Morphological characteristics of talocalcaneal coalitions: Anatomical observation, finite element analysis and clinical application.

BACKGROUND: The intricate anatomical structure of talocalcaneal coalitions (TCCs) presents significant challenges for clinicians in both diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to investigate the anatomy, imaging characteristics, and biomechanical properties of TCCs, providing essential references for contemporary clinical diagnosis, treatment, scientific research, and education regarding TCCs. METHODS: The morphologies of TCCs were examined and classified in intact dry osseous specimens from 131 Asian adults. The imaging characteristics of TCCs were summarized by carefully observing the X-rays and CT scans. Additionally, finite element models of TCCs were established and validated, allowing for the simulation and analysis of stress and strain. RESULTS: The TCCs were primarily located in the region between the posterior end of sustentaculum tali (ST), the medial port of the tarsal canal, and the medial edge of the posterior talar articular surface (PTF). In comparison to specimens with cartilage and ligament connections, the medial tubercle of osseous connections exhibited significant inward and downward protrusion, while the ST was longer and thicker. Statistically significant differences were noted in the widths of the calcaneus and talus, as well as in the thickness and length of the ST (P < 0.05). CT imaging provided an accurate determination of TCCs' locations, while X-rays revealed the presence of the "C sign" and "duck beak sign" in all osseous connection specimens. Finite element model analysis indicated that stress was primarily concentrated at the osseous connection, which also reduced displacement of the subtalar joint. CONCLUSIONS: The comprehension of the precise location, anatomical morphological characteristics, imaging features and finite element mechanical properties of TCCs is instrumental in enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of TCCs.

Effects of diet and habitat on Hg levels in Japanese anchovy in the high seas of the northwestern Pacific Ocean.

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of diet and habitat on the Hg levels of Japanese anchovy at different growth stages. We measured the amounts of Hg and stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in the muscle and stable carbon and oxygen isotopes in the otoliths of 54 Japanese anchovy specimens obtained from the open seas of the Northwest Pacific Ocean (39°2'N âˆ¼ 42°30'N, 154°02'E âˆ¼ 161°29'E) between June and July 2021. Body length had a significant effect on δ13Cbulk, δ15Nbulk and Moto (P < 0.01). As individuals grew, δ13Cbulk and δ15Nbulk tended to gradually increase, but Moto tended to gradually decrease. The variation in the niches of Japanese anchovy at different growth stages showed that the standard ellipse-corrected area subsequently decreased with growth. It reached its smallest value in the 136-150 mm group, and there was no overlap between the 136-150 mm group and the other groups. The GAM results showed that Hg levels tended to decrease first and then increase with growth. There was a positive correlation between Hg levels and δ18Ooto in fish. Hg levels increased gradually with increasing δ15Nbulk. In our study, there may be a gradual shift in the diet of Japanese anchovy from phytoplankton to prey at higher trophic levels, and the depth of seawater in which the predators feed gradually increased with growth. Changes in diet and habitat were probably the main reasons for the increase in Hg levels.

Potential plausible role of Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells for diabetic bone regeneration.

This letter addresses the review titled "Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells: Future regenerative medicine for clinical applications in mitigation of radiation injury". The review highlights the regenerative potential of Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) and describes why WJ-MSCs will become one of the most probable stem cells for future regenerative medicine. The potential plausible role of WJ-MSCs for diabetic bone regeneration should be noticeable, which will provide a new strategy for improving bone regeneration under diabetic conditions.

Total Synthesis of the Phenylnaphthacenoid Type II Polyketide Antibiotic Formicamycin H via Regioselective Ruthenium-Catalyzed Hydrogen Auto-Transfer [4 + 2] Cycloaddition.

The first total synthesis of the pentacyclic phenylnaphthacenoid type II polyketide antibiotic formicamycin H is described. A key feature of the synthesis involves the convergent, regioselective assembly of the tetracyclic core via ruthenium-catalyzed α-ketol-benzocyclobutenone [4 + 2] cycloaddition. Double dehydration of the diol-containing cycloadduct provides an achiral enone, which upon asymmetric nucleophilic epoxidation and further manipulations delivers the penultimate tetracyclic trichloride in enantiomerically enriched form. Subsequent chemo- and atroposelective Suzuki cross-coupling of the tetracyclic trichloride introduces the E-ring to complete the total synthesis. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of two model compounds suggest that the initially assigned stereochemistry of the axially chiral C6-C7 linkage may require revision.

Polydatin accelerates osteoporotic bone repair by inducing the osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3ß/ß-catenin pathway.

