Tannic Acid-Enabled Antioxidant and Stretchable MXene/Silk Strain Sensors for Diving Training Healthcare.

MXene-based conductive hydrogels hold significant promise as epidermal sensors, yet their susceptibility to oxidation represents a formidable limitation. This study addresses this challenge by incorporating MXene into a tannic acid (TA) cross-linked silk fibroin matrix. The resulting conductive hydrogel (denoted as e-dive) exhibits favorable characteristics such as adjustable mechanical properties, self-healing capabilities (both mechanically and electrically), and strong underwater adhesion. The existence of a percolation network of MXene within the nanocomposites guarantees good electrical conductivity. Importantly, the surface interaction of MXene nanosheets with the hydrophobic moiety from TA substantially reduced moisture and oxygen interactions with MXene, thereby effectively mitigating MXene oxidation within hydrogel matrices. This preservation of the electrical characteristics ensures prolonged functional stability. Furthermore, the e-dive demonstrates inherent antibacterial properties, making it suitable for use in underwater environments where bacterial contamination is a concern. The utilization of this advanced e-dive system extends to the correction of diving postures and the facilitation of underwater healthcare and security alerts. Our study presents a robust methodology for enhancing the stability of MXene-based conductive hydrogel electronics, thereby expanding their scope of potential applications.

Tetrahydroberberine Prevents Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss by Inhibiting RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis and Promoting Osteoclast Apoptosis.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) arises from the disruption in bone remodeling caused by estrogen deficiency, leading to a heightened susceptibility to osteoporotic fractures in aging women. Tetrahydroberberine (THB) is a chemical compound extracted from Corydalis yanhusuo, a member of the traditional Chinese medicine series "Zhejiang eight taste", possessing a variety of pharmacological functions such as lowering lipids and preventing muscle atrophy. However, the impact of THB on PMOP has not been systematically explored. In vitro experiments supported that THB suppresses osteoclast formation and resorption of bone concentration-dependently. Further experiments confirmed that these inhibitory effects of THB were related to inhibition on expressions of osteoclast-specific genes, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, and the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway and an increased apoptosis level in mature osteoclasts. Additionally, THB treatment mitigated the ovariectomy-induced bone loss and improved the skeletal microarchitecture in vivo. In conclusion, THB has such potential to improve the PMOP status.

Engineering probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 to block transfer of multiple antibiotic resistance genes by exploiting a type I CRISPR-Cas system.

Many multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria have evolved through the accumulation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Although the potential risk of probiotics as reservoirs of ARGs has been recognized, strategies for blocking the transfer of ARGs while using probiotics have rarely been explored. The probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) has long been used for treating intestinal diseases. Here, we demonstrate frequent transfer of ARGs into EcN both in vitro and in vivo, raising concerns about its potential risk of accumulating antibiotic resistance. Given that no CRISPR-Cas system was found in natural EcN, we integrated the type I-E CRISPR-Cas3 system derived from E. coli BW25113 into EcN. The engineered EcN was able to efficiently cleave multiple ARGs [i.e., mcr-1, blaNDM-1, and tet(X)] encoding enzymes for degrading last-resort antibiotics. Through co-incubation of EcN expressing Cas3-Cascade and that expressing Cas9, we showed that the growth of the former strain outcompeted the latter strain, demonstrating a better clinical application prospect of EcN expressing the type I-E CRISPR-Cas3 system. In the intestine of a model animal (i.e., zebrafish), the engineered EcN exhibited immunity against the transfer of CRISPR-targeted ARGs. Our work equips EcN with immunity against the transfer of multiple ARGs by exploiting the exogenous type I-E CRISPR-Cas3 system, thereby reducing the risk of the spread of ARGs while using it as a probiotic chassis for generating living therapeutics. IMPORTANCE: To reduce the development of antibiotic resistance, probiotics have been considered as a substitute for antibiotics. However, probiotics themselves are reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study introduces a new strategy for limiting the spread of ARGs by engineering the typical probiotic strain Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), which has been used for treating intestinal diseases and developed as living therapeutics. We also demonstrate that the type I CRISPR-Cas system imposes a lower growth burden than the type II CRISPR-Cas system, highlighting its promising clinical application potential. Our work not only provides a new strategy for restricting the transfer of ARGs while using probiotics but also enriches the genetic engineering toolbox of EcN, paving the way for the safe use and development of probiotics as living therapeutics.

