% respectively; NSE increases from 0.936 to 0.975 and from 0.487 to 0.837, respectively. In addition, the KGE of the SMGformer model at the 3th step are 0.960 and 0.805, both of which can maintain above 0.8. Therefore, the model can accurately capture key information in the monthly runoff sequence and extend the effective forecast period of the model.

Vegetation cover, topography, and low-traffic roads influence Sonoran desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai) movement and habitat selection.

BACKGROUND: Anthropogenic activities occurring throughout the Sonoran Desert are replacing and fragmenting habitat and reducing landscape connectivity for the Sonoran desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai). Understanding how the structure of the landscape influences tortoise habitat use and movement can help develop strategies for mitigating the impacts of these landscape alterations, which are conservation actions needed to support the species' long-term persistence. However, how natural and anthropogenic features influence fine-scale habitat use and movement of Sonoran desert tortoises remains unclear. METHODS: The goals of this study were to (1) understand how characteristics of the landscape shape tortoise habitat use and movement in order to (2) identify factors that may reduce habitat use or threaten landscape connectivity for the species by discouraging or restricting movement. We collected GPS telemetry data from 17 adult tortoises tracked for two summer monsoon seasons, when tortoises are most active, in a U.S. National Monument along the international border between Arizona, USA and Sonora, Mexico. We used Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) to assign GPS locations to an encamped or a moving state. We used the moving state data in integrated Step Selection Analyses (iSSA) to examine how range-resident Sonoran desert tortoises select habitat and respond to landscape features while moving. RESULTS: Tortoises selected to move through areas of intermediate vegetation cover and terrain ruggedness and avoided areas far from desert washes and close to low-traffic roads. Tortoises increased their speed when approaching or crossing low-traffic roads but showed no detectable response to a highway. CONCLUSION: Bare earth or high vegetation cover, flat or extremely rugged terrain, areas far from desert washes, and low-traffic roads may discourage or restrict tortoise movement. Therefore, preventing the development of roads, activities that degrade washes, and activities that thin, remove, or greatly increase vegetation cover may encourage tortoise habitat use and movement within those habitats.

A highly variable habitat selection in moose across diel and seasonal scales.

PURPOSE: Habitat selection in animals is a hierarchal process that operates across multiple temporal and spatial scales, adapting to changes in environmental conditions, human disturbances, and predation risks. Despite its significance, previous research often oversimplifies temporal dynamics by categorizing them into broad seasonal and diel patterns, overlooking the continuous nature of temporal variability and habitat specificity. METHODS: We investigated the temporal patterns in habitat selection of moose (Alces alces) in highly heterogenous landscapes at the southwestern edge of their European range using step-selection functions. Utilizing over 700,000 GPS locations from 34 adult moose, we aimed to assess seasonal and diel patterns in their selectivity for both natural and human-related habitats. RESULTS: Our findings revealed significant overall temporal variation in moose habitat selection at both seasonal and diel scales. Moose selectivity toward different habitats showed low repeatability over time, with 35% of cases displaying negative correlation between selectivity in different time windows. Diel changes were more pronounced, showing 5.6-fold difference in cumulative selectivity, compared to 1.4-fold difference in seasonal dynamics. Notably, moose exhibited lower selectivity during nighttime hours throughout the year compared to daytime hours. The study also highlighted distinct habitat selection patterns across different habitat types: natural habitats (deciduous forests, coniferous forests, wetlands) exhibited pronounced seasonal variation, while anthropogenic habitats (grasslands, arable land, roads and settlements) showed more diel variability. Moose generally avoided human-related habitats during daytime hours, but their preferences during nighttime varied depending on the habitat type and time of year. CONCLUSION: This research advances our understanding of the complex temporal patterns in habitat selection by large herbivores and underscores the importance of considering temporal dynamics in habitat selection modelling.

Inferior Shoulder Dislocation: A Report of Three Cases Reduced Using the 'Two-Step Manoeuvre'.