BACKGROUND: Polydatin (POL), a natural stilbenoid, has multiple pharmacological activities. However, its effect on osteoporotic bone defect has not yet been examined. This study was designed to explore the unknown role of POL on osteoporotic bone repair. METHODS: The effect of POL on osteogenesis and angiogenesis were investigated firstly. Then a series of angiogenesis-related assays were carried out to explore the relationship between osteogenesis and angiogenesis of POL, and the underlying mechanism was further explored. Whereafter, ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis rats with bone defect were treated with POL or placebo, the imageological and histological examinations were conducted to assess the effect of POL on osteoporotic bone repair. RESULTS: The moderate concentrations (1 µM and 10 µM) of POL enhanced osteogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and elevated the expression of angiogenic-specific markers. Further research found that POL induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells migration and tube formation through the osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs, and the POL-induced osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling was reversed after co-cultured with LY294002, Mechanistically, this was conducted via activating PI3K/AKT/GSK-3ß/ß-catenin pathway. After that, using osteoporotic bone defect rat model, we observed that POL facilitated osteoporotic bone repair through enhancing osteogenesis and CD31hiEMCNhi type H-positive vessels formation via the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3ß/ß-catenin pathway. CONCLUSION: The data above indicated that POL could accelerate osteoporotic bone repair by inducing the osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs via the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3ß/ß-catenin pathway, which provided new insight and strategy for osteoporotic bone repair.

Artificial intelligence for optimizing recruitment and retention in clinical trials: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our research is to conduct a comprehensive review that aims to systematically map, describe, and summarize the current utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in the recruitment and retention of participants in clinical trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive electronic search was conducted using the search strategy developed by the authors. The search encompassed research published in English, without any time limitations, which utilizes AI in the recruitment process of clinical trials. Data extraction was performed using a data charting table, which included publication details, study design, and specific outcomes/results. RESULTS: The search yielded 5731 articles, of which 51 were included. All the studies were designed specifically for optimizing recruitment in clinical trials and were published between 2004 and 2023. Oncology was the most covered clinical area. Applying AI to recruitment in clinical trials has demonstrated several positive outcomes, such as increasing efficiency, cost savings, improving recruitment, accuracy, patient satisfaction, and creating user-friendly interfaces. It also raises various technical and ethical issues, such as limited quantity and quality of sample size, privacy, data security, transparency, discrimination, and selection bias. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: While AI holds promise for optimizing recruitment in clinical trials, its effectiveness requires further validation. Future research should focus on using valid and standardized outcome measures, methodologically improving the rigor of the research carried out.

Ontogenetic, Sexual, and Monthly Niche Segregation of Sepia esculenta in the Northern East China Sea Revealed by Stable Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopes.

Golden cuttlefish play a significant role in the food web of the East and Yellow Seas and are a valuable fishery resource in Chinese coastal waters. Samples of golden cuttlefish were obtained from the northern East China Sea between September 2021 and March 2022, and stable isotope methods were utilized in this study to examine the variations in the forage ecology of golden cuttlefish. Our findings reveal dynamic shifts in carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N), highlighting intricate foraging strategies tailored to growth and environmental changes. A notable trend emerges: an initial growth-linked rise in δ13C and δ15N enrichment, followed by seasonal fluctuations mirroring seasonal food availability. The ontogenetic niche evolution displays striking habitat shifts and trophic level escalation in small mantle length stages, transitioning to niche overlap and subtle trophic shifts later on. Sex-specific differences emerge, with females occupying higher trophic levels than males in most samples. This comprehensive study underscores the complexity and adaptability of golden cuttlefish feeding ecology, inviting further inquiry into their intricate relationships within the marine ecosystem.

Proteomics and its application in the research of acupuncture: An updated review.

As a complementary and alternative therapy, acupuncture is widely used in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. However, the understanding of the mechanism of acupuncture effects is still limited due to the lack of systematic biological validation. Notably, proteomics technologies in the field of acupuncture are rapidly evolving, and these advances are greatly contributing to the research of acupuncture. In this study, we review the progress of proteomics research in analyzing the molecular mechanisms of acupuncture for neurological disorders, pain, circulatory disorders, digestive disorders, and other diseases, with an in-depth discussion around acupoint prescription and acupuncture manipulation modalities. The study found that proteomics has great potential in understanding the mechanisms of acupuncture. This study will help explore the mechanisms of acupuncture from a proteomic perspective and provide information to support future clinical decisions.

Osthole accelerates osteoporotic fracture healing by inducing the osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs via the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway.