Mycoplasma pneumonia in a patient with X-linked agammaglobulinemia.

BACKGROUND: X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), also referred to as Bruton's tyrosine kinase deficiency, is a rare genetic disorder that affects the immune system. We conducted genetic analysis on patients suffering from immunodeficiency by utilizing Next-Generation Sequencing techniques, as well as their closest relatives, to facilitate accurate diagnosis, offer genetic counseling services, and enhance our comprehension of XLA.

ZCCHC8 p.P410A disrupts nucleocytoplasmic localization, promoting idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a special kind of chronic interstitial lung disease with insidious onset. Previous studies have revealed that mutations in ZCCHC8 may lead to IPF. The aim of this study is to explore the ZCCHC8 mutations in Chinese IPF patients. METHODS: Here, we enrolled 124 patients with interstitial lung disease from 2017 to 2023 in our hospital. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were employed to explore the genetic lesions of these patients. RESULTS: Among these 124 patients, a novel mutation (NM_017612: c.1228 C > G/p.P410A) of Zinc Finger CCHC-Type Containing 8 (ZCCHC8)was identified in a family with IPF and chronic obstructive lung disease. As a component of the nuclear exosome-targeting complex that regulates the turnover of human telomerase RNA, ZCCHC8 mutations have been reported may lead to IPF in European population and American population. Functional study confirmed that the novel mutation can disrupt the nucleocytoplasmic localization of ZCCHC8, which further decreased the expression of DKC1 and RTEL1, and finally reduced the length of telomere and led to IPF and related disorders. CONCLUSIONS: We may first report the ZCCHC8 mutation in Asian population with IPF. Our study broadens the mutation, phenotype, and population spectrum of ZCCHC8 deficiency.

Ab Initio Simulation of Liquid Water without Artificial High Temperature.

Comprehending the structure and dynamics of water is crucial in various fields, such as water desalination, ion separation, electrocatalysis, and biochemical processes. While reported works show that the ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) can accurately portray water's structure, the artificial high temperature (AHT) from 120 to 30 K is needed to mimic the quantum nature of hydrogen-bond network from GGA, metaGGA to hybrid functionals. The AHT proves to be an inadequate approach for systems involving aqueous multiphase mixtures, such as water-solid interfaces and aqueous solutions. This is due to the activation of additional phonons in other phases, which can lead to an overestimation of the dynamics of nearby water molecules. In this work, we find that the regularized SCAN (rSCAN) functional effectively captures both the structure and dynamics of liquid water at ambient conditions without AHT. Moreover, rSCAN closely matches experimental results for the hydration structures of alkali, alkali earth, and halide ions. We anticipate that the versatile and accurate rSCAN functional will emerge as a key tool based on ab initio simulation for investigating chemical processes in aqueous environments.

Polybutylene adipate terephthalate/polylactic acid interface enhanced compatibilization and its bead-foaming characteristics.

Bead foaming technique is regarded as a highly promising method for preparing foams with complex geometries and high expansion ratios. The biodegradability of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) has garnered significant attention in the field of foam materials. However, due to inherent disadvantages such as low melt strength and low modulus, PBAT faces challenges during bead foaming. In this study, a small amount of polylactic acid (PLA) was incorporated into PBAT. Utilizing the differential melting points of PLA and PBAT, PLA served as physical cross-linking points. The epoxy-based chain extender ADR4370S was used as a chain extender and compatibilizer. By varying its content, the compatibility and foaming performance of the PBAT/PLA blend were regulated. Finally, the foaming process employed supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) impregnation followed by heating to address the hydrolysis issue of the PBAT/PLA blend during bead foaming. The results demonstrated that the introduction of ADR could initiate reactions between its epoxy groups and PBAT and PLA, resulting in grafting and chain extension. When the ADR content reached 0.6 wt%, the cell structure evolved from a bimodal to a uniform cell structure, with a minimum average cell size of 12.3 µm and a maximum foaming ratio of 10.3 times.

