Exploring near-infrared autofluorescence properties in parathyroid tissue: an analysis of fresh and paraffin-embedded thyroidectomy specimens.

Significance: Near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) utilizes the natural autofluorescence of parathyroid glands (PGs) to improve their identification during thyroid surgeries, reducing the risk of inadvertent removal and subsequent complications such as hypoparathyroidism. This study evaluates NIRAF's effectiveness in real-world surgical settings, highlighting its potential to enhance surgical outcomes and patient safety. Aim: We evaluate the effectiveness of NIRAF in detecting PGs during thyroidectomy and central neck dissection and investigate autofluorescence characteristics in both fresh and paraffin-embedded tissues. Approach: We included 101 patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer who underwent surgeries in 2022 and 2023. We assessed NIRAF's ability to locate PGs, confirmed via parathyroid hormone assays, and involved both junior and senior surgeons. We measured the accuracy, speed, and agreement levels of each method and analyzed autofluorescence persistence and variation over 10 years, alongside the expression of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and vitamin D. Results: NIRAF demonstrated a sensitivity of 89.5% and a negative predictive value of 89.1%. However, its specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) were 61.2% and 62.3%, respectively, which are considered lower. The kappa statistic indicated moderate to substantial agreement (kappa = 0.478; P < 0.001 ). Senior surgeons achieved high specificity (86.2%) and PPV (85.3%), with substantial agreement (kappa = 0.847; P < 0.001 ). In contrast, junior surgeons displayed the lowest kappa statistic among the groups, indicating minimal agreement (kappa = 0.381; P < 0.001 ). Common errors in NIRAF included interference from brown fat and eschar. In addition, paraffin-embedded samples retained stable autofluorescence over 10 years, showing no significant correlation with CaSR and vitamin D levels. Conclusions: NIRAF is useful for PG identification in thyroid and neck surgeries, enhancing efficiency and reducing inadvertent PG removals. The stability of autofluorescence in paraffin samples suggests its long-term viability, with false positives providing insights for further improvements in NIRAF technology.

Synergistically enhanced heterogeneous activation of dissolved oxygen for aqueous carbamazepine degradation over S(III) coupled with siderite.

The wide occurrence of emerging contaminants (ECs) was drawing more attention due to the potential hazard and threat on human and environment. Carbamazepine (CBZ) is a widely prescribed medication that has garnered considerable research interest with the exposures exceeding the environmental carrying capacity. We have established the innovative heterogeneous advanced oxidation process (AOPs) based on the activated dissolved oxygen (DO) coupled with S(III) and natural iron ore (siderite). In S(III)/O2/siderite system, we investigated the degradation efficiency, reactive species generation mechanism, and degradation pathway of CBZ. CBZ degradation and mineralization rate were 90% above and ∼15% with the reaction time of 40 minutes. The degradation of CBZ conformed to a pseudo-first-order kinetic model, with an activation energy determination of 76.36 kJ/mol. The optimal initial solution pH was the weak acid condition (pH = 4-6) for CBZ degradation. Moreover, the inhibition effects of coexisting substance including Cl-, HCO3-, and natural organic matter (NOM) on CBZ removal were observed, while the coexisted SO42- exhibited no significant influence. In addition, the reactive species generated in S(III)/O2/siderite system were predominantly identified as sulfate radical (SO4∙-) and hydroxyl radical (∙OH). The crucial intermediate complexes, Fe(III)S(IV)O3(+) and Fe(II)HS(IV)O3(+), was proposed to form in the initial stages of the reaction, which upon decomposition, yielded SO4∙- along with other reactive species. The degradation pathway of CBZ primarily involved deamination, oxidative ring-opening, hydroxylation, decarboxylation, and ketone degradation processes. This work provides the effective approach for the CBZ degradation with the mild reaction conditions and the sustainable technology for ECs treatment and control.

Simultaneous removal of groundwater manganese and ammonia nitrogen based on high-flux gravity driven ceramic membrane (HF-GDCM) coupled with aerated fluidized birnessite.