Inferior shoulder dislocations are uncommon, accounting for a very small percentage of all shoulder dislocations. A reduction technique has been developed which involves a two-step process: the first involves converting the inferior dislocation into an anterior one and the second involves reducing the humeral head back into its anatomical position within the glenohumeral joint. Traditional methods, such as the overhead traction-counter traction technique, often require multiple attempts, the involvement of several medical professionals, and the use of significant sedation and analgesia, which can be more intensive for the patient. Inferior dislocations that are positioned beneath the coracoid process present a particular challenge. Although they might seem suitable for reduction using methods typically applied for anterior dislocations, their positioning is often too inferior for these techniques to be effective. This two-step reduction technique has been utilised successfully in sub-coracoid and sub-glenoid inferior shoulder dislocations. The method has proven advantageous as a single practitioner can perform it, usually requires only one attempt, involves minimal force, and can be done under conscious sedation. These benefits make it a valuable alternative to traditional approaches for reducing inferior shoulder dislocations.

Electrokinetic Analysis-Driven Promotion of Electrocatalytic CO Reduction to n-Propanol.

The electrocatalytic carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide reduction reaction (CO2RR or CORR) features a sustainable method for reducing carbon emissions and producing value-added chemicals. However, the generation of C3 products with higher energy density and market values, such as n-propanol, remains highly challenging, which is attributed to the unclear formation mechanism of C3+ versus C2 products. In this work, by the Tafel slope analysis, electrolyte pH correlation exploration, and the kinetic analysis of CO partial pressure fitting, it is identified that both n-propanol and C2 products share the same rate-determining step, which is the coupling of two C1 intermediates via the derivation of the Butler-Volmer equation. In addition, inspired by the mechanistic study, it is proposed that a high OH─ concentration and a water-limited environment are beneficial for promoting the subsequent *C2-*C1 coupling to n-propanol. At 5.0 m [OH-], the partial current density of producing n-propanol (jn-propanol) reached 45 mA cm-2, which is 35 and 1.3 times higher than that at 0.01 m [OH-] and 1.0 m [OH-], respectively. This study provides a comprehensive kinetic analysis of n-propanol production and suggests opportunities for designing new catalytic systems for promoting the C3 production.

Transcriptomic Signature of Spatial Navigation in Brains of Desert Ants.

Navigation is crucial for central-place foragers to locate food and return to the nest. Cataglyphis ants are renowned for their advanced navigation abilities, relying on landmark cues and path integration. This study aims to uncover the transcriptomic basis of exceptional spatial learning in the central nervous system of Cataglyphis niger. Ants navigated a maze with a food reward, and we examined expression changes linked to correct decisions in subsequent runs. Correct decisions correlated with expression changes in the optic lobes, but not the central brain, showing a downregulation of genes associated with sucrose response and Creb3l1. The latter gene is homologous to Drosophila crebA, which is essential for long-term memory formation. To understand how ants use distance information during path integration, we analyzed expression shifts associated with the last distance traveled. We uncovered a transcriptomic footprint in the central brain, but not in the optic lobes, with genes enriched for energy consumption and neurological functions, including neuronal projection development, synaptic target inhibition, and recognition processes. This suggests that transcriptional activity in the central brain is necessary for estimating distance traveled, which is crucial for path integration. Our study supports the distinct roles of different brain parts for navigation in Cataglyphis ants.

Biomarkers From Discovery to Clinical Application: In Silico Pre-Clinical Validation Approach in the Face of Lung Cancer.

Background: Clinical biomarkers, allow better classification of patients according to their disease risk, prognosis, and/or response to treatment. Although affordable omics-based approaches have paved the way for quicker identification of putative biomarkers, validation of biomarkers is necessary for translation of discoveries into clinical application. Objective: Accordingly, in this study, we emphasize the potential of in silico approaches and have proposed and applied 3 novel sequential in silico pre-clinical validation steps to better identify the biomarkers that are truly desirable for clinical investment. Design: As protein biomarkers are becoming increasingly important in the clinic alongside other molecular biomarkers and lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths, we used protein biomarkers for lung cancer as an illustrative example to apply our in silico pre-clinical validation approach. Methods: We collected the reported protein biomarkers for 3 cases (lung adenocarcinoma-LUAD, squamous cell carcinoma-LUSC, and unspecified lung cancer) and evaluated whether the protein biomarkers have cancer altering properties (i.e., act as tumor suppressors or oncoproteins and represent cancer hallmarks), are expressed in body fluids, and can be targeted by FDA-approved drugs. Results: We collected 3008 protein biomarkers for lung cancer, 1189 for LUAD, and 182 for LUSC. Of these protein biomarkers for lung cancer, LUAD, and LUSC, only 28, 25, and 6 protein biomarkers passed the 3 in silico pre-clinical validation steps examined, and of these, only 5 and 2 biomarkers were specific for lung cancer and LUAD, respectively. Conclusion: In this study, we applied our in silico pre-clinical validation approach the protein biomarkers for lung cancer cases. However, this approach can be applied and adapted to all cancer biomarkers. We believe that this approach will greatly facilitate the transition of cancer biomarkers into the clinical phase and offers great potential for future biomarker research.

