Extended-Gate FET Biosensor Based on GaN Micropillar Array and Polycrystalline Layer: Application to Hg2+ Detection in Human Urine.

Owing to the separation of field-effect transistor (FET) devices from sensing environments, extended-gate FET (EGFET) biosensor features high stability and low cost. Herein, a highly sensitive EGFET biosensor based on a GaN micropillar array and polycrystalline layer (GMP) was fabricated, which was prepared by using simple one-step low-temperature MOCVD growth. In order to improve the sensitivity and detection limit of EGFET biosensor, the surface area and the electrical conductivity of extended-gate electrode can be increased by the micropillar array and the polycrystalline layer, respectively. The designed GMP-EGFET biosensor was modified with l-cysteine and applied for Hg2+ detection with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 1 ng/L, a high sensitivity of -16.3 mV/lg(µg/L) and a wide linear range (1 ng/L-24.5 µg/L). In addition, the detection of Hg2+ in human urine was realized with an LOD of 10 ng/L, which was more than 30 times lower than that of reported sensors. To our knowledge, it is the first time that GMP was used as extended-gate of EGFET biosensor.

Prevalence and risk factors of osteoporotic fracture among the elderly population in China: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Prevalence of osteoporotic fracture (OPF) is increasing with ageing, resulting in a significant financial burden for healthcare. However, research on the nationwide epidemiological data of OPF in Chinese elderly is still scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of OPF in Chinese population aged 60 years or order. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in an elderly Chinese population in five centres. Questionnaire investigation and imaging examination were taken in all participants to identify OPF prevalence and risk factors. Diagnosis of OPF was determined based on imaging of vertebral fractures or history of fall-related fractures. We then used multivariate logistic regression model to analyze the associations between the potential risk factors and OPF. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of OPF in population aged 60 years or older was 24.7% (1,071/4,331), showing an increasing trend with age (P < 0.001). The prevalence of OPF was geographically distinct (P < 0.001), but similar between men and women (P > 0.05). Up to 96.8% of OPFs consisted of vertebral fractures, especially involving T11, T12, and L1 segments. Advanced age (≥ 80), vision loss, severe hearing loss, multiple exercise forms, chronic kidney disease, osteoarthritis, and trauma-related vertebral fractures were significantly associated with risk factors, while education level and vitamin D supplementation were associated with protective factors of OPF. CONCLUSION: High prevalence of OPF is a serious threat to bone health among elderly people in China. There is an urgent need for effective strategies to diagnose, prevent, and treat OPF in elderly adults.

Clinical outcomes of negative pressure wound therapy with instillation vs standard negative pressure wound therapy for wounds: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with or without instillation has been extensively applied for patients with multiple wound types. Whether NPWT with instillation is superior to NPWT alone is not known. This study aims to compare the efficacy between negative pressure wound therapy with instillation (NPWTi) and standard negative pressure wound therapy for wounds. The authors searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials investigating clinical outcomes of negative pressure wound therapy with instillation vs standard negative pressure wound therapy for wounds. The registration number (protocol) on PROSPERO is CRD42022287178. Eight RCTs involved 564 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included finally. NPWTi showed a significant fewer surgeries and dressing changes (RR and 95% CI, -9.31 [-17.54, -1.08], P < 0.05), and smaller wound area after treatment (RR and 95% CI, -9.31 [-17.54, -1.08], P < 0.05) compared with NPWT. No significant difference was observed on healing rate, time to heal, length of stay, dehiscence, reinfection, reoperation and readmission between NPWTi and NPWT. The addition of instillation to NPWT could improve clinical outcomes regarding the number of surgeries and dressing changes, and wound area after treatment in patients with multiple wound types. However, because of the heterogeneity these conclusions still need to be further validated by more well-designed RCTs with large sample sizes.

Prediction of Flight Status of Logistics UAVs Based on an Information Entropy Radial Basis Function Neural Network.