The impact of energy poverty on the health and welfare of the middle-aged and older adults.

Drawing upon data from the 2018 CHARLS, this paper utilizes MEPI and a 10% threshold indicator to, respectively, assess the energy poverty (EP) status among middle-aged and older adults in China, focusing on the unavailability and unaffordability of energy services. Additionally, an econometric model is constructed to investigate the effects of EP on the health and welfare of middle-aged and older adults. Regression results indicate that EP exerts a significant negative impact on the health and welfare of middle-aged and older adults. This conclusion remains robust after conducting endogeneity and robustness tests, demonstrating its validity. Finally, based on the calculation results, we propose relevant policy recommendations including enhancing energy services for older adults in rural areas, integrating household energy alternatives with targeted poverty alleviation, enhancing monitoring mechanisms, and conducting energy education activities to alleviate EP and improve the quality of life of middle-aged and older adults.

Handling delayed or missed direct oral anticoagulant doses: model-informed individual remedial dosing.

Non-adherence to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) pharmacotherapy may increase the risks of thromboembolism or bleeding, and delayed or missed doses are the most common types of non-adherence. Current recommendations from regulatory agencies or guidelines regarding this issue lack evidence and fail to consider individual differences. The study aims to develop individual remedial dosing strategies when the dose was delayed or missed for DOACs including rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, and dabigatran etexilate. Remedial dosing regimens based on population pharmacokinetic (PK)-pharmacodynamic (PD) modeling and simulation strategies were developed to expeditiously restore drug concentration or PD biomarkers within the therapeutic range. Population PK-PD characteristics of DOACs were retrieved from previously published literature. The effect of factors which influence PK and PD parameters were assessed for their impact on remedial dosing regimens. A web-based dashboard was established with R-shiny to recommend remedial dosing regimens based on patient traits, dosing schedules, and delay duration. Addressing delayed or missed doses relies on the delay time and specific DOACs involved. Additionally, age, body weight, renal function, and polypharmacy may marginally impact remedial strategies. The proposed remedial dosing strategies surpass current recommendations, with less deviation time beyond the therapeutic range. The online dashboard offers quick and convenient solutions for addressing missed or delayed DOACs. We developed a superior, cost-free tool for managing delayed or missed DOACs doses. Individualized remedial dosing strategies could be approached based on patient characteristics to decrease the risks of bleeding and thrombosis.

Regional characteristics of groundwater sulfate source and evolution in the multi-layer aquifer system of the northern Shaanxi coal mine base, northwestern China: Evidence from geochemical and isotopic fingerprints.

Groundwater sulfate contamination in mining areas has attracted widespread attention. However, deciphering the source and evolution of sulfate in large-scale mining areas remains a challenge due to intense anthropogenic influences and complex hydrogeological conditions. In this study, 94 groundwater samples were analyzed by a combination of self-organizing maps, MixSiar model, multi-isotope analyses (δ34S, δ18OSO4, δD and δ18Owater) and hydrogeochemical methods to investigate the regional characteristics of groundwater sulfate source and evolution in China's largest coalfield (the Shenfuyu Coalfield). The results showed that the source and evolution of groundwater sulfate were controlled by human activities (mining and agricultural activities) and hydrogeological conditions. The groundwater sulfate primarily originated from pyrite oxidation, gypsum dissolution and human inputs. For the mining districts with shallow mining depths, pyrite oxidation and fertilizer contributed to groundwater sulfate. In addition, the ground cracks and abandoned mines controlled the BSR and pyrite oxidation processes. In contrast, the gypsum dissolution and cation exchange dominated the sulfate evolution in the mining districts with deep mining depths due to slow groundwater circulation. This study provided new insights into the source and evolution of groundwater sulfate in large coalfields, as well as references for regional water resource utilization and protection.