Biomarkers, which are routinely used in clinics, allow better classification of patients according to their disease risk, prognosis, and/or response to treatment. Although affordable omics-based approaches have paved the way for quicker identification of putative biomarkers, validation of biomarkers is necessary for translation of discoveries into clinical application. This research article highlights the challenges of translating cancer biomarkers into clinical practice and summarizes feasible step toward "in silico pre-clinical validation" using the example of lung cancer types. Accordingly, protein biomarkers proposed for lung cancer are being investigated using the "in silico pre-clinical validation" approach to determine whether they have cancer altering properties (i.e., oncoprotein, tumor suppressor, and cancer hallmark), are expressed in body fluids (i.e., plasma/serum, saliva, urine, and bronchoalveolar lavage) and can be targeted with FDA-approved drugs. We believe that the step of in silico pre-clinical validation is the future of biomarker research for all professionals involved in clinical, biological, epidemiological, biostatistical and health research, and that it will greatly facilitate the transition of biomarkers to the clinical phase.

Efficient plant regeneration through direct shoot organogenesis and two-step rooting in Eucommia ulmoides Oliver.

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides Oliver), a multipurpose woody plant, holds great economic significance due to its expansive medicinal, food and industrial applications. The rapid advancement of E. ulmoides in various fields has resulted in the inadequacy of existing breeding methods to meet its growth and annual production demands. Consequently, there is an urgent need for innovative propagation strategies. This study introduces an optimized micropropagation protocol for E. ulmoides, facilitating direct shoot organogenesis from nodal segments with axillary buds. We systematically examined the impact of basal medium composition, plant growth regulators, photosynthetic photon flux density, and sucrose concentration on bud sprouting. Employing cuttings with axillary buds as propagation material, we achieved a shortened cultivation period of merely 4 weeks for bud elongation and proliferation, marking a substantial enhancement in propagation efficiency. Notably, the Driver Kuniyuki Walnut medium, supplemented with 20.0 g L-1 sucrose and 2.0 mg L-1 trans-zeatin, induced shoots sprouting with a 100% success rate and an average length of 5.18 cm per nodal segment, equating to a great bud propagation rate of approximately 500%. Furthermore, a light source with an intensity of 80 µmol m-2 s-1 was shown the most economical choice. To address the primary challenge of inducing roots in regenerated plants, we employed a refined two-step rooting technique. This method yielded the optimal rooting frequency of 93.02%, producing an average of 5.90 adventitious roots per plantlet, each with an average length of 2.77 cm. The micropropagation program developed in this work will be the cornerstone for the preservation of the germplasm of E. ulmoides and its long-term use in medicinal and industrial applications.