High concentrations of manganese ion (Mn2+) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) in groundwater are indicative of a critical environmental issue that necessitates immediate attention. The gravity-driven ceramic membrane (GDCM) technology has shown great potential for groundwater treatment in rural communities, owing to its low energy demand and user-friendly operation. Active manganese oxide (MnOx) is extensively used for the concurrent removal of Mn2+ and NH3-N, leveraging its large specific surface area and abundant adsorption sites. Our research group has developed a GDCM-MnOx coupled system to address this challenge. However, membrane fouling, manifested as a reduction in flux or an increase in transmembrane pressure, has been a significant barrier to its widespread adoption. To address this challenge, we have implemented a continuous aeration system in conjunction with GDCM to fluidize birnessite to achieve the higher membrane flux, which has also proven effective in mitigating fouling while maintaining high water purification performance. Over a period of 100 days or more, the high membrane flux in the high-flux GDCM system (HF-GDCM) enhanced with aerated fluidized birnessite has been consistently maintained at approximately 34 L/(m2·h) at a water head of 1 m. Moreover, the HF-GDCM system efficiently removed manganese and NH3-N from groundwater under a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of less than 2.5 h, while also improving membrane permeability. The involvement of manganese oxidizing bacteria (MnOB) and ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) of Hypomicrobium and Nocardioides in the removal processes within the HF-GDCM system was confirmed. Additionally, XPS analysis confirmed the predominant oxidation state of MnOx to be Mn(III). The MnOx, deposited on powdered activated carbon (PAC) particles in a flower-like configuration, progressively formed a birnessite-like functional layer as the manganese ion content increased over time. Consequently, the HF-GDCM coupled with aerated fluidized birnessite is deemed suitable for water purification in small-scale rural or reservoir settings.

Broad-Spectrum Engineered Multivalent Nanobodies Against SARS-CoV-1/2.

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineages escape most preclinical/clinical neutralizing antibodies in development, suggesting that previously employed antibody screening strategies are not well suited to counteract the rapid mutation of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, there is an urgent need to screen better broad-spectrum neutralizing antibody. In this study, a comprehensive approach to design broad-spectrum inhibitors against both SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 by leveraging the structural diversity of nanobodies is proposed. This includes the de novo design of a fully human nanobody library and the camel immunization-based nanobody library, both targeting conserved epitopes, as well as the development of multivalent nanobodies that bind nonoverlapping epitopes. The results show that trivale B11-E8-F3, three nanobodies joined tandemly in trivalent form, have the broadest spectrum and efficient neutralization activity, which spans from SARS-CoV-1 to SARS-CoV-2 variants. It is also demonstrated that B11-E8-F3 has a very prominent preventive and some therapeutic effect in animal models of three authentic viruses. Therefore, B11-E8-F3 has an outstanding advantage in preventing SARS-CoV-1/SARS-CoV-2 infections, especially in immunocompromised populations or elderly people with high-risk comorbidities.

Arsenic-contaminated soil remediation with hyperthermophilic compost: Effects on arsenic bioavailability, soil fertility and bacterial community.

Soil arsenic (As) contamination has posed a significant global environmental challenge seriously threatening human health. Compost has attracted broad interests as a kind of eco-friendly and versatile amendment. However, hyperthermophilic compost (HTC), which is newly-developed and more advantageous to environment, has not yet been widely utilized to remediate As-contaminated soil, and its effectiveness remains unclear. Herein, the effects of HTC amendment on soil fertility, As bioavailability, plant growth and soil bacterial community were investigated. After amended with HTC, soil nutrient content and enzyme activity were improved. Concurrently, the content of both total As and available As in soil was reduced, partially due to the formation of organo-As complex with the presence of humic acid and fulvic acid in HTC. Notably, Chinese white cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis Makino) cultivated in HTC-treated soil exhibited better growth and less As uptake, but showed enhanced translocation of As from the below-ground part to the above-ground part. In particular, the lowest HTC addition ratio (HTC:Soil = 1:10, v:v) proved to be the most optimal, increasing the height, width and biomass of Chinese white cabbage from 9.92 ± 0.72 cm, 6.76 ± 0.31 cm and 4.43 ± 0.49 g, to 21.29 ± 0.48 cm, 19.3 ± 1.44 cm and 23.27 ± 2.45 g, respectively. The results of soil bacterial community analysis revealed that HTC amendment stimulated the growth and metabolism of soil microbes, augmenting the richness and diversity of bacteria related to the methylation and volatilization of As and plant growth. This work suggests that HTC can serve as an effective amendment for As-contaminated soil remediation, and a superior alternative to compound fertilizer for plant cultivation, displaying promising potential for agricultural applications.

Perirenal fat and chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes: the mediation role of afferent arteriolar resistance.