Osthole, a natural coumarin derivative, has been shown to have multiple pharmacological activities. However, its effect on osteoporotic fracture has not yet been examined. This research was designed to explore the unknown role and potential mechanism of osthole on osteoporotic fracture healing. We first evaluated the osteogenic and angiogenic abilities of osthole. Then angiogenesis-related assays were conducted to investigate the relationship between osteogenesis and angiogenesis, and further explore its molecular mechanism. After that, we established osteoporotic fracture model in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis rats and treated the rats with osthole or placebo. Radiography, histomorphometry, histology, and sequential fluorescent labeling were used to evaluate the effect of osthole on osteoporotic fracture healing. In vitro research revealed that osthole promoted osteogenesis and up-regulated the expression of angiogenic-related markers. Further research found that osthole couldn't facilitate the angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in a direct manner, but it possessed the ability to induce the osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Mechanistically, this was conducted through activating the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. Subsequently, using ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis tibia fracture rat model, we observed that osthole facilitated bone formation and CD31hiEMCNhi type H-positive capillary formation. Sequential fluorescent labeling confirmed that osthole could effectively accelerate bone formation in the fractured region. The data above indicated that osthole could accelerate osteoporotic fracture healing by inducing the osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs via the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, which implied that osthole may be a potential drug for treating osteoporosis fracture.

Icariin accelerates bone regeneration by inducing osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling in rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Icariin (ICA), a natural flavonoid compound monomer, has multiple pharmacological activities. However, its effect on bone defect in the context of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has not yet been examined. AIM: To explore the role and potential mechanism of ICA on bone defect in the context of T1DM. METHODS: The effects of ICA on osteogenesis and angiogenesis were evaluated by alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red S staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Angiogenesis-related assays were conducted to investigate the relationship between osteogenesis and angiogenesis. A bone defect model was established in T1DM rats. The model rats were then treated with ICA or placebo and micron-scale computed tomography, histomorphometry, histology, and sequential fluorescent labeling were used to evaluate the effect of ICA on bone formation in the defect area. RESULTS: ICA promoted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. The ICA treated-BMSCs showed higher expression levels of osteogenesis-related markers (alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin) and angiogenesis-related markers (vascular endothelial growth factor A and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1) compared to the untreated group. ICA was also found to induce osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs. In the bone defect model T1DM rats, ICA facilitated bone formation and CD31hiEMCNhi type H-positive capillary formation. Lastly, ICA effectively accelerated the rate of bone formation in the defect area. CONCLUSION: ICA was able to accelerate bone regeneration in a T1DM rat model by inducing osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs.

Bayesian spatial cluster signal learning with application to adverse event (AE).

There is growing interest in understanding geographic patterns of medical device-related adverse events (AEs). A spatial scan method combined with the likelihood ratio test (LRT) for spatial-cluster signal detection over the geographical region is universally used. The spatial scan method used a moving window to scan the entire study region and collected some candidate sub-regions from which the spatial-cluster signal(s) will be found. However, it has some challenges, especially in computation. First, the computational cost increased when the number of sub-regions increased. Second, the computational cost may increase if a large spatial-cluster pattern is present and a flexible-shaped window is used. To reduce the computational cost, we propose a Bayesian nonparametric method that combines the ideas of Markov random field (MRF) to leverage geographical information to find potential signal clusters. Then, the LRT is applied for the detection of spatial cluster signals. The proposed method provides an ability to capture both locally spatially contiguous clusters and globally discontiguous clusters, and is manifested to be effective and tractable using hypothetical Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) data as an illustration.

A Bayesian nonparametric approach for handling item and examinee heterogeneity in assessment data.

We propose a novel nonparametric Bayesian item response theory model that estimates clusters at the question level, while simultaneously allowing for heterogeneity at the examinee level under each question cluster, characterized by a mixture of binomial distributions. The main contribution of this work is threefold. First, we present our new model and demonstrate that it is identifiable under a set of conditions. Second, we show that our model can correctly identify question-level clusters asymptotically, and the parameters of interest that measure the proficiency of examinees in solving certain questions can be estimated at a n rate (up to a log term). Third, we present a tractable sampling algorithm to obtain valid posterior samples from our proposed model. Compared to the existing methods, our model manages to reveal the multi-dimensionality of the examinees' proficiency level in handling different types of questions parsimoniously by imposing a nested clustering structure. The proposed model is evaluated via a series of simulations as well as apply it to an English proficiency assessment data set. This data analysis example nicely illustrates how our model can be used by test makers to distinguish different types of students and aid in the design of future tests.