Video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement for necrotizing pancreatitis: a single center experience in Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common and potentially lethal disease. Approximately 10-20% of the patients progress to necrotizing pancreatitis (NP). The step-up approach is the gold standard approach to managing an infected necrotizing pancreatitis with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates. Video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement (VARD) has been described as a safe and feasible approach with high success rates. Multiple studies in the American, European, and Asian populations evaluating the outcomes of VARD have been published; nevertheless, outcomes in the Latin American population are unknown. This study aims to describe a single-center experience of VARD for necrotizing pancreatitis in Colombia with a long-term follow-up. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted between 2016 and 2024. All patients over 18 years old who underwent VARD for necrotizing pancreatitis were included. Demographic, clinical variables, and postoperative outcomes at 30-day follow-up were described. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients were included. The mean age was 55.9 years old (SD 13.73). The median follow-up was 365 days (P25 60; P75 547). Bile origin was the most frequent cause of pancreatitis in 90.1% of the patients. The mean time between diagnosis and surgical management was 78.5 days (SD 22.93). The mean size of the collection was 10.5 cm (SD 3.51). There was no evidence of intraoperative complications. The mean in-hospital length of stay was 65.18 days (SD 26.46). One patient died in a 30-day follow-up. One patient presented an incisional hernia one year after surgery, and there was no evidence of endocrine insufficiency at the follow-up. CONCLUSION: According to our data, the VARD procedure presents similar outcomes to those reported in the literature; a standardized procedure following the STEP-UP procedure minimizes the requirement of postoperative drainages. Long-term follow-up should be performed to rule out pancreatic insufficiency.

Facile Preparation of Raspberry-Like SiO2@Polyurea Microspheres with Tunable Wettability and Their Application for Oil-Water Separation.

Raspberry-like microspheres have been widely used as superhydrophobic materials, photonic crystals, drug carriers, etc. Nevertheless, their preparation methods, usually consisting of multiple steps, are generally time- and energy-consuming. Herein raspberry-like SiO2@polyurea microspheres (SiO2@PUM) are readily prepared via a one-step precipitation polymerization of isophorone diisocyanate in a H2O/acetone mixture with the presence of SiO2 particles. The sphere size, surface roughness, and SiO2 content of SiO2@PUM are easily adjustable by varying the experimental conditions. TEM and SEM observations reveal that the final SiO2@PUM exhibits a core-shell structure, with polyurea (PU) in the core and SiO2 particles as the shell. In the process, the SiO2 particles were initially located on the PUM surface as a monolayer. With the reaction proceeding, the monolayer of SiO2 particles became thicker, forming a thicker layer of SiO2 particles on PUM due to the accumulation of SiO2 particles, leading to a multilayer structure of SiO2 particles on the shell of SiO2@PUM. The formation mechanism of the raspberry-like SiO2@PUM was thoroughly discussed and ascribed to electrostatic attraction between the positively charged PU and negatively charged SiO2 particles. Once dried, SiO2@PUM was superhydrophobic and turned hydrophilic if water-wetted. Using a layer of SiO2@PUM, effective separation with good reusability for a variety of oil-water mixtures was achieved regardless of the oil density and types of oil-water emulsions. This work presents a novel protocol for the preparation of raspberry-like microspheres with tunable wettability via a rapid and green process, and the resulting microspheres are highly effective for the separation of diverse types of oil-water mixtures.

Efficient glycosylation of polyphenols via dynamic complexation of cyclodextrin and synchronous coupling reaction with cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase in water.

Glycosylation is an effective way to promote the total intake of polyphenols in humans by increasing the solubility of polyphenols. In this study, an efficient glycosylation system was built via the dynamic complexation of CD with polyphenols and synchronous coupling reaction with cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase) in water. The glycosylation efficiencies of quercetin, naringenin, rutin, resveratrol and caffeic acid were 20.9, 3.6, 2.7, 3.4 and 1.5 times higher than the non-complexed system. To quantify conversion rate and determine the rate-limiting step, the mixed product was treated with amyloglucosidase to obtain α-glucosyl rutin, which was identified as rutin 4"-O-α-D-glucopyranoside with purity of 93.6 % and yield of 34.8 % from NMR, MS and HPLC analysis. The results of half-reaction kinetics showed that the catalytic efficiencies of ring-opening of γ-CD (k1) and glycosylation reaction of rutin (k2) were 621.92 and 9.43 mM-1·s-1. The rate-limiting step was clarified for the first time, showing that the ring-opening ability of CGTase to CD was much higher than its glycosylation ability to polyphenols. It is speculated that the rapid ring-opening reaction of CD affected its dynamic complexation, releasing many polyphenols which were not utilized by CGTase in time. Therefore, adjusting the ratio and concentration of CD resulted in an optimal glycosylation molar yield of 84.1 % for rutin, which was the highest yield reported so far in water. This study established a universal system and clarified the rate-limiting step in the enzymatic glycosylation, providing theoretical guidance for efficient production of polyphenol glycosylation.