AIM: Perirenal fat (PRF) is an independent predictor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Previous studies speculated that PRF may promote renal dysfunction through affecting renal hemodynamics. To verify this hypothesis, we studied the relationship between PRF and renal hemodynamics in T2DM. METHODS: 91 T2DM patients were included. PRF thickness (PRFT) was measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) were determined by renal dynamic imaging. Renal vascular resistance (RVR), glomerular hydrostatic pressure (PGLO), afferent (RA) and efferent (RE) arteriolar resistance were calculated by Gomez equations. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the relationship between PRFT and renal hemodynamics. Mediation analysis was conducted to estimate the mediation effects of renal hemodynamics on the relationship between PRF and CKD. RESULTS: All patients were divided into three groups according to the tertiles of PRFT. Compared with patients in tertile 1, GFR and ERPF were significantly decreased in patients in tertile 3, while RVR and RA were significantly increased. PRFT was negatively correlated with GFR, ERPF and PGLO, and positively correlated with RVR and RA after adjustment for sex, age, visceral adipose tissue and treatments with ACE inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and sodium-glucose cotransporter protein-2 inhibitors. Moreover, RVR and RA mediated the effect of PRF on GFR, with a mediated proportion of 29.1% and 41.4% respectively. CONCLUSION: In T2DM patients, PRF was negatively correlated with GFR, and positively correlated with RA. RA mediated the relationship between PRF and CKD.

Individual cereals intake is associated with progression of diabetes and diabetic chronic complications.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The relationship between cereals intake and diabetes is unclear. We aimed to explore associations between individual cereals intake and risks of incident and progression of diabetes. METHODS: We included 502,490 participants from UK Biobank at baseline. A single touchscreen food frequency questionnaire was used to estimate the intake of individual cereals (bran, biscuit, oat, muesli, and other cereals). Main outcomes included incident diabetes and diabetic complications of cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Polygenic risk score (PRS) of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was calculated for mediating effects analysis. RESULTS: Among participants without diabetes, when compared to subjects who never had cereals, hazard ratios (95%CI) of developing diabetes in those who had ≥6 bowls/week were 0.72 (0.67-0.78) for bran, 0.86 (0.81-0.92) for biscuit, 0.75(0.66-0.84) for oat, and 0.57(0.53,0.61) for muesli. Among people with diabetes without CVD, a higher intake of aforementioned four individual cereals was associated with a 13%-32 % lower risk of developing CVD. Among people with diabetes without CKD, a higher intake of aforementioned four individual cereals was associated with a 9%-28 % lower risk of developing CKD. We observed a significant mediating effect of the PRS of HbA1c for the association between aforementioned four individual cereals and developing diabetes. CONCLUSION: A higher consumption of cereals was significantly associated with lower risks of diabetes and diabetic complications. Polygenic of HbA1c mediates the effect of cereals on incident diabetes.

NOVA2 regulates the properties of liver cancer stem cells and lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma via the Wnt pathway.

Background: The regulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is influenced by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). The present study sought to investigate the role of NOVA2 in the processes of self-renewal, carcinogenesis, and lenvatinib resistance in liver CSCs. Methods: Neuro-oncological ventral antigen 2 (NOVA2) expression in liver CSCs was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In vitro experiments were used to assess the effects of NOVA2 on liver CSC expansion and lenvatinib resistance. Results: In our study, the expression of the RBP NOVA2 was higher in CSCs. NOVA2 also increased the capacity for self-renewal and carcinogenesis of the liver CSCs via the Wnt pathway. Further, suppressing the Wnt pathway leads to desensitization of the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells that overexpress NOVA2 to apoptosis caused by lenvatinib. Analyzing patient data confirmed reduced levels of NOVA2 and therefore we speculate that NOVA2 may serve as a potential indicator for response to lenvatinib in patients with HCC. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) and YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA-binding protein 1 (YTHDF1)-dependent N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation were linked to upregulation of NOVA2 in HCC. Furthermore, it was shown that the expression of METTL3 was elevated in cellular models of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Conclusions: NOVA2 is involved in the process of liver CSC self-renewal and carcinogenesis. In addition, NOVA2 expression may help identify patients with a higher chance of benefiting from lenvatinib treatment and can be a promising therapeutic target for HCC.

Abdominal obesity and CKD: A potential mediating role of serum metabolites in the UK Biobank population.