Aiming at addressing the problems of short battery life, low payload and unmeasured load ratio of logistics Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural network was trained with the flight data of logistics UAV from the Internet of Things to predict the flight status of logistics UAVs. Under the condition that there are few available input samples and the convergence of RBF neural network is not accurate, a dynamic adjustment method of RBF neural network structure based on information entropy is proposed. This method calculates the information entropy of hidden layer neurons and output layer neurons, and quantifies the output information of hidden layer neurons and the interaction information between hidden layer neurons and output layer neurons. The structural design and optimization of RBF neural network were solved by increasing the hidden layer neurons or disconnecting unnecessary connections, according to the connection strength between neurons. The steepest descent learning algorithm was used to correct the parameters of the network structure to ensure the convergence accuracy of the RBF neural network. By predicting the regression values of the flight status of logistics UAVs, it is demonstrated that the information entropy-based RBF neural network proposed in this paper has good approximation ability for the prediction of nonlinear systems.

Comparative study of anatomical locking plate and reconstruction plate in treating acetabular fractures.

PURPOSE: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of anatomic locking plate and reconstruction plate used in treating acetabular fractures. METHODS: From January 2009 to January 2016, patients with acetabular fractures were included in this retrospective study. We grouped the patients into two groups based on the internal fixation: reconstruction plate group (RPG) and anatomic locking plate group (ALPG). The operation time, blood loss, intra-operative screw penetration, and plate breakage were compared between the two groups. The intra-operative fluoroscopic images were used to evaluate the fixation location. The quality of reduction and radiological grading were assessed according to the criteria developed by Matta. The clinical assessment was based on the Merle d'Aubigne-Postel score. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients were included in this study and were followed up for an average of 35 months (range, 25 to 42 months). Thirty-five patients were treated with the anatomical locking plate, and 48 patients were treated with the reconstruction plate. The mean surgical time was significantly shorter (P < 0.0001) in ALPG patients than in RPG patients, and the intra-operative blood loss was significantly lower (P = 0.008). The rates of intra-operative screw penetration or plate breakage in the ALPG (0/35) are significantly lower than that in the RPG (7/48) (P = 0.018). Post-operative Matta score (P = 0.905), Merle d'Aubigne-Postel score (P = 0.957), and overall complication rates (P = 0.391) were not significantly different among the groups. CONCLUSION: Patients treated by anatomical locking plate had shorter operation time, less bleeding, and lower rate screw perforation compared to patients treated by reconstruction plate. Anatomical locking plate is a better choice for acetabulum fractures, especially complicated fractures.

In Situ Growth of Leakage-Free Direct-Bridging GaN Nanowires: Application to Gas Sensors for Long-Term Stability, Low Power Consumption, and Sub-ppb Detection Limit.

Direct-bridge growth of aligned GaN nanowires (NWs) over the trench of GaN-coated sapphire substrate was realized in which the issues of parasitic deposition and resultant bypass current were resolved by combining the novel shadowing effect of the deep trench with the surface-passivation effect of the SiO2 coating. Due to the robust connection and the absence of a contact barrier in bridging NWs, the intrinsic sensing properties of the NW itself can be obtained. For the first time, the gas-sensing properties (e.g., NO2) of the bridging GaN NWs were studied. With the assistance of UV light, the detection limit was improved from 4.5 to 0.5 ppb at room temperature, and the corresponding response time was reduced from 518 to 18 s. This kind of sensor is promising for high sensitivity (detection of less than parts per billion), low power consumption (capable of room-temperature operation), high stability (variation in resistance of <0.8% during 240 days), and in situ monolithic integration.

Impact of negative-pressure wound therapy on bacterial behaviour and bioburden in a contaminated full-thickness wound.