Time fused coefficient SIR model with application to COVID-19 epidemic in the United States.

In this paper, we propose a Susceptible-Infected-Removal (SIR) model with time fused coefficients. In particular, our proposed model discovers the underlying time homogeneity pattern for the SIR model's transmission rate and removal rate via Bayesian shrinkage priors. MCMC sampling for the proposed method is facilitated by the nimble package in R. Extensive simulation studies are carried out to examine the empirical performance of the proposed methods. We further apply the proposed methodology to analyze different levels of COVID-19 data in the United States.

Feeding Strategies and Trophic Niche Divergence of Three Groups of Dosidicus gigas off Peru: Based on Stable Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopes and Morphology of Feeding Apparatuses.

Dosidicus gigas (D. gigas) is a pelagic cephalopod of ecological and economic importance widely distributed in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Generally, small-, medium-, and large-sized groups of the squids have been respectively identified on the basis of the mantle length (ML) of adults. Intraspecific feeding variability maximizes the utilization of available food resources by D. gigas. However, the coexistence mechanism of three groups has not been fully understood yet. In our study, based on the analyses of beak morphology and stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes, the feeding strategies and coexistence patterns of large-, medium-, and small-sized groups of D. gigas were investigated. D. gigas had a wide range of 13C/12C (δ13C) and 15N/14N (δ15N) values in muscle tissue, variable feeding behaviors, and wide food sources. The δ13C or δ15N values showed no significant difference between the small- and medium-sized groups, which shared the same habitats and fed on preys with the similar trophic level. Compared to small- and medium-sized groups, the large-sized group had a smaller range of habitats and consumed more nearshore foods. Both isotopes and feeding apparatus morphology indicated a high degree of niche overlap between the small- and medium-sized groups, whereas the large-sized group differed significantly from other groups. In addition, the niche width of the female was larger than that of the male in all three groups. We inferred that the sex differences in body length and reproductive behavior led to the difference in niche width. The isotopic niche overlap between female and male samples was the most significant in large-sized group and the least significant in the small-sized group, indicating that different feeding strategies were adopted by the three groups. These findings proved that the three groups of D. gigas off Peruvian waters adopted a feeding strategy with inter- and intra-group regulation. This feeding strategy maximizes the use of food and habitat resources and ensures that different size groups can coexist in the same waters.

A novel optimization method for belief rule base expert system with activation rate.

Although the belief rule base (BRB) expert system has many advantages, such as the effective use of semi-quantitative information, objective description of uncertainty, and efficient nonlinear modeling capability, it is always limited by the problem of combinatorial explosion. The main reason is that the optimization of a BRB with many rules will consume many computing resources, which makes it unable to meet the real-time requirements in some complex systems. Another reason is that the optimization process will destroy the interpretability of those parameters that belong to the inadequately activated rules given by experts. To solve these problems, a novel optimization method for BRB is proposed in this paper. Through the activation rate, the rules that have never been activated or inadequately activated are pruned during the optimization process. Furthermore, even if there is a complete data set and all rules are activated, the activation rate can also be used in the parallel optimization process of the BRB expert system, where the training data set is divided into some subprocesses. The proposed method effectively solves the combinatorial explosion problem of BRB and can make full use of quantitative data without destroying the original interpretability provided by experts. Case studies prove the advantages and effectiveness of the proposed method, which greatly expands the application fields of the BRB expert system.

Benchmarking cell-type clustering methods for spatially resolved transcriptomics data.

Spatially resolved transcriptomics technologies enable the measurement of transcriptome information while retaining the spatial context at the regional, cellular or sub-cellular level. While previous computational methods have relied on gene expression information alone for clustering single-cell populations, more recent methods have begun to leverage spatial location and histology information to improve cell clustering and cell-type identification. In this study, using seven semi-synthetic datasets with real spatial locations, simulated gene expression and histology images as well as ground truth cell-type labels, we evaluate 15 clustering methods based on clustering accuracy, robustness to data variation and input parameters, computational efficiency, and software usability. Our analysis demonstrates that even though incorporating the additional spatial and histology information leads to increased accuracy in some datasets, it does not consistently improve clustering compared with using only gene expression data. Our results indicate that for the clustering of spatial transcriptomics data, there are still opportunities to enhance the overall accuracy and robustness by improving information extraction and feature selection from spatial and histology data.

Sample size re-estimation in Phase 2 dose-finding: Conditional power versus Bayesian predictive power.