Marker weighting improves single-step genomic prediction reliabilities of udder health traits in Nordic Red and Jersey dairy cattle populations.

The standard single-step genomic prediction model assumes that all SNP markers explain an equal amount of genetic variance, which, however, may not be true. This is because SNPs are located in or near different genes with different functions. Therefore, it seems logical to consider SNP marker-specific weights when predicting genomic breeding values. We hypothesized that allowing differences in the amount of genetic variance explained by each SNP marker will improve prediction reliability and response to selection. To investigate this hypothesis, we first developed multi-trait standard single-step genomic models based on the current multi-trait random regression evaluation models for udder health traits of the Nordic Red (RDC) and Jersey (JER) dairy cattle populations. The models included 4 clinical mastitis (CM) traits, 3 test-day somatic cell score (SCS) traits, and the conformation traits fore udder attachment and udder depth. In the second step, we investigated the effect of applying different SNP marker weighting scenarios in the single-step genomic prediction models, for which a single-step SNP best linear unbiased prediction model was applied. We investigated the prediction reliability of the different models by forward prediction, where the last 4 years of the data were removed to estimate breeding values for validation candidates. In addition, genetic trends of the pedigree-based estimated breeding values (PEBV) and genomic enhanced breeding values (GEBV) were examined. The data sets for RDC and JER included 6.9 and 1.2 million animals of which 5.6 and 0.9 million cows had records, respectively. The number of genotyped animals was 125,789 and 64,777 for RDC and JER, respectively. Cows had repeated SCS observations but only single observations for all other traits and breeding values for all traits were modeled by one covariance function. This required modeling 12 eigenvalue breeding value coefficients for each cow and developing SNP marker weights for the principal components rather than for the biological traits. We investigated 3 SNP marker weighting scenarios: 1) a nonlinear method similar to BayesA, 2) using the classical formula 2pqû2 that accounts for allele heterozygosity, and 3) applying a mean SNP weight calculated by 2pqû2 for every 20 adjacent SNP markers. Bias, dispersion, and prediction reliability were calculated using PEBV or GEBV from the evaluation based on the full data set on those using the reduced data set. We found that the recent favorable genetic trend in CM and SCS has been accelerated since the introduction of genomic selection. The study also shows that a significant increase in prediction reliability, i.e., 0.74 vs. 0.48 for RDC and 0.72 vs. 0.41 for JER cows for CM, can be achieved with a standard single-step genomic prediction model compared with a pedigree-based prediction model. Almost all scenarios with SNP marker weighting further improved the prediction reliability between 0.5% and 12.7%. The highest improvement was achieved by weighing the SNP markers based on the 2pqû2 formula.

Light-Driven, Reversible Spatiotemporal Control of Dynamic Covalent Polymers.

Dynamic covalent polymer networks exhibit a cross-linked structure like conventional thermosets and elastomers, although their topology can be reorganized through externally triggered bond exchange reactions. This characteristic enables a unique combination of repairability, recyclability and dimensional stability, crucial for a sustainable industrial economy. Herein the application of a photoswitchable nitrogen superbase is reported for the spatially resolved and reversible control over dynamic bond exchange within a thiol-ene photopolymer. By the exposure to UV or visible light, the associative exchange between thioester links and thiol groups is successfully gained control over, and thereby the macroscopic mechanical material properties, in a locally controlled manner. Consequently, the resulting reorganization of the global network topology enables to utilize this material for previously unrealizable advanced applications such as spatially resolved, reversible reshaping as well as micro-imprinting over multiple steps. Finally, the presented concept contributes fundamentally to the evolution of dynamic polymers and provides universal applicability in covalent adaptable networks relying on a base-catalyzed exchange mechanism.

Strategies for unplanned gait termination at comfortable and fast walking speeds in children with cerebral palsy.