The use of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has displayed significant clinical benefits in the healing of infected wounds. However, the effects of NPWT on bacterial colonisation and infection of traumatic wounds has been controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of NPWT treatment in rabbits with a contaminated full-thickness wound on bacterial behaviour, including colony morphology, spatial distribution, fissional proliferation, and bacterial bioburden. Full-thickness wounds were created on the back of rabbits, and were inoculated with bioluminescent Staphylococcus aureus. The wounds were treated with sterile gauze dressings and NPWT with continuous negative pressure (-125 mm Hg). Wound samples were harvested on days 0 (6 hours after bacterial inoculation), 2, 4, 6, and 8 at the centre of wound beds before irrigation. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses were performed to determine the characteristic bacteriology. Laser scanning confocal microscopy was performed to obtain bioluminescent images, which were used to observe spatial distribution of the GFP-labelled S. aureus within the tissue and quantify the bacterial bioburden. NPWT resulted in sparse amounts of scattered bacteria on the wound surface or as sparsely spaced single colonies within the tissue. Wound bioburden on day 8 in the NPWT and gauze groups was 34.6 ± 5.5% and 141.9 ± 15.4% of the baseline values (N = 6), respectively (P < .0001). TEM showed a lack of S. aureus active fission within NPWT-treated tissue. NPWT can impact S. aureus colony morphology and spatial distribution both on the surface and within wound tissue, and reduce S. aureus as early as 48 hours after therapy initiation. Additionally, NPWT inhibits bacterial fissional proliferation in microcolonies.

Virulence analysis of Staphylococcus aureus in a rabbit model of infected full-thickness wound under negative pressure wound therapy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the virulence of Staphylococcus aureus in a controlled animal study using the standard sterile gauze and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), including activation of agr, gene expression and production of virulence foctors and depth of bacterial invasion. The tissue specimens were harvested on days 0 (6 h after bacterial inoculation), 2, 4, 6, and 8 at the center of wound beds. Laser scanning confocal microscopy was performed to obtain bioluminescent images which were used to measure the depth of bacterial invasion. The agrA expression of S.aureus and the transcription and production of virulence factors including Eap, Spa and α-toxin were significantly different. The bacterial invasion depth was significantly less with effect of NPWT. The markedly different activation of quorum sensing systems that enable cell-to-cell communication and regulation of numerous colonization and virulence factors result in distinct gene expression and pathogenicity over time in different microenvironment. Thus, the agr system represents a fundamental regulatory paradigm that can encompass different adaptive strategies and accommodate horizontally acquired virulence determinants.

Establishment of fluoroscopy views and standardized procedure of percutaneous magic screw insertion for acetabulum fractures.

BACKGROUND: To place the magic screw more simply, we established a set of reproducible fluoroscopic views and a standardized procedure of magic screw insertion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study on the magic screw tunnel uses a three-dimensional reconstruction model and a skeleton projection. The 3D model of the pelvis was made to be transparent and it was rotated to the place where the ischial spine was just sheltered by the posterior wall of the acetabulum. The angles of this view projection were recorded in the transverse plane and coronal plane. Six cadaveric pelvises (three males, three female) were used to validate the proper projection angle of the C-arm fluoroscopy. The skeleton specimens were all positioned latericumbent on a radiolucent table. RESULT: In all pelvis 3D models, all magic cylinders with a 7.3 mm diameter were successfully inserted along the bone structure tunnel in 30 3D pelvic models. The average angle of the transverse view rotated by the C-arm fluoroscopy was 162° in males and 157° in females, the angle of the coronal plane was 22° in males and 24° in females. The average distance between the front wheel of the C-arm machine and the middle axial line of the radiolucent bed was 43 cm in males and 43 cm in females. In skeleton pelvis research, all the screws were safely inserted using this method. CONCLUSION: The magic screw technique could be a good choice for the treatment of acetabular fractures, especially quadrilateral plate fractures. If the proper fluoroscopy view technique is used properly, the magic screw can be inserted rapidly and safely.

Effect of negative pressure on growth, secretion and biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus.