BACKGROUND: It is generally known that although a connection between abdominal obesity and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is well-established, there is a lack of systematic research investigating the specific roles of serum metabolites, including lipid metabolites, amino acid metabolites, carbohydrate metabolites and inflammatory substances in explaining this associations. METHODS: We included 118,020 general patients with data of serum metabolites from UK Biobank. We defined abdominal obesity and CKD based on waist circumference and ICD-10 criteria. The serum metabolites were assessed by a high-throughput nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) based metabolic biomarker profiling platform. We conducted mediation analysis by R software and used the proportion of mediation to quantify the mediation effect. RESULTS: This study demonstrated that lipid metabolites played a more important role in mediating the relationship between abdominal obesity and CKD than amino acid metabolites and carbohydrate metabolites. And Glycoprotein Acetyls (GlycA) was the strongest mediator for the correlation between abdominal obesity and CKD, accounting for 26.4 %. And In the mediation analysis stratified by sex, we found that the mediating effects of lipid metabolites were mostly higher in men than in women, while GlycA accounted for the largest proportion of the mediation association in both two groups (31.0 % for women and 19.8 % for men). CONCLUSION: Among lipid metabolites, amino acid metabolites, carbohydrate metabolites and inflammatory substances, our study showed that infammation marker GlycA was the novel and key mediator for the correlation between abdominal obesity and CKD.

Offshore wind farm operation contributed to a slight improvement in seawater quality along the Jiangsu Coast, China.

The rapid growth of offshore wind farms (OWFs) is driven by concerns for energy security and climate change mitigation. However, their impact on marine environments remains poorly understood due to limited research. This study analyzes the effects of an OWF along China's Jiangsu Coast on seawater quality using data from different development phases. Results show the major pollutants were different across phases. Heavy metal pollution reached alert levels during construction compared to the safe levels observed in the pre-construction and operational phases, mainly due to increases in Pb, Cd, and Hg concentrations. Eutrophication was mild throughout all periods but exhibited a continuous decrease, primarily attributed to reductions in PH and COD concentrations. As a result, the comprehensive pollution level during construction was increased, but it was improved to a clean level during the operational phase. Besides, significant variations were observed in the spatial distribution patterns of major pollutant indices across different scenarios. These changes may stem from a combination effect of land-based pollution, aquaculture, OWF-induced disturbances to atmosphere and hydrodynamics, OWF-related drain and leakage contamination, and marine management policies. Understanding these effects informs OWF optimization, rational wind resource utilization, and marine ecology protection.

A randomized, multicenter phase III Study of once-per-cycle administration of efbemalenograstim alfa (F-627), a novel long-acting rhG-CSF, for prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in patients with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: F-627 (efbemalenograstim alfa) is a novel long acting granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) that contains two human G-CSF fused to a human immunoglobulin G2 (hIgG2) -Fc fragment with a peptide linker. This studyevaluated the efficacy and safety of F-627, also known as efbemalenograstim alfa (Ryzneuta®) in reducing neutropenia compared with filgrastim (GRAN®). METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, open-label, active-controlled non-inferiority study. Two hundred thirty nine (239) patients were enrolled in thirteen centers and received the chemotherapy with epirubicin (100 mg/m2) and cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m2) on day 1 of each cycle for a maximum of four cycles. Patients were randomized to receive either a single 20 mg subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of F-627 on day 3 of each cycle or daily s.c. injection of filgrastim 5 µg/kg/d starting from day 3 of each cycle. The primary endpoint was the duration of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia in cycle 1. The safety profile was also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean (SD) duration of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia in cycle 1 was 0.68 (1.10) and 0.71 (0.95) days for the F-627 and the filgrastim groups, respectively. The Hodges-Lehmann estimate of the between-group median difference (F-627 vs filgrastim) in the duration of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia in cycle 1 was 0 day and the upper limit of the one-sided 97.5% CI was 0 day, which was within the prespecified non-inferiority margin of 1-day. Results for all efficacy endpoints in cycles 2 - 4 were consistent with the results in cycle 1, however a trend towards a lower incidence and a shorter duration of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and grade 4 neutropenia was observed in the F-627 group compared with the filgrastim group. The ANC nadir in the F-627 group was significantly higher than that in the filgrastim group in each cycle. A single fixed dose of F-627 was well tolerated and as safe as standard daily filgrastim. CONCLUSIONS: A single fixed dose of 20 mg of F-627 in each cycle was as safe and effective as a daily dose of filgrastim 5 µg/kg/d in reducing neutropenia and its complications in patients who received four cycles of EC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04174599, on 22/11/2019.

