Supramolecular solvent-based vortex-mixed microextraction: Determination of chiral triazole fungicide in beer samples.

A supramolecular solvent composed of decanol in tetrahydrofuran/water was utilized for the simultaneous microextraction of chiral triadimefon and triadimenol in beer samples. Supramolecular solvents are nanostructured amphiphilic liquids that contain aqueous cavities, and the size of those cavities can be adjusted by the ratio of decanol, tetrahydrofuran, and water. The target analytes were mixed into the matrix sample and extracted in the supramolecular solvent phase, which was followed by separation and quantification by chiral liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The influences of some analytical parameters and matrix components were all examined. Under the optimized conditions, the method detection limits were in the range of 0.24 to 0.98 µg L-1 (at a signal/noise of 3), with relative standard deviations between 1.6 and 5.7%. The linearities of the calibration plots were between 0.5 to 50 (triadimenol) and 1.0 to 100 µg L-1 (triadimefon). When this method was applied to a spiked beer sample, the recoveries ranged from 84 to 100%.

Correlation among proprioception, muscle strength, and balance.

[Purpose] To study the correlation among proprioception, muscle strength, and balance. [Subjects and Methods] A balance testing system (Biodex Balance System, BBS) and an isokinetic testing system (Biodex System 4, BS4) were used to test related indexes in 24 healthy young females. [Results] With the knee joint at 15 degree flexion, proprioception was significantly correlated with Limits of Stability-Time values, and was highly significantly correlated with Limits of Stability-Overall and Athlete Single Leg Medial/Lateral values. The sense of force was significantly correlated with Limits of Stability-Overall and Athlete Single Leg-Overall values. Quadriceps strength was significantly associated with Limits of Stability-Overall, Athlete Single Leg Medial/Lateral, and Athlete Double Leg-Overall values. The ratio of Quadriceps to Hamstring strength was significantly correlated with Athlete Single Leg Medial/Lateral, and Athlete Single Leg-Overall values. With the knee joint at 45°, proprioception was highly significantly correlated with dynamic balance, and was significantly correlated with double foot support under static balance; force sense had a high correlation with Limits of Stability-Overall, but no correlation with other indexes. Quadriceps strength had a significant correlation with dynamic and static balance; the ratio of Quadriceps/Hamstring had a highly significant correlation with Limits of Stability-Overall, Athlete Single Leg-Anterior/Posterior and Athlete Single Leg-Overall. [Conclusion] At different knee angles, the correlation differs among proprioception, force sense, quadriceps strength, the Quadriceps/Hamstring ratio, and balance.

Correlation study of knee joint proprioception test results using common test methods.

[Purpose] To study the correlation of the results obtained from different proprioception test methods, namely, the joint angle reset method, the motion minimum threshold measurement method, and the force sense reproduction method, performed on the same subjects' knees. [Subjects and Methods] Different proprioception test methods, the joint angle reset method, the motion minimum threshold measurement method and the force sense reproduction method were used to test the knees of 30 healthy young men. [Results] Correlations were found in the following descending order from strong to weak: the correlation between the joint angle reset method and the force sense reproduction method (correlation coefficient of 0.41), the correlation between the joint angle reset method and the motion minimum threshold measurement method (correlation coefficient of 0.29), the correlation between the motion minimum threshold measurement method and the force sense reproduce method (correlation coefficient of 0.15). [Conclusion] No correlation was found among the results obtained using the joint angle reset method, the motion minimum threshold measurement method and the force sense reproduction method. Therefore, no correlation was found among the position sense, the motion sense and the force sense represented by these methods. Using the results of only one of the test methods to represent proprioception is one-sided. Force sensation depends more on the sensory input of information from the Golgi tendon organs, motion sense depends more on the input information of the muscle spindles, and position sense relies on the double input information of the muscle spindles and the Golgi tendon organs.

GABA transporter mGat4 is involved in multiple neural functions in mice.