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has gained popularity in the management of contaminated wounds as an effective physical therapy, although its influence on the bacteria in the wounds remains unclear. In this study, we attempted to explore the effect of negative pressure conditions on Staphylococcus aureus, the most frequently isolated pathogen during wound infection. S. aureus was cultured in Luria-Bertani medium at subatmospheric pressure of -125 mmHg for 24 h, with the bacteria grown at ambient pressure as the control. The application of negative pressure was found to slow down the growth rate and inhibit biofilm development of S. aureus, which was confirmed by static biofilm assays. Furthermore, decreases in the total amount of virulence factors and biofilm components were observed, including α-hemolysin, extracellular adherence protein, polysaccharide intercellular adhesin and extracellular DNA. With quantitative RT-PCR analysis, we also revealed a significant inhibition in the transcription of virulence and regulatory genes related to wound infections and bacterial biofilms. Together, these findings indicated that negative pressure could inhibit the growth, virulence and biofilm formation of S. aureus. A topical subatmospheric pressure condition, such as NPWT, may be a potential antivirulence and antibiofilm strategy in the field of wound care.

Ilizarov bone transport for the treatment of fibular osteomyelitis: a report of five cases.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment of fibular osteomyelitis by Ilizarov bone transport. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 5 patients with fibular osteomyelitis treated by Ilizarov bone transport. Our study included 4 males and 1 female with a mean of age 29.2 years. The average length of the bone defects after radical debridement was 7.6 cm (range 6.5-10 cm). RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 24.8 months (range 14-34 months). No patient was lost to follow-up. All the patients had bone union and no recurrence of infection was observed. The mean external fixation time was 8.8 months (range 8-10 months), and the mean external fixation index was 1.18 months/cm (range 0.90-1.43 months/cm). There was no sign of knee or ankle instability by clinical examination in all the patients. According to Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) classification, bone results were excellent in 3 patients, good in 2 patients; functional results were excellent in 3 patients, good in 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested that Ilizarov bone transport may be a good choice for the treatment of fibular osteomyelitis, especially for the patient with distal fibular loss.

The Associations of Phosphorylated Tau 181 and Tau 231 Levels in Plasma and Cerebrospinal Fluid with Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or blood biomarkers like phosphorylated tau proteins (p-tau) are used to detect Alzheimer's disease (AD) early. Increasing studies on cognitive function and blood or CSF p-tau levels are controversial. Objective: Our study examined the potential of p-tau as a biomarker of cognitive status in normal control (NC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and AD patients. Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science for relevant material through 12 January 2023. 5,017 participants from 20 studies-1,033 AD, 2,077 MCI, and 1,907 NC-were evaluated. Quantitative analysis provided continuous outcomes as SMDs with 95% CIs. Begg tested publication bias. Results: MCI patients had lower CSF p-tau181 levels than AD patients (SMD =-0.60, 95% CI (-0.85, -0.36)) but higher than healthy controls (SMD = 0.67). AD/MCI patients had greater plasma p-tau181 levels than healthy people (SMD =-0.73, 95% CI (-1.04, -0.43)). MCI patients had significantly lower p-tau231 levels than AD patients in plasma and CSF (SMD =-0.90, 95% CI (-0.82, -0.45)). MCI patients showed greater CSF and plasma p-tau231 than healthy controls (SMD = 1.34, 95% CI (0.89, 1.79) and 0.43, (0.23, 0.64)). Plasma p-tau181/231 levels also distinguished the three categories. MCI patients had higher levels than healthy people, while AD patients had higher levels than MCI patients. Conclusions: CSF p-tau181 and p-tau231 biomarkers distinguished AD, MCI, and healthy populations. Plasma-based p-tau181 and p-tau231 biomarkers for AD and MCI need further study.