Detailed analysis of learning phases and outcomes in robotic and endoscopic thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid surgery has undergone significant transformation with the introduction of minimally invasive techniques, particularly robotic and endoscopic thyroidectomy. These advancements offer improved precision and faster recovery but also present unique challenges. This study aims to compare the learning curves, operational efficiencies, and patient outcomes of robotic versus endoscopic thyroidectomy. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, analyzing 258 robotic (da Vinci) and 214 endoscopic thyroidectomy cases. Key metrics such as operation duration, drainage volume, lymph node dissection outcomes, and hypoparathyroidism incidence were assessed to understand surgical learning curves and efficiency. RESULTS: Robotic thyroidectomy showed a longer learning curve with initially longer operation times and higher drainage volumes but superior lymph node dissection outcomes. Both techniques were safe, with no permanent hypoparathyroidism or recurrent laryngeal nerve damage reported. The study delineated four distinct stages in the robotic and endoscopic surgery learning curve, each marked by specific improvements in proficiency. Endoscopic thyroidectomy displayed a shorter learning curve, leading to quicker operational efficiency gains. CONCLUSION: Robotic and endoscopic thyroidectomies are viable minimally invasive approaches, each with its learning curves and efficiency metrics. Despite initial challenges and a longer learning period for robotic surgery, its benefits in complex dissections may justify specialized training. Structured training programs tailored to each technique are crucial for improving outcomes and efficiency. Future research should focus on optimizing training protocols and increasing accessibility to these technologies, enhancing patient care in thyroid surgery.

FMT rescues mice from DSS-induced colitis in a STING-dependent manner.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is currently a promising therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, clinical studies have shown that there is an obvious individual difference in the efficacy of FMT. Therefore, it is a pressing issue to identify the factors that influence the efficacy of FMT and find ways to screen the most suitable patients for this therapy. In this work, we targeted the stimulator of interferon genes (STING), a DNA-sensing protein that regulates host-defense. By comparing the differential efficacy of FMT in mice with different expression level of STING, it is revealed that FMT therapy provides treatment for DSS-induced colitis in a STING-dependent manner. Mechanistically, FMT exerts a regulatory effect on the differentiation of intestinal Th17 cells and macrophages, splenic Th1 and Th2 cells, as well as Th1 cells of the mesenteric lymph nodes via STING, down-regulating the colonic M1/M2 and splenic Th1/Th2 cell ratios, thereby improving the imbalanced immune homeostasis in the inflamed intestine. Meanwhile, based on the 16SrDNA sequencing of mice fecal samples, STING was found to facilitate the donor strain colonization in recipients' gut, mainly Lactobacillales, thereby reshaping the gut microbiota disturbed by colitis. Consequently, we proposed that STING, as a key target of FMT therapy, is potentially a biomarker for screening the most suitable individuals for FMT to optimize treatment regimens and enhance clinical benefit.

Recent advancements in polymeric heart valves: From basic research to clinical trials.

Valvular heart diseases (VHDs) have become one of the most prevalent heart diseases worldwide, and prosthetic valve replacement is one of the effective treatments. With the fast development of minimal invasive technology, transcatheter valves replacement has been exploring in recent years, such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) technology. In addition, basic research on prosthetic valves has begun to shift from traditional mechanical valves and biological valves to the development of polymeric heart valves. The polymeric heart valves (PHVs) have shown a bright future due to their advantages of longer durability, better biocompatibility and reduced cost. This review gives a brief history of the development of polymeric heart valves, provides a summary of the types of polymer materials suitable for heart leaflets and the emerging processing/preparation methods for polymeric heart valves in the basic research. Besides, we facilitate a deeper understanding of polymeric heart valve products that are currently in preclinical/clinical studies, also summary the limitations of the present researches as well as the future development trends. Hence, this review will provide a holistic understanding for researchers working in the field of prosthetic valves, and will offer ideas for the design and research of valves with better durability and biocompatibility.

Increased effective connectivity from the hypothalamus to the left superior frontal gyrus and its association with visual analogue scale in persons with migraines.