Application of chitosan as nano carrier in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is characterized by persistent and recurrent gastrointestinal inflammation. Conventional IBD therapies often involve the use of antibiotics, NSAIDs, biological agents, and immunomodulators. While these medications can mitigate acute inflammatory symptoms, their long-term efficacy is frequently compromised due to cumulative toxic effects. In recent years, significant attention has shifted toward nanoparticle (NP)-based therapies as potential alternatives for IBD management. Various drug delivery strategies, including those targeting microbiota interactions, ligand-receptor binding, pH sensitivity, biodegradability, pressure response, and specific charge and size parameters, have been explored and optimized in animal studies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of chitosan NP-mediated drug delivery systems for IBD treatment. Additionally, it will discuss the prevailing challenges and propose future research directions to advance chitosan NP-based therapeutic strategies for IBD.

Copper overload exacerbates testicular aging mediated by lncRNA:CR43306 deficiency through ferroptosis in Drosophila.

Testicular aging manifests as impaired spermatogenesis and morphological alterations in Drosophila. Nonetheless, the comprehensive molecular regulatory framework remains largely undisclosed. This investigation illustrates the impact of copper overload on testicular aging and underscores the interplay between copper overload and lncRNA. Copper overload triggers Cuproptosis through the mitochondrial TCA cycle, facilitating intracellular interactions with Ferroptosis, thereby governing testicular aging. Dysfunction of lncRNA:CR43306 also contributes to testicular aging in Drosophila, emphasizing the significance of lncRNA:CR43306 as a novel aging-associated lncRNA. Moreover, copper overload exacerbates spermatid differentiation defects mediated by lncRNA:CR43306 deficiency through oxidative stress, copper, and iron transport. Therapeutically, Ferrostatin-1 and Resveratrol emerge as potential remedies for addressing testicular aging. This study offers perspectives on the regulatory mechanisms involving copper overload and lncRNA:CR43306 deficiency in the context of testicular aging.

Effects of epidural anesthesia and analgesia on the incidence of chronic pain after thoracoscopic lung surgery: A retrospective cohort study.

Objective: Chronic postoperative pain (CPSP) is common after thoracic surgery, even after the less invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). This study investigated the effect of thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) on the development of CPSP. Materials: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who underwent VATS at our center between 2020 and 2022. The enrolled patients were divided into the epidural block (EPI) and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) groups. A telephone questionnaire was used to collect information regarding CPSP, which was defined as a numerical rating scale (VAS) score ≥1 at 3 or 6 months postoperatively. Additionally, statistical analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for CPSP in the two groups. Results: Overall, 894 patients completed the follow-up interviews at 3 and 6 months, with 325 and 569 patients in the PCIA and EPI groups, respectively. The incidence rates of CPSP in the PCIA group at 3 and 6 months were 16.9 % (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 9.3-32.7 %) and 13.5 % (95 % CI: 8.7-33.4 %), and 10.3 % (95 % CI: 8.1-30.5 %) and 3.6 % (95 % CI: 3.5-21.5 %) in EPI group, respectively. The incidence of CPSP at 3 months (P = 0.0048) and 6 months (P < 0.005) was statistically significant in both groups. Age and lymph node dissection were significantly associated with CPSP. Conclusions: Compared to PCIA, TEA was associated with a lower incidence of CPSP after VATS, and should be considered an important part of the analgesia regimen for patients with VATS.

Real world clinical outcomes when discontinuing denosumab or bisphosphonates in patients with surgically managed osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) are common fragility fractures. Patients who undergo surgical treatment for their initial OVCFs warrant particular attention because there is an elevated risk of subsequent vertebral fractures and other types of fragility fractures. However, the optimal osteoporosis treatment for this specific patient group is less investigated. PURPOSE: This study compares the risk of subsequent osteoporotic fractures and mortality rate for patients who are initiated with denosumab and bisphosphonates and determines the effect of adherence to treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective nationwide cohort study PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 2,858 patients who had surgically-managed osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. OUTCOME MEASURES: The risk of osteoporotic fractures, vertebral fractures, nonvertebral fractures and death. METHODS: This is a retrospective nationwide cohort study that uses the National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients aged ≥50 years who were admitted for surgical interventions for OVCF between 2012 and 2016 and subsequently received denosumab or bisphosphonates for one year were included. Patients were stratified according to their antiosteoporosis medications and adherence to treatment. A multivariable, time-varying Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the risk of osteoporotic fractures, vertebral fractures, nonvertebral fractures and death. RESULTS: A total of 2,858 patients were included in this study: 1,123 patients in the denosumab group and 1,735 patients in the bisphosphonates group. Compared to persistent denosumab users, the nonpersistent denosumab users, persistent bisphosphonate users and nonpersistent bisphosphonate users had a greater risk of osteoporotic fractures, with respective hazard ratios of 1.64 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-2.32), 1.74 (95% CI, 1.25-2.42) and 1.53 (95% CI, 1.14-2.06). If osteoporotic fractures were divided into nonvertebral and vertebral fractures, none of the groups exhibited an increased risk of vertebral fractures compared to persistent denosumab users, with an HR of 1.00 (95% CI: 0.54-1.88) for nonpersistent denosumab users, 1.64 (95% CI: 0.96-2.81) for persistent bisphosphonate users and 1.52 (95% CI: 0.95-2.43) for nonpersistent bisphosphonate users. However, there was a significantly greater risk of nonvertebral fracture, with respective hazard ratios of 2.04 (95% CI, 1.33-3.11), 1.80 (95% CI, 1.18-2.76) and 1.56 (95% CI, 1.06-2.27) for nonpersistent denosumab users, persistent bisphosphonate users and nonpersistent users. Noteworthy, nonpersistent denosumab users exhibited a significantly greater risk of mortality than persistent denosumab users, with a hazard ratio of 3.12 (95% CI, 2.22-4.38). CONCLUSIONS: In terms of patients with OVCFs who require hospitalization and surgical intervention, those who receive ongoing denosumab treatment exhibit less risk of developing subsequent osteoporotic fractures than those who receive bisphosphonates or nonpersistent denosumab treatment. However, discontinuation of denosumab is associated with a significantly increased risk of subsequent fractures and mortality. Therefore, adherence to the treatment is crucial for patients who are initiated with denosumab.

Effects of environmental concentrations of sulfamethoxazole on Skeletonema costatum and Phaeodactylum tricornutum: Insights into growth, oxidative stress, biochemical components, ultrastructure, and transcriptome.

This study aimed to assess the ecological risks posed by sulfamethoxazole (SMX) at environmentally relevant concentrations. Specifically, its effects on the growth and biochemical components (total protein, total lipid, and total carbohydrate) of two marine microalgae species, namely Skeletonema costatum (S. costatum) and Phaeodactylum tricornutum (P. tricornutum), were investigated. Our findings revealed that concentrations of SMX below 150 ng/L stimulated the growth of both microalgae. Conversely, at higher concentrations, SMX inhibited their growth while promoting the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, total protein, total lipid, and total carbohydrate (P < 0.05). Transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations demonstrated significant alterations in the ultrastructure of algal cells exposed to SMX, including nuclear marginalization, increased chloroplast volume, and heightened vacuolation. In addition, when SMX was lower than 250 ng/L, there was no oxidative damage in two microalgae cells. However, when SMX was higher than 250 ng/L, the antioxidant defense system of algal cells was activated to varying degrees, and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) increased, indicating that algae cells were damaged by oxidation. From the molecular level, environmental concentration of SMX can induce microalgae cells to produce more energy substances, but there are almost no other adverse effects, indicating that the low level of SMX at the actual exposure level was unlikely to threaten P. tricornutum, but a higher concentration can significantly reduce its genetic products, which can affect the changes of its cell structure and damage P. tricornutum to some extent. Therefore, environmental concentration of SMX still has certain potential risks to microalgae. These outcomes improved current understanding of the potential ecological risks associated with SMX in marine environments.

Effects of Deep Tillage on Wheat Regarding Soil Fertility and Rhizosphere Microbial Community.

Wheat production is intrinsically linked to global food security. However, wheat cultivation is constrained by the progressive degradation of soil conditions resulting from the continuous application of fertilizers. This study aimed to examine the effects of deep tillage on rhizosphere soil microbial communities and their potential role in improving soil quality, given that the specific mechanisms driving these observed benefits remain unclear. Soil fertility in this research was evaluated through the analysis of various soil parameters, including total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, available phosphorus, and available potassium, among others. The high-throughput sequencing technique was utilized to examine the rhizosphere microbial community associated with deep tillage wheat. The findings indicated that deep tillage cultivation of wheat led to reduced fertility levels in the 0-20 cm soil layer in comparison with non-deep tillage cultivation. A sequencing analysis indicated that Acidobacteria and Proteobacteria are the dominant bacterial phyla, with Proteobacteria being significantly more abundant in the deep tillage group. The dominant fungal phyla identified were Ascomycota, Mortierellomycota, and Basidiomycota. Among bacterial genera, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, and Nocardioides were predominant, with Arthrobacter showing a significantly higher presence in the deep tillage group. The predominant fungal genera included Mortierella, Alternaria, Schizothecium, and Cladosporium. Deep tillage cultivation has the potential to enhance soil quality and boost crop productivity through the modulation of soil microbial community structure.

Effect of different techniques on removal of residual resin cement and marginal roughness of porcelain laminate veneers.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: A consensus regarding how to effectively remove residual resin cement and polish the restoration margin during the cementation of porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs) is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of different cleaning and polishing techniques on the removal of residual resin cement and margin surface roughness of PLVs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PLVs were bonded to prepared buccal surfaces of extracted human premolars. All specimens were randomly divided by using a random number table into 8 groups (n=6): curette (C); brush (B); curette + polisher (CP); curette + rotary instrument (CR); curette + rotary instrument + polisher (CRP); brush + polisher (BP); brush + rotary instrument (BR); brush + rotary instrument + polisher (BRP). The relative amount of residual cement along the PLV margins were observed with a stereomicroscope and evaluated with a software program of Image J. The surface roughness and 3-dimensional (3D) morphology of the restoration margins were evaluated with a 3D topography scanner. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to detect the microscopic morphological characteristics of the restoration margins. Statistical analysis was performed by 2-way analysis of variance (α=.05). RESULTS: Different techniques were associated with significantly different efficiencies in terms of removing residual cement and the surface roughness at the restoration margins (P<.001). The lowest relative amount of residual cement, as well as the lowest surface roughness, was detected in the BRP group (P<.001). SEM observation indicated that the BRP technique also maintained the integrity of the cement layer. CONCLUSIONS: The removal of excess cement before polymerization using a brush, followed by sequential polishing with high-speed rotary instruments and low-speed polishers represents an effective technique in the removal of residual cement and smoothing the restoration margin without impairing the integrity of the bonded interface.

Validation of Ten Osteoporosis Screening Tools in Rural Communities of Taiwan.

PURPOSE: Patients with osteoporosis are at risk of fractures, which can lead to immobility and reduced quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing fractures, but many patients are not diagnosed until after a fracture has occurred. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of 10 osteoporosis screening tools (OSTs) in rural communities of Taiwan. In this prospective study, a total of 567 senior citizens from rural communities underwent bone mineral density (BMD) measurement using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and ten OSTs were administered. Discrimination analysis was performed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Primary outcomes included area under curve (AUC) value, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). The DXA examination revealed that 63.0% of females and 22.4% of males had osteoporosis. Among females, Osteoporosis Index of Risk (OSIRIS) and Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA) presented the best AUC value with 0.71 (0.66-0.76) and 0.70 (0.66-0.75), respectively. Among males, BWC had the best AUC value of 0.77 (0.67-0.86), followed by OSTA, Simple Calculated Osteoporosis Risk Estimation (SCORE), and OSIRIS. OSTA and OSIRIS showed acceptable performance in both genders. The specificity of Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX-H), SCORE, National Osteoporosis Foundation Score, OSIRIS, Osteoporosis Risk Assessment Instrument, Age, Bulk, One or Never Estrogen (ABONE), and Body weight criteria increased in both genders after applying the optimum cut-off. Considering it high AUC and simplicity of use, OSTA appeared to be the recommended tool for seniors of both genders among the ten OSTs. This study provides a viable reference for future development of OSTs in Taiwan. Further adjustment according to epidemiological data and risk factors is recommended while applying OSTs to different cohorts.

Recent advances in the pathogenesis and prevention strategies of dental calculus.

Dental calculus severely affects the oral health of humans and animal pets. Calculus deposition affects the gingival appearance and causes inflammation. Failure to remove dental calculus from the dentition results in oral diseases such as periodontitis. Apart from adversely affecting oral health, some systemic diseases are closely related to dental calculus deposition. Hence, identifying the mechanisms of dental calculus formation helps protect oral and systemic health. A plethora of biological and physicochemical factors contribute to the physiological equilibrium in the oral cavity. Bacteria are an important part of the equation. Calculus formation commences when the bacterial equilibrium is broken. Bacteria accumulate locally and form biofilms on the tooth surface. The bacteria promote increases in local calcium and phosphorus concentrations, which triggers biomineralization and the development of dental calculus. Current treatments only help to relieve the symptoms caused by calculus deposition. These symptoms are prone to relapse if calculus removal is not under control. There is a need for a treatment regime that combines short-term and long-term goals in addressing calculus formation. The present review introduces the mechanisms of dental calculus formation, influencing factors, and the relationship between dental calculus and several systemic diseases. This is followed by the presentation of a conceptual solution for improving existing treatment strategies and minimizing recurrence.

Straw Retention with Reduced Fertilization Enhances Soil Properties, Crop Yields, and Emergy Sustainability of Wheat-Soybean Rotation.

Cereal + legume rotation is an integrated system that facilitates soil fertility and sustainable agricultural production. However, research on the management compatibility affecting soil physico-chemical properties yields overall agro-ecosystem sustainability, but profitability is lacking, especially under straw retention and potential reductions in fertilizer application. An 11-year field experiment investigated three treatments: no straw retention + traditional mineral fertilization (TNS), straw retention + traditional mineral fertilization (TS), and straw retention + reduced mineral fertilization (DS). Compared with TNS, TS significantly improved soil physico-chemical properties, including macro-aggregates (R > 0.25 mm), porosity, field water capacity (FWC), soil organic carbon (SOC) storage, total nitrogen storage, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) by 17.3%, 3.2%, 13.0%, 5.5%, 3.2%, 15.5%, and 13.8%, respectively. TS also significantly increased total (wheat + soybean) yields (TYs), economic profits, and emergy sustainability index (ESI) by 15.8%, 25.0%, 3.7 times that of TNS, respectively. Surprisingly, compared with TS, DS further significantly improved R > 0.25 mm, porosity, FWC, SOC storage, MBC, MBN, TY, economic profits, and ESI by 11.4%, 1.5%, 6.1%, 3.0%, 10.6%, 7.2%, 5.7%, 11.1%, and 36.5%, respectively. Overall, retaining straw with reduced fertilization enhances soil properties, yields, and emergy sustainability in wheat-soybean rotation systems.