Collision avoidance while walking is necessary for safe living, and faster walking speeds tend to increase collision risk. However, gait termination strategies for patients with cerebral palsy (CP), from comfortable to faster speed, remain unexplored. This study aimed to analyze these strategies in children with CP compared to typically developing (TD) children at two different speeds. Study participants included 10 children with CP (mean age, 12.5; five females; mean height, 147.8 cm; mean weight, 41.7 kg) and 10 TD children (mean age, 11.4; nine females; mean height, 142.0 cm; mean weight, 38.1 kg). Effects of walking speed on spatial, force, and temporal parameters were assessed at 100 % (WS1) and 125 % (WS2) speeds of comfortable walking. The TD group exerted a more pronounced braking force at the first step after the stop line appeared on the floor until the contralateral step at both WS1 (P = 0.006) and WS2 (P = 0.019); however, the CP group exerted a more potent force after the second step (WS1: P = 0.026, WS2: P = 0.023) in the anterior-posterior (AP) direction. Additionally, an increase in the center of mass (COM)-center of pressure (COP) divergence in the AP direction (P = 0.032), which decreased in the mediolateral (ML) direction (P = 0.036) at faster walking speeds, influenced the kinetic characteristics of the CP group from WS1 to WS2. The complex adaptations, such as unique braking forces and changes in the COM-COP divergence, suggest that gait interventions should consider the distinctive forces and adopt dynamic balancing strategies to avoid collisions during walking.

Investigating risk factors associated with injury severity in highway crashes: A hybrid approach integrating two-step cluster analysis and latent class ordered regression model with covariates.

Highway crashes are responsible for a significant number of severe and fatal injuries drawing considerable attention from transportation authorities and safety researchers. This paper aims to investigate the unobserved heterogeneous effects of various risk factors, such as pre-crash circumstances, environmental and road conditions, vehicle-involved information, and driver attributes on injury severities. Our methodology uses a hybrid approach that combines two-step cluster analysis and latent class ordered regression model with covariates. The proposed approach extends traditional latent class model by elucidating potential relationships among predictors, covariates, and outcomes. A cross-sectional crash data covering a period of over five years (2011-2016) was obtained via the Dutch crash registration database for modeling injury severity outcomes. The results reveal substantial and statistically significant differences in injury severity between two latent classes. Moreover, we identify road lighting, time of crash, road surface conditions, weather, and season as covariates influencing class membership prediction. Factors such as high speed, alcohol involvement, frontal collision points, and older driver demographics increase the probability of serious injury and facility across all cases analyzed. Additionally, we observe notable heterogeneity effects between the two classes regarding temporal characteristics, the number and type of vehicles involved, as well as driver gender. Our findings provide specific and valuable insights into injury severity outcomes, which can inform the formulation of targeted safety countermeasures and regulatory strategies for traffic policies and relevant agencies.

Serial Transverse Enteroplasty (STEP) for Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) in Children: A Multicenter Study on Long-term Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS), secondary to various underlying diseases, is one of the main causes of intestinal failure in children. Surgical management by serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP), is feasible in selected cases, but results on long-term follow-up are scarce. The aim of this study was to report long-term outcomes of the STEP procedure in children with SBS. METHODS: We performed a multicenter national retrospective study reviewing medical charts of children who underwent a STEP technique between 2000 and 2022 in 6 university hospitals. Collected data included demographics, SBS history, surgical procedures, nutritional support (enteral or parenteral), STEP management, complications, and outcomes (nutritional support, digestive symptoms, growth). RESULTS: STEP was performed in 36 SBS, resulting from 14 gastroschisis, 10 intestinal atresia, 8 necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), 2 midgut volvulus, and 2 intestinal Hirschsprung disease. Median age at first STEP was 10.8 months [4.5; 63.8]. Bowel length significantly increased (47 vs 70 cm, p < 0.01), with a median gain of 16 cm [11; 25] or 34%. At surgery, 33 children had parenteral nutrition (PN). A second STEP was performed in 11 patients, at a median age of 4.2 years [2.8; 6.8]. One patient underwent a third STEP. Two children required intestinal transplantation. Median follow-up was 7 years [4.4;11.4]. Out of 33 children requiring PN before surgery, 14 children were weaned off PN. The remaining 19 children still required PN, but their dependency decreased by 19%. Out of 17 children presenting severe intestinal dilations and bacterial overgrowth, 12 became asymptomatic. Out of 20 with chronic obstructive symptoms, 8 patients still required supplementary PN whereas 12 achieved complete enteral autonomy, including 3 requiring supplementary enteral support. CONCLUSION: STEP technique remains a surgical option in the management of these children, enabling a decrease in PN dependency, resulting in weaning off PN in some cases, as well as an improvement of clinical symptoms. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective multicenter observational study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Comparison of stepping-based metrics from ActiGraph accelerometers worn concurrently on the non-dominant wrist and waist among young adults.