Background: In recent years, several functional imaging studies have shown that the hypothalamus is closely associated with migraine and have suggested that the hypothalamus may be a potential site of migraine generation. Studying the characteristics of the functional network of the hypothalamus in persons with migraines may help to understand the neural mechanisms of migraine. We thus used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) and Granger causal analysis to investigate the effective connectivity (EC) of the hypothalamus in persons with migraines. Methods: The study included 17 healthy volunteers and 39 persons with migraines. The EC calculation was based on rsfMRI data from a 3-T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. The brain networks of the hypothalamus were compared using a general linear model to determine if there were any differences between the two groups. We used Pearson correlation analysis to examine the correlation between EC values in abnormal brain regions and clinical variables. Results: Compared with healthy controls, those with migraines showed decreased EC from the hypothalamus to the left fusiform and increased EC from the hypothalamus to the medial frontal gyrus/orbital part, right lingual gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus, and right middle frontal gyrus (P<0.05). Meanwhile, persons with migraines also showed decreased EC from the left middle frontal gyrus and right medial frontal gyrus/orbital part to the hypothalamus (P<0.05). EC from the hypothalamus to the left superior frontal gyrus correlated significantly and positively with the visual analogue scale in those with migraines (r=-0.3820; P=0.0164). Conclusions: Disturbances in the EC between the hypothalamus and the prefrontal gyrus and visual cortex may play a key role in the neuropathological features of persons with migraines. The current study adds to our understanding of the complexity of migraine mechanisms.

Wireless Online Rotation Monitoring System for UAV Motors Based on a Soft-Contact Triboelectric Nanogenerator.

Real-time monitoring of UAV motor speed is crucial for enhancing control performance and ensuring flight safety. However, this task faces challenges such as difficult sensor installation and high costs. This study introduces a wireless rotational speed sensing system based on a UAV-rotary triboelectric nanogenerator (UR-TENG). By employing a carefully designed structure with soft contact and a freestanding-triboelectric-layer mode, UR-TENG exhibits characteristics like low friction, affordability, ease of production, and self-powering capability. This eliminates the need for an external power source and addresses the complexity of installation in the limited space of UAVs. Experimental findings demonstrate that UR-TENG possesses high sensitivity and stability, maintaining the structural integrity of the UAV. The goodness of fit is notably high at 0.99959, with a maximum error rate of only 0.014 within a range of 6270 rpm. Moreover, UR-TENG integrates with a microcontroller unit (MCU) and external circuitry to form a monitoring system. This system transmits electrical signals to a PC via a Wi-Fi module, facilitating real-time rotational speed sensing and anomaly detection. Finally, a practical application demonstration on a UAV validates the adaptability of UR-TENG to complex operational environments. This study presents a promising approach for online rotation monitoring of UAV motors, with potential for commercialization, and introduces new avenues for TENG application in UAV technology.

Aberrant functional connectivity in anterior cingulate gyrus subregions in migraine without aura patients.

Background: The anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG) is an important regulatory region for pain-related information. However, the ACG is composed of subregions with different functions. The mechanisms underlying the brain networks of different subregions of the ACG in patients with migraine without aura (MwoA) are currently unclear. Methods: In the current study, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) and functional connectivity (FC) were used to investigate the functional characteristics of ACG subregions in MwoA patients. The study included 17 healthy volunteers and 28 MwoA patients. The FC calculation was based on rsfMRI data from a 3 T MRI scanner. The brain networks of the ACG subregions were compared using a general linear model to see if there were any differences between the two groups. Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine the correlation between FC values in abnormal brain regions and clinical variables. Results: Compared with healthy subjects, MwoA patients showed decreased FC between left subgenual ACG and left middle cingulate gyrus and right middle temporal gyrus. Meanwhile, MwoA patients also showed increased FC between pregenual ACG and right angular gyrus and increased FC between right pregenual ACG and right superior occipital gyrus. The FC values between pregenual ACG and right superior occipital gyrus were significantly positively correlated with the visual analogue scale. Conclusion: Disturbances of FC between ACG subregions and default model network and visual cortex may play a key role in neuropathological features, perception and affection of MwoA. The current study provides further insights into the complex scenario of MwoA mechanisms.