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. The termination of GABA transmission is through the action of GABA transporters (GATs). mGAT4 (encoded by Slc6a11) is another GAT besides GAT1 (encoded by Slc6a1) that functions in GABA reuptake in CNS. Research on the function of mGAT4 is still in its infancy. We developed an mGat4 knockout mouse model (mGat4-/- mice) and performed a series of behavioral analyses for the first time to study the effect of mGat4 on biological processes in CNS. Our results indicated that homozygous mGat4-/- mice had less depression, anxiety-like behavior and more social activities than their wild-type littermate controls. However, they had weight loss and showed motor incoordination and imbalance. Meanwhile, mGat4-/- mice showed increased pain threshold and hypoalgesia behavior in nociceptive stimulus and learning and memory impairments. The expression of multiple components of the GABAergic system including GAD67, GABAA and KCC2 was altered. There is little or no compensatory change in mGat1. In a word, mGat4 may play a key role in normal motor coordination, sensation, emotion, learning and memory and could be the potential target of neurological disorders.

Unraveling the global burden of inflammatory bowel disease (1990-2019): A Joinpoint regression analysis of divergent trends in 10-24 and 50-69 age cohorts.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The escalating prevalence of IBD within specific age cohorts, 10-24 and 50-69 years, necessitates a refined understanding of its epidemiological patterns. Prior investigations have often been constrained by their limited scope, particularly in employing age-specific analyses and utilizing advanced statistical methods such as joinpoint regression. Our research examines these demographic segments to elucidate the epidemiological trajectory of IBD. METHODS: This study analyzed GBD 2019 data on IBD, focusing on age groups 10-24 and 50-69. We integrated the socio-demographic index for socio-economic context and employed joinpoint regression to analyze time-segmented disease trends, prioritizing average annual percent change for a comprehensive view. RESULTS: A notable global decline in IBD incidence, particularly in the 50-69 age group, was observed. The 10-24 cohort, however, presented a marginal rise across three decades, with a discernible decline between 2010 and 2019. The study also revealed pivotal gender disparities, with increasing incidence rates in males, especially in the High-income Asia Pacific region. Conversely, females demonstrated decreasing trends across the board. Regional variations accentuated East Asia's escalated IBD incidence and prevalence, whereas high-income North American and Asia-Pacific regions, along with Europe, reflected the highest age-standardized incidence rates. CONCLUSION: The burden of IBD between 1990 and 2019 presents notable disparities across different regions and age demographics. While older populations are seeing a decrease in IBD incidence, young adults and adolescents in regions like East Asia and high-income Asia Pacific are experiencing a concerning uptick. This uneven distribution, influenced by both age and gender, underscores the multifaceted nature of IBD's global impact.

Learning motivation and environmental support: how first-generation college students achieve success?

Introduction: With the continuous expansion of higher education worldwide, the academic performance of first-generation college students has become an essential topic in the scope of international educational research. This study examines the impact of learning motivation (i.e., intrinsic and extrinsic motivation) and environmental support (i.e., instructional, relational, and campus support) on the academic outcomes of first-generation college students based on the Cultural Mismatch Theory and Self-Determination Theory from both individual and environmental perspectives. Methods: A two-stage stratified sampling strategy was adopted to guarantee that the samples were representative of the national populations of college students in mainland China. 87418 data were collected from the China College Student Survey (CCSS) 2020, among which 58,864 were first-generation college students. This study primarily employed descriptive statistical analysis and regression analysis methods. Results: Data analysis revealed that intrinsic learning motivation, relational support, campus support, and academic performance of first-generation college students are significantly lower than those of non-first-generation students. However, this study found no significant differences concerning external learning motivation and teaching support. Regression analysis showed that both learning motivation and environmental support positively predicted learning outcomes, with intrinsic learning motivation having the most substantial influence. Moreover, learning motivation and environmental support interact in jointly promoting the student's academic success. Discussion: This study highlighted that the academic development of first-generation college students results from the interplay between individual characteristics and the surrounding environment. Postnatal factors, particularly individual learning motivation, and institutional environment support, play a crucial role in their academic achievements.