Blood Pressure Fluctuation Pattern Associated with 90-Day Ischemic Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack After Total Knee Arthroplasty-A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: Blood pressure (BP) fluctuation has been demonstrated to be closely associated with stroke. However, at present, no attention is paid to the BP fluctuation following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study is to investigate what is BP fluctuation patterns in stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients after primary TKA, compare clinical characteristics among different BP fluctuation patterns and determine whether it could predict the occurrence of a 90-day stroke. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted from February 1, 2011 to February 15, 2021. Stroke or TIA patients within 90 days after TKA were included. Data from a hospitalization management system were analyzed, including demographics, smoking status, comorbidities, medications, surgical variables, and 90-day stroke, mortality, and readmission rates. BP fluctuation patterns were defined based on the average BP in the first 3 days after TKA. A logistic regression analysis model was used to identify risk factors for 90-day stroke or TIA following TKA. RESULTS: Of the 1687 patients who underwent primary TKA, 4.0% (68/1687) experienced a 90-day stroke or TIA. A total of 63 patients met the inclusion criteria, with an average age of 67.5 years and 55.6% (35/63) female. The number of stroke or TIA patients in each BP fluctuation pattern (T1-T5) was 6 (9.5%), 5 (7.9%), 4 (6.3%), 13 (20.6%), and 35 (55.6%) respectively. Patients with a T5 pattern tended to be older and had a greater reduction in average systolic blood pressure (SBP) 3 days after surgery compared to other patterns. The T5 pattern was associated with a higher occurrence of stroke and a lower occurrence of TIA. Patients with a T5 pattern also had a longer length of stay within 90 days following TKA. After adjusting for confounding factors, average SBP fluctuation ≥40 mmHg and the T5 pattern of BP fluctuation remained risk factors for 90-day stroke or TIA after TKA. CONCLUSION: BP fluctuation patterns in the early postoperative period are associated with 90-day stroke and TIA following primary TKA.

DDAH1 promotes neurogenesis and neural repair in cerebral ischemia.

Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-positive neurons in neural stem cell (NSC) niches can evoke adult neurogenesis (AN) and restore impaired brain function after injury, such as acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, the relevant mechanism by which ChAT+ neurons develop in NSC niches is poorly understood. Our RNA-seq analysis revealed that dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (DDAH1), a hydrolase for asymmetric NG,NG-dimethylarginine (ADMA), regulated genes responsible for the synthesis and transportation of acetylcholine (ACh) (Chat, Slc5a7 and Slc18a3) after stroke insult. The dual-luciferase reporter assay further suggested that DDAH1 controlled the activity of ChAT, possibly through hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α). KC7F2, an inhibitor of HIF-1α, abolished DDAH1-induced ChAT expression and suppressed neurogenesis. As expected, DDAH1 was clinically elevated in the blood of AIS patients and was positively correlated with AIS severity. By comparing the results among Ddah1 general knockout (KO) mice, transgenic (TG) mice and wild-type (WT) mice, we discovered that DDAH1 upregulated the proliferation and neural differentiation of NSCs in the subgranular zone (SGZ) under ischemic insult. As a result, DDAH1 may promote cognitive and motor function recovery against stroke impairment, while these neuroprotective effects are dramatically suppressed by NSC conditional knockout of Ddah1 in mice.

Effects of combined application of muscle relaxants and celecoxib administration after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on early recovery: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of application of muscle relaxants and celecoxib in early recovery after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). One hundred and fifty patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive either both of muscle relaxants and celecoxib or muscle relaxants alone or placebo for 2 weeks (50 patients in each group). VAS pain scores as primary efficacy, active range of motion, morphine consumption, blood loss, and postoperative complications including postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), extremities myasthenia and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were determined postoperatively. Group A improved better with reduced VAS pain scores compared with another two groups. These results demonstrated that application of muscle relaxants and celecoxib into patients undergoing TKA for 2 weeks postoperative consequently improved their convalescence.