The global burden, trends and cross-country inequalities of female breast and gynaecologic cancers: A population based study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the global burden, trends and cross-country inequalities of female breast and gynaecologic cancers (FeBGCs). DESIGN: Population-Based Study. SETTING: Data sourced from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. POPULATION: Individuals diagnosed with FeBGCs. METHODS: Age-standardised mortality rates (ASMRs), age-standardised Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) rates (ASDRs) and their 95% uncertainty interval (UI) described the burden. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) and their confidence interval (CI) of age-standardised rates (ASRs) illustrated trends. Social inequalities were quantified using the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and Concentration Index. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures were the burden of FeBGCs and the trends in its inequalities over time. RESULTS: In 2019, the ASDRs per 100 000 females were as follows: breast cancer: 473.83 (95% UI: 437.30-510.51), cervical cancer: 210.64 (95% UI: 177.67-234.85), ovarian cancer: 124.68 (95% UI: 109.13-138.67) and uterine cancer: 210.64 (95% UI: 177.67-234.85). The trends per year from 1990 to 2019 were expressed as EAPCs of ASDRs and these: for Breast cancer: -0.51 (95% CI: -0.57 to -0.45); Cervical cancer: -0.95 (95% CI: -0.99 to -0.89); Ovarian cancer: -0.08 (95% CI: -0.12 to -0.04); and Uterine cancer: -0.84 (95% CI: -0.93 to -0.75). In the Social Inequalities Analysis (1990-2019) the SII changed from 689.26 to 607.08 for Breast, from -226.66 to -239.92 for cervical, from 222.45 to 228.83 for ovarian and from 74.61 to 103.58 for uterine cancer. The concentration index values ranged from 0.2 to 0.4. CONCLUSIONS: The burden of FeBGCs worldwide showed a downward trend from 1990 to 2019. Countries or regions with higher Socio-demographic Index (SDI) bear a higher DALYs burden of breast, ovarian and uterine cancers, while those with lower SDI bear a heavier burden of cervical cancer. These inequalities increased over time.

Impact of treatment on the prognosis of childhood in hepatoblastoma: A SEER based analysis.

Background: The prognosis of patients with hepatoblastoma has been unsatisfactory. This study analyzed the effects of different treatment methods on cancer-specific survival (CSS) in children with hepatoblastoma. Method: From 2000 to 2018, patients with hepatoblastoma were included in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. CSS was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox regression analysis assessed prognostic factors. The predictive models were validated using the concordance index (C-index), calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Result: Of the 785 included patients, 730 (93.0 %) underwent chemotherapy, 516 (65.7 %) underwent liver tumour resection and 129 (16.4 %) underwent liver transplantation. Both chemotherapy and surgery could significantly improve the CSS rate (all p < 0.001). However, there was no difference in CSS rate between the two surgical methods (liver tumour resection and liver transplantation) (p = 0.613). Further subgroup analysis revealed that children who underwent liver tumour resection or liver transplantation based on chemotherapy (all p > 0.05) had a similar prognosis. Multivariate analysis revealed that age (p = 0.003), race (p = 0.001), operative method (p < 0.001), chemotherapy (p < 0.001), distant metastasis (p < 0.001) and tumour size (p < 0.001) were independent factors related to CSS. The C-index of the new nomogram was 0.759, and its consistency was good. The ROC curves verified that the nomogram had a better prediction ability for 1-, 3- and 5-year CSS rates. Conclusion: In children with hepatoblastoma, there was no statistically significant difference in CSS between chemotherapy combined with liver transplantation and liver tumour resection. The nomogram we constructed demonstrated satisfactory CSS prediction ability.

Rivaroxaban and Aspirin in Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty for Femoropopliteal In-Stent Restenosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: After drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment of the femoropopliteal artery in-stent restenosis (ISR), a certain proportion of patients also experience target lesion restenosis. The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban combined with aspirin in the treatment of ISR after DCB intervention. METHODS: Patients who underwent DCB treatment for ISR after femoropopliteal artery intervention at our center from March 2017 to February 2022 were included consecutively. According to the drug treatment after DCB intervention of ISR, the patients were divided into rivaroxaban and aspirin group (RA Group) and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) group. The outcomes of 2 groups during the 12-month follow-up after DCB intervention were compared. RESULTS: A total of 92 patients were included in final analysis, with 43 in RA group and 49 in DAPT group. During 12-month follow-up, a total of 15 cases of recurrent ISR were detected, and the recurrence rate of ISR and clinically driven target lesion revascularization in the RA group were lower than those in the DAPT group (P < 0.05). The vascular patency rate in the RA group was higher than that in the DAPT group at 6 and 12 months of follow-up (P < 0.05). During the follow-up, there were no adverse events such as death, myocardial infarction, stroke, amputation, or major bleeding, and only a total of 5 cases of minor bleeding occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the standard DAPT regimen, rivaroxaban combined with aspirin can safely improve the follow-up outcome after DCB for femoropopliteal ISR.