Comparison of patellar anchor fixation graft and graft through patellar tunnel reconstruction of medial patellofemoral ligament in the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation: A protocol for a meta-analysis of comparative studies.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent patellar dislocation (RPD) occurs in people who have their own patellofemoral dysplasia and who have not been properly treated after their first patellar dislocation. For RPD where conservative treatment is ineffective, medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is the first choice for surgical treatment, but there are various and controversial ways of MPFL reconstruction and fixation. Initially, more scholars adopted the patellar lateral tunneling (PT) approach to contain and stabilize the graft, but with the newer materials and techniques, some experts adopted the lateral patellar anchor fixation (AF) of the graft, which can avoid the collateral damage caused by the patellar lateral tunneling and can obtain the same definite efficacy. Therefore, a meta-analysis must be performed to provide evidence whether there is a difference between AF and PT reconstruction of the MPFL in the treatment of RPD. METHODS: We will search, with no time restriction, without any restriction of language and status, the time from the establishment of the database to October 2022, on the following databases: PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data (WF), Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), and Chinese databases SinoMed (CBM) electronic databases. The electronic database search will be supplemented by a manual search of the reference lists of included articles. We will apply the risk-of-bias tool of the Cochrane Collaboration for randomized controlled trials to assess the methodological quality. Risk-of-Bias Assessment Tool for Non-randomized Studies was used to evaluate the quality of comparative studies. Statistical analysis will be conducted using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS: This systematic review and meta-analysis will evaluate the functional outcomes of the two fixation modalities, AF and PT, in reconstructing MPFL for RPD. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study will provide a basis for clinical judgment of whether there is a difference between the two forms of AF and PT reconstructed MPFL for RPD.

Comparison of acupotomy release combined with glucocorticoid intrathecal injection versus isolated glucocorticoid intrathecal injection for carpal tunnel syndrome: A protocol for a meta-analysis of comparative studies.

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is more common in people who need to engage in repetitive wrist work. Once it has occurred, localized pain and numbness of the fingers will develop, in severe cases, muscle atrophy will even arise, and after rest and physical therapy, many patients will still be unable to relieve or recur. In this case, the patient can receive intrathecal glucocorticoid injections, but the hormone injections alone can only provide short-term relief, and because the mechanical factors of median nerve compression are not fundamentally removed. Therefore, combined acupotomy release can help to release the compression of the transverse carpal ligament on the nerve and increase the volume within the carpal tunnel to achieve more satisfactory long-term results. Hence, a meta-analysis is necessary to provide evidence whether there is a significant difference in the treatment of CTS with acupotomy release combined with glucocorticoid intrathecal injection (ARGI) compared with isolated glucocorticoid intrathecal injection (GI). METHODS: We will search, with no time restriction, without any restriction of language and status, the time from the establishment of the database to October 2022, on the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane central register of controlled trials, Web of Science, Chinese national knowledge infrastructure, Wanfang data, Chinese scientific journals database, Chinese databases SinoMed, and electronic databases. The electronic database search will be supplemented by a manual search of the reference lists of included articles. We will apply the risk-of-bias tool of the Cochrane collaboration for randomized controlled trials to assess the methodological quality. Risk-of-Bias Assessment Tool for nonrandomized studies was used to evaluate the quality of comparative studies. Statistical analysis will be conducted using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS: This systematic review will evaluate the difference in efficacy of ARGI versus isolated GI in the treatment of CTS. CONCLUSION: The conclusion of this study will provide evidence for judging whether ARGI is superior to GI for treatment of CTS.

A Real-Time Hardware Experiment Platform for Closed-Loop Electrophysiology.

Targeted stimulation of nervous system has become an increasingly important research tool as well as therapeutic modality, and the stimulation signal acquisition based on the expected signal needs a closed-loop system. Due to the difficulty of biological experiments, the real-time simulation of neural activity is of great significance for the mechanism analysis and the performance improvement of neuromodulation techniques. This paper proposes a real-time hardware experimental platform for closed-loop electrophysiology. The platform integrates a neural computing module and a real-time control module on TMS320F28377D digital signal processors (DSP), and it reserves a programmable interface for users to call the required modules and set module parameters simultaneously. The platform has high compatibility and can be used for closed-loop electrophysiological experiments with different models, different control algorithms and different clamps. We implement the thalamocortical relay neural computing model and iteration improves proportional-integral algorithm on the platform for experimental verification in this paper. The neuron firing waveforms of the DSP platform and the MATLAB R2020b simulation waveforms are consistent. Under the same physiological time, the simulation speed of DSP platform is 3 times faster than that of the Intel Core i5-8400 CPU computer, and the neural firing rate of DSP platform is due to the real-time. This platform can be used as a tool to explore the working mechanism of the nervous system. It may promote the development of neuroscience, especially the field of closed-loop neuroscience.

Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine Buzhong Yiqi decoction for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is a disorder of bone metabolism caused by estrogen deficiency in women after menopause, which manifests clinically as pain, spinal deformities, and even fragility fractures, affecting the quality of life of patients and possibly shortening their life span. Traditional Chinese medicine prescription Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (BZYQD) has been widely used in clinical practice and achieved good results. But there is no high-level evidence to support this result. The aim of this study is to evaluate BZYQD's efficacy and safety in the management of PMOP. METHODS: We will search articles in 7 electronic databases including Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, Chinese databases SinoMed, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. All the publications, with no time restrictions, will be searched without any restriction on language and status, the time from the establishment of the database to September 2022. Two reviewers will independently assess the quality of the selected studies, NoteExpress and Excel software will be used to extract data, and the content will be stored in an electronic chart. Different researchers will separately screen the titles and abstracts of records acquired potential eligibility which comes from the electronic databases. Full-text screening and data extraction will be conducted afterward independently. Statistical analysis will be conducted using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS: This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of BZYQD in the treatment of PMOP, to provide high-quality, evidence-based clinical recommendations. CONCLUSION: The study provides a trustable clinical foundation for BZYQD in the treatment of PMOP.

Comparative study of internal fixation and external fixation after osteotomy of hallux valgus: A protocol for meta-analysis of comparative studies.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus (HV) is a common clinical deformity of the forefoot, primarily a deformity of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint in which the bunion is deflected laterally relative to the 1st metatarsal, often in combination with a medial bunion or pain at the head of the 1st metatarsal. For HV bunions that do not respond to conservative treatment, surgical intervention is required, which generally involves osteotomy of the first metatarsal or the first phalanx. However, the choice of fixation method after osteotomy is controversial. Most scholars choose screws or plates for internal fixation (IF) to achieve strong and reliable fixation, while some experts do not perform IF after osteotomy, but reposition the osteotomized end and perform external fixation (EF) with a figure-of-eight bandage between the 1st and 2nd toes, which has been advocated by some scholars because it requires only local anesthesia and has the characteristics of minimally invasive and no additional material for IF, and has achieved good clinical results. Therefore, it is necessary to compare the choice of IF or EF after HV osteotomy to evaluate whether there is a difference between the 2 and to conduct a meta-analysis to provide a reliable basis for clinical guidance. METHODS: We will search articles in 7 electronic databases including Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, Chinese databases SinoMed, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. All the publications, with no time restrictions, will be searched without any restriction of language and status, the time from the establishment of the database to October 2022. We will apply the risk-of-bias tool of the Cochrane Collaboration for randomized controlled trials to assess the methodological quality. Risk-of-Bias Assessment Tool for Non-randomized Studies was used to evaluate the quality of comparative studies. Statistical analysis will be conducted using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS: This systematic review will evaluate the functional outcomes and radiographic results of internal versus EF after HV osteotomy. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study will provide evidence to determine whether IF or external fixation is more effective after HV osteotomy.

A combined predicting model for benign esophageal stenosis after simultaneous integrated boost in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients (GASTO1072).

Purpose: We aimed to develop a combined predicting model for benign esophageal stenosis (BES) after simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) with concurrent chemotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: This study included 65 patients with EC who underwent SIB with chemotherapy. Esophageal stenosis was evaluated using esophagograms and the severity of eating disorders. Risk factors were investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Radiomics features were extracted based on contrast-enhanced CT (CE-CT) before treatment. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used for feature selection and radiomics signature construction. The model's performance was evaluated using Harrell's concordance index and receiver operating characteristic curves. Results: The patients were stratified into low- and high-risk groups according to BES after SIB. The area under the curves of the clinical model, Rad-score, and the combined model were 0.751, 0.820 and 0.864, respectively. In the validation cohort, the AUCs of these three models were 0.854, 0.883 and 0.917, respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that there was no deviation from model fitting for the training cohort (p=0.451) and validation cohort (p=0.481). The C-indexes of the nomogram were 0.864 and 0.958 for the training and validation cohort, respectively. The model combined with Rad-score and clinical factors achieved favorable prediction ability. Conclusion: Definitive chemoradiotherapy could alleviate tumor-inducing esophageal stenosis but result in benign stenosis. We constructed and tested a combined predicting model for benign esophageal stenosis after SIB. The nomogram incorporating both radiomics signature and clinical prognostic factors showed favorable predictive accuracy for BES in ESCC patients who received SIB with chemotherapy. Trial registration number and date of registration: Registered in www.Clinicaltrial.gov, ID: NCT01670409, August 12, 2012.