Metformin regulates chondrocyte senescence and proliferation through microRNA-34a/SIRT1 pathway in osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative disease in joints among elderly patients. Senescence is deeply involved in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. Metformin is widely used as the first-line drug for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and has great potential for the treatment of other aging-related disorders, including OA. However, the role of metformin in OA is not fully elucidated. Therefore, our aim here was to investigate the effects of metformin on human chondrocytes. METHODS: After metformin treatment, expression level of microRNA-34a and SIRT1 in chondrocyte were detected with quantitative real-time PCR and immunofluorescence staining. Then, microRNA-34a mimic and small interfering RNA (siRNA) against SIRT1 (siRNA-SIRT1) were transfected into chondrocyte. Senescence-associated ß-galactosidase (SA-ß-gal) staining was performed to assess chondrocyte senescence. Chondrocyte viability was illustrated with MTT and colony formation assays. Western blot was conducted to detect the expression of P16, IL-6, matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), Collagen type II (COL2A1) and Aggrecan (ACAN). RESULTS: We found that metformin treatment (1 mM) inhibited microRNA-34a while promoted SIRT1 expression in OA chondrocytes. Both miR-34a mimics and siRNA against SIRT1 inhibited SIRT1 expression in chondrocytes. SA-ß-gal staining assay confirmed that metformin reduced SA-ß-gal-positive rate of chondrocytes, while transfection with miR-34a mimics or siRNA-SIRT1 reversed it. MTT assay and colony formation assay showed that metformin accelerated chondrocyte proliferation, while miR-34a mimics or siRNA-SIRT1 weakened this effect. Furthermore, results from western blot demonstrated that metformin suppressed expression of senescence-associated protein P16, proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 and catabolic gene MMP-13 while elevated expression of anabolic proteins such as Collagen type II and Aggrecan, which could be attenuated by transfection with miR-34a mimics. CONCLUSION: Overall, our data suggest that metformin regulates chondrocyte senescence and proliferation through microRNA-34a/SIRT1 pathway, indicating it could be a novel strategy for OA treatment.

Bioinformatics Analysis Predicts hsa_circ_0026337/miR-197-3p as a Potential Oncogenic ceRNA Network for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers.

BACKGROUND: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an essential role in developing tumors, but their role in Non- Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. Thus, the present study explored the possible molecular mechanism of circRNAs in NSCLC. METHODS: Three circular RNA (circRNA) microarray datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differential expressions of circRNAs (DECs) were identified in NSCLC tissue and compared to adjacent healthy tissue. The online cancer-specific circRNA database (CSCD) was used for the analysis of the DECs function. Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Ontology (GO), Cytoscape and UALCAN were used to predict the critical nodes and perform patient survival analysis, respectively. The interaction between the DECs, the predicted miRNAs, and hub genes was also determined. Finally, the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was established. RESULTS: The expression of hsa_circ_0049271, hsa_circ_0026337, hsa_circ_0043256, and hsa_circ_0008234 was decreased in NSCLC tissues. The Encyclopedia of RNA Interactomes (ENCORI) and CSCD database results showed that hsa_circ_0026337 was found to sponge with miR-1193, miR-197-3p, miR-3605-5p, miR-433-3p and miR-652-3p, and hsa_circ_0043256 to sponge with miR-1252-5p, miR-494-3p and miR-558, respectively. Subsequently, 100 mRNAs were predicted to bind with these seven miRNA response elements (MREs). The GO analysis and KEGG pathway revealed that these 100 MREs might be involved in "histone deacetylase binding" and "cellular senescence." PPI network and Cytoscape identified the top ten hub genes. Survival analysis data showed that the low expression of hsa_circ_0026337 was significantly associated with shortened survival time in NSCLC (P = 0.037), which increased the expression level of hsa-miR-197-3p, thereby inhibiting the translation of specific proteins. CONCLUSION: This study examined the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network associated with NSCLC and explored the potential functions of DECs in the network to elucidate the mechanisms underlying disease progression in NSCLC.

Calcaneal fracture maps and their determinants.

BACKGROUND: Calcaneal fractures are associated with numerous complications and a poor prognosis with significant long-term quality-of-life issues, regardless of treatment. Therefore, in-depth research into the underlying mechanism of calcaneal fracture is still of great interest, with the goal of improving treatment for patients suffering from this condition. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the distribution of calcaneal fracture lines and their determinants, especially those related to the internal structure of the calcaneus. This goal was achieved by fracture maps created by copying and stacking fracture lines as viewed from six surfaces of the calcaneus. METHODS: A total of 210 consecutive patients with 226 calcaneal fractures were retrospectively analyzed. Fracture lines were copied from a reduced 3D calcaneal fracture model and stacked on calcaneal templates to generate fracture maps. The stacked images of six calcaneus surfaces were also converted into spectrograms with MATLAB to highlight the fracture frequency at specific locations. RESULTS: There were four concentrated bands of fracture lines and two fracture hot spots on the superior surface. Three dense bands of fractures were observed on the medial surface, and four fracture bands were observed lateral to the calcaneus. Vertical fracture lines dominated the anterior calcaneal fracture map. On the posterior surface, the fracture lines appeared to be centered superiorly. All fracture locations coincided with the interfaces between the trabecular groups. CONCLUSIONS: The fracture maps showed fracture patterns and recurrent fracture zones on all calcaneal surfaces. The shape of the talus and calcaneus and the architecture within the calcaneus, especially the arrangement of the trabeculae, are essential factors for calcaneal fractures.