Step counts can be estimated from wrist-worn accelerometers through the Verisense Step Count Algorithm. No study has assessed agreement between stepping metrics from ActiGraph accelerometers during free-living. Thirty-four participants (age: 22.9 ± 3.4 years) provided 24 h accelerometer data (non-dominant wrist) and waist. Agreement of two Verisense Algorithms (Verisense 1 & 2) for estimating daily steps, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), peak 1-min and 30-min accumulated steps, against the waist and ActiLife step-count Algorithm was assessed. Mean bias ± 95% limits of agreement (LoA) for daily steps was +1255 ± 3780 steps/day (mean absolute percent error (MAPE): 21%) (Verisense 1) and +1357 ± 3434 steps/day (MAPE: 20%) (Verisense 2). For peak 1-min accumulated steps, mean bias and 95% LoA was -17 ± 23 steps/min (MAPE: 17%) (Verisense 1) and -6 ± 5 steps/min (MAPE: 9%) with Verisense 2. For peak 30-min accumulated steps, mean bias and 95% LoA was -12 ± 45 steps/min (MAPE: 25%) (Verisense 1) and -2 ± 38 steps/min (MAPE: 13%) (Verisense 2). For MVPA steps/day, mean bias and 95% LoA was -1450 ± 3194 steps/day (MAPE: 420%) (Verisense 1) and -844 ± 2571 steps/day (MAPE: 211%) (Verisense 2). For MVPA min/day, mean bias and 95% LoA was -13 ± 27 min/day (MAPE: 368%) (Verisense 1) and -8 ± 24 min/day (MAPE: 209%) (Verisense 2). The Verisense 2 algorithm enhanced agreement for stepping intensity metrics but further refinement is needed to enhance agreement for MVPA against the waist.

Exploring the charge transfer enhancement mechanism in selective SERS detection with Mo1-xWxS2@Ag2S nanosheets.

In order to solve the problem of poor sensitivity and selectivity of conventional SERS substrates, we synthesized Mo1-xWxS2@Ag2S nanosheets in this paper by a two-step hydrothermal method. The structure and morphology of the synthesized Mo1-xWxS2@Ag2S nanosheets were characterized by XRD and SEM,respectively. The results show that the Mo1-xWxS2@Ag2S nanosheet has an irregular layered structure. Further, the SERS properties of Mo1-xWxS2@Ag2S nanosheets were tested by using rhodamine 6G (R6G), crystalline violet (CV), and 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) as probe molecules, respectively. The test results demonstrated that the nanosheets were specific to R6G and CV probe molecules, and the mechanism of selectivity was due to CT enhancement. In addition, Mo1-xWxS2@Ag2S exhibits ultrahigh sensitivity in R6G and CV, with the corresponding detection limit of both reached 10-8 M. And linear fitting of the peak intensities was carried out, with the R2 coefficient of 0.981 and 0.951, respectively. Finally, the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of this Mo1-xWxS2@Ag2S nanosheets was obtained to be 8.56 % by test 1 × 10-4 M R6G at the characteristic peak 613 cm-1, which represents excellent detection repeatability. The Mo1-xWxS2@Ag2S nanosheets are rich in edge-active sites favorable for charge transfer, which can enhance the SERS signals of the target molecules better. Besides, the Raman detection of the surface of Mo1-xWxS2@Ag2S nanosheets using nitrofurantoin (NFT) also reached a detection limit of 10-8 M. Mo1-xWxS2@Ag2S nanosheets substrates can find applications in medicine and provide new strategies for improving the SERS performance.