Radiomics models based on CT at different phases predicting lymph node metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (GASTO-1089).

Purpose: To investigate the value of radiomics models based on CT at different phases (non-contrast-enhanced and contrast-enhanced images) in predicting lymph node (LN) metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods and materials: Two hundred and seventy-four eligible patients with ESCC were divided into a training set (n =193) and a validation set (n =81). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm (LASSO) was used to select radiomics features. The predictive models were constructed with radiomics features and clinical factors through multivariate logistic regression analysis. The predictive performance and clinical application value of the models were evaluated by area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and decision curve analysis (DCA). The Delong Test was used to evaluate the differences in AUC among models. Results: Sixteen and eighteen features were respectively selected from non-contrast-enhanced CT (NECT) and contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) images. The model established using only clinical factors (Model 1) has an AUC value of 0.655 (95%CI 0.552-0.759) with a sensitivity of 0.585, a specificity of 0.725 and an accuracy of 0.654. The models contained clinical factors with radiomics features of NECT or/and CECT (Model 2,3,4) have significantly improved prediction performance. The values of AUC of Model 2,3,4 were 0.766, 0.811 and 0.809, respectively. It also achieved a great AUC of 0.800 in the model built with only radiomics features derived from NECT and CECT (Model 5). DCA suggested the potential clinical benefit of model prediction of LN metastasis of ESCC. A comparison of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves using the Delong test indicated that Models 2, 3, 4, and 5 were superior to Model 1(P< 0.05), and no difference was found among Model 2, 3, 4 and Model 5(P > 0.05). Conclusion: Radiomics models based on CT at different phases could accurately predict the lymph node metastasis in patients with ESCC, and their predictive efficiency was better than the clinical model based on tumor size criteria. NECT-based radiomics model could be a reasonable option for ESCC patients due to its lower price and availability for renal failure or allergic patients.

Late Toxicities, Failure Patterns, Local Tumor Control, and Survival of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients After Chemoradiotherapy With a Simultaneous Integrated Boost: A 5-Year Phase II Study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with a simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) of radiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Eighty-seven patients with primary ESCC enrolled in this phase II trial. The majority (92.0%) had locoregionally advanced disease. They underwent definitive chemoradiotherapy. The radiotherapy doses were 66 Gy for the gross tumor and 54 Gy for the subclinical disease. Doses were simultaneously administered in 30 fractions over 6 weeks. The patients also underwent concurrent and adjuvant chemotherapy, which comprised cisplatin and fluorouracil. The study end points were acute and late toxicities, first site of failure, locoregional tumor control, and overall survival rates. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 65.7 (range, 2.2-97.5) months for all patients and 81.5 (range, 19.4-97.5) months for those alive. There were 17 cases (19.5%) of severe late toxicities, including four cases (4.6%) of grade 5 and seven (8.0%) of grade 3 esophageal ulceration, four (4.6%) of grade 3 esophageal stricture, and two (2.3%) of grade 3 radiation-induced pneumonia. Twenty-three (26.4%) patients had locoregional disease progression. Most (86.7%) locally progressive lesions were within the dose-escalation region in the initial radiation plan, while majority of the recurrent lymph nodes were found out-of-field (83.3%) and in the supraclavicular region (75.0%). The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year locoregional tumor control and overall survival rates were 79.2%, 72.4%, 72.4%, 70.8%, and 82.8%, 66.6%, 61.9%, 58.4%, respectively. Incomplete tumor response, which was assessed immediately after CCRT was an independent risk predictor of disease progression and death in ESCC patients. CONCLUSIONS: CCRT with SIB was well tolerated in ESCC patients during treatment and long-term follow-up. Moreover, patients who underwent CCRT with SIB exhibited improved local tumor control and had better survival outcomes compared to historical data of those who had standard-dose radiotherapy.