A Novel Anatomical Locking Guide Plate for Treating Acetabular Transverse Posterior Wall Fracture: A Finite Element Analysis Study.

OBJECTIVE: To improve the treatment of the acetabular transverse posterior wall fracture (ATPWF), a novel anatomical locking guidance plate (NALGP) was designed and compared with traditional fixations using finite element analysis. METHODS: The ATPWF model was constructed using the three-dimensional finite element model of the half pelvis via the Mimics software and three internal devices were used to fix this model: the posterior-column locking plate with anterior-column screws (PCLP), double-column locking plates (DCLP), and NALGP. Next, mesh division was conducted by solid 187 tetrahedral elements in the workbench software. After defining the boundary condition and material properties, each assembly model was loaded in an increasing manner with a downward vertical force of 200, 400, and 600 N, respectively. The loading force was directed at 45 degrees upward in the coronal plane and 25 degrees backward in the sagittal plane. Finally, the stress distribution and stress peak of plates and screws were measured and evaluated, and the displacement of fracture fragments under different loading force was assessed among the three groups. RESULTS: For stress distribution, it was found that the stress mainly acted on the posterior-column plate, especially concentrated at the middle and lower section of the plate in all three groups after fixation on the ATPWF. In addition, most stresses of screws appeared on the lag screws instead of the common screws. The common screws in the NALGP group experienced larger stresses under all loading force, while those in the DCLP group withstood less stresses compared to those in the PCLP group. For the displacement of fracture fragments, the NALGP group were found to have less fracture fragment displacements than the PCLP group, but had comparable results to DCLP at both the transverse fracture and the posterior wall fracture sites. CONCLUSION: The newly-designed fixation device showed superiorities on fracture stabilization over PCLP, but had comparable stability to DCLP. This suggests that the DCLP might be unnecessary for treating ATPWF in some instances because it might cause bigger surgical trauma and blood loss.

Associations between constipation, overeating, and depression: A survey of Chinese oldest-old and centenarians.

Objectives: Depression is a common disease of elderly population, with a global prevalence of more than 20%. Few studies have involved the associations of constipation and overeating with depression, especially in the elderly population. We aimed to address these associations in Chinese oldest-old and centenarians. Methods: A total of 1863 elderly individuals from 18 regions of Hainan, China, were investigated from July 2014 to December 2016. Health survey, physical examination, and blood analyses were performed through structured questionnaires and standard procedures. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) was used to measure depression. Results: The proportions of elderly individuals with depression, constipation, and overeating were 20.80% (349), 15.14% (254), and 26.52% (445), respectively. The prevalence of constipation and overeating was significantly higher in the elderly group with depression than in those without depression (P < 0.05, all). In the multiple linear regression analyses, higher prevalence of constipation and overeating had positive and significant associations with the GDS-15 (P < 0.05, all). In the multiple logistic regression analyses, constipation (odds ratio [OR]: 2.328; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.540-3.521) and overeating (OR: 2.735; 95% CI: 1.920-3.898) had positive and significant associations with depression (P < 0.05, in all). Conclusions and Implications: This study provides epidemiological evidence that constipation and overeating have positive associations with depression in Chinese oldest-old and centenarians. The interventions for constipation and overeating should be improved to promote prevention and treatment for depression and achieve successful aging and healthy longevity.