Unblinded sample size re-estimation (SSR) is often planned in a clinical trial when there is large uncertainty about the true treatment effect. For Proof-of Concept (PoC) in a Phase II dose finding study, contrast test can be adopted to leverage information from all treatment groups. In this article, we propose two-stage SSR designs using frequentist conditional power (CP) and Bayesian predictive power (PP) for both single and multiple contrast tests. The Bayesian SSR can be implemented under a wide range of prior settings to incorporate different prior knowledge. Taking the adaptivity into account, all type I errors of final analysis in this paper are rigorously protected. Simulation studies are carried out to demonstrate the advantages of unblinded SSR in multi-arm trials.

Performance Evaluation of Complex Equipment Considering Resume Information.

It is of great significance to obtain the performance state of complex equipment to protect equipment and maintain its normal operation. The majority of the performance evaluation methods are based on test data, but resume information is not considered. With its wide applicability and completeness, the resume information can be used in the comprehensive evaluation of equipment in various non-testing situations. By incorporating resume information into the performance evaluation of complex equipment, the flexible use of test data and resume information can result in a more comprehensive and accurate evaluation. Therefore, this paper focuses on the evaluation method of complex equipment performance based on evidential reasoning (ER) considering resume information. In order to unify the test data and resume information in the same framework, a novel method is proposed to transform them into the ER-based performance evaluation. On this basis, according to the index types, different reliability calculation methods are put forward, with one being based on the first-order fitting coefficient of variation, and the other being based on average time to failure; the index weight is analyzed based on the method of expert weight construction. Then, the transformed information with reliability and weight are fused by the ER rule. Finally, a performance evaluation case of a certain inertial measurement unit (IMU) is conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Acupuncture for shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke: An overview of systematic reviews.

BACKGROUND: To provide evidence, this review evaluated the methodological quality, risk of bias, and reporting quality of SRs/MAs in the treatment of shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke with acupuncture. METHODS: Systematic reviews and Meta analyses (SRs/MAs) of acupuncture for shoulder and hand syndromes after stroke were retrieved from 6 databases from inception to May 1, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the literature and extracted the data, then used Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2), Bias Risk in Systematic Review (ROBIS), and Preferred Report Item for Systematic review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA), Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) to assess methodological quality, risk of bias, quality of reporting, and quality of evidence. RESULTS: We included 7 SRs/MAs, of which all SRs/MAs had very low AMSTAR-2 assessment quality and one study had a very low assessment bias risk. According to the PRISMA checklist, Protocol and registration, Synthesis of results, Summary of evidence, Conclusions and Funding were the main reporting limitations. GRADE evaluation showed a total of 37 results, but no high-quality evidence results, 6 results (16.22%) of the evidence quality were moderate, and supported acupuncture combined with exercise rehabilitation and drug therapy was better than exercise joint drug rehabilitation and rehabilitation, we also found that the result of limitations were the main factors that influence the evidence of low quality, followed by imprecision, inconsistency, and publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture is a relatively safe and effective adjuvant therapy for shoulder and hand syndromes after stroke. However, because of the low quality of SRs/MAs evidence supporting these findings, high-quality randomized controlled trials should be conducted, and the quality of relevant SRs should be improved to provide evidence for clinical application.

External treatment of traditional Chinese medicine for functional dyspepsia in children: Protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common digestive system disease in pediatrics, usually affects normal growth and increases health care expenditure. Many investigations have demonstrated that external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has certain advantages in the treatment of FD children, but the effectiveness, safety, and advantages of various methods have not been confirmed by high-quality meta-analyses. This study will conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis to evaluate the differences and effectiveness in external treatments of TCM, in order to provide a reference for further clinical treatment for FD in children. METHODS: Nine electronic databases, including PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, Wan-Fang Database and one clinical trial register platforms: ClinicalTrials.gov (www.ClinicalTrials.gov/) will be searched using English and Chinese search strategies. All eligible studies are randomized controlled trials of TCM external treatment for FD in children, published on or before July 20, 2022. The screening process will be developed by 2 independent authors, and network meta-analysis will be performed with RevMan (V5.3) software. RESULTS: This study will provide a high-quality synthesis to assess the effectiveness and safety on the external treatment of TCM for children with FD. CONCLUSION: The results of this study will provide evidence to judge whether the external treatment of TCM are effective interventions for children with FD. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The results of this meta-analysis and meta-regression will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at a relevant conference. The information used in the network meta-analysis does not contain individual patient data. Therefore, ethical approval was not required. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022360429.