Imaging biomarkers of contrast-enhanced computed tomography predict survival in oesophageal cancer after definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive potential of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT)-based imaging biomarkers (IBMs) for the treatment outcomes of patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) after definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). METHODS: Altogether, 154 patients with OSCC who underwent definitive CCRT were included in this retrospective study. All patients were randomised to the training cohort (n = 99) or the validation cohort (n = 55). Pre-treatment contrast-enhanced CT scans were obtained for all patients and used for the extraction of IBMs. An IBM score, was constructed by using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator with Cox regression analysis, which was equal to the log-partial hazard of the Cox model in the training cohort and tested in the validation cohort. IBM nomograms were built based on IBM scores for individualised survival estimation. Finally, a decision curve analysis was performed to estimate the clinical usefulness of the nomograms. RESULTS: Altogether, 96 IBMs were extracted from each contrast-enhanced CT scan. IBM scores were constructed from 11 CT-based IBMs for overall survival (OS) and 8 IBMs for progression-free survival (PFS), using the LASSO-Cox regression method in the training cohort. Multivariate analysis revealed that IBM score was an independent prognostic factor correlated with OS and PFS. In the training cohort, the C-indices of IBM scores were 0.734 (95% CI 0.664-0.804) and 0.658 (95% CI 0.587-0.729) for OS and PFS, respectively. In the validation cohort, C-indices were 0.672 (95% CI 0.578-0.766) and 0.666 (95% CI 0.574-0.758) for OS and PFS, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a significant difference between risk subgroups in the training and validation cohorts. Decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical usefulness of the IBM score. CONCLUSIONS: The IBM score based on pre-treatment contrast-enhanced CT could predict the OS and PFS for patients with OSCC after definitive CCRT. Further multicentre studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.

Economics of materials in mobile phone preprocessing, focus on non-printed circuit board materials.

Incomplete recovery of materials in mobile phones results in a significant economic loss. Many studies have focused on improving the situation by characterizing metals within printed circuit boards (PCBs) to identify where losses occur. Our work focuses on the evolving composition of mobile phones and particularly the flow of materials located within components outside of PCBs. In this study we quantify the appreciable economic potential of non-PCB derived metals and provide suggestions for optimization of different preprocessing steps to recover these materials. These opportunities can be categorized as recovering both high value and high volume materials. We therefore recommend that preprocessors pay special attention to precious metals in fine shredding and develop strategies for plastics recycling based on our demand and supply forecasts of postconsumer plastics in phones. We have performed this work based on a case study of Portugal.

Balance, Proprioception, and Gross Motor Development of Chinese Children Aged 3 to 6 Years.

The authors' aim was to find the features of balance, proprioception, and gross motor development of Chinese children 3-6 years old and their correlations, provide theoretical support for promoting children's motor development, and enrich the world theoretical system of motor development. This study used a Tekscan foot pressure measurement instrument (Tekscan, Inc., Boston, MA), walking on a balance beam, Xsens 3-dimensional positional measuring system (Xsens Technologies, Enschede, the Netherlands), and Test of Gross Motor Development-2 to assess static balance, dynamic balance, knee proprioception, and levels of gross motor development (GMD) of 3- to 6-year-old children (n = 60) in Beijing. The results are as follows: children had significant age differences in static balance, dynamic balance, proprioception, and levels of GMD; children had significant gender differences in static balance, proprioception, and levels of GMD; children's static balance, dynamic balance, and proprioception had a very significant positive correlation with GMD (p < .01), but no significant correlation with body mass index.

Nickel nanoparticle-modified electrode for ultra-sensitive electrochemical detection of insulin.

An ultra-sensitive electrochemical sensor for the detection of insulin was fabricated, using low-cost and environmentally friendly nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) by ion implantation. The morphology and structure of the NiNPs are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing diameters ranging from 4 to 8 nm. The insulin assay performances were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and chronoamperometry (I-t). The NiNPs-modified indium tin oxide electrode (NiNPs/ITO) showed excellent analytical features, including ultra-high sensitivity (2140 µAµM(-1)) for detecting low concentrations of insulin, an incredibly low detection limit (10 pM) and a wide dynamic range (100 pM to 2400 pM and 1 nM to 125 nM). In addition, the NiNPs/ITO electrode was also used to analyze the insulin concentration in bovine insulin injections. The NiNPs/ITO electrode is expected to be used as a potential biosensor